The Sussex County Building Department supports the Uniform Statewide Building Code in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Sussex County through issuing permits and conducting inspections.

The Building Official’s Office ensures that all buildings constructed in Sussex County conform to safety and health requirements as mandated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The office accepts permit applications, reviews applications for compliance and issues permits for the proposed work. 

Site visits are performed at various stages of completion to ensure that construction proceeds in compliance with approved plans and that structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work is compliant with applicable code requirements. The department issues a certificate of occupancy after the successful completion of construction.

Inspection Requirements

• To request an inspection please provide the permit number, type of inspection, and job address.
• All inspections must be requested by telephone prior to 5:00 p.m. 
• Staff will make every effort to perform the requested inspection on the next business day. However, property owners should allow up to two business days for completion of each inspection requested.
• A re-inspection fee of $100 will be assessed if the job is not ready for the requested inspection.
• A fine of $100 will be charged for work started prior to receiving a permit.

For Inspections please call the Inspections Hotline at 877-224-7978 or email at inspections@surrycountyva.gov. Please be sure to include the following information. 

Your Name

Phone Number

Permit Address

Type of Inspection Needed

Unless otherwise noted all inspections will be scheduled on the next business day.

Building Code Sussex County utilizes the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. This document is produced by the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development and is based on the International Code Council (ICC). The current edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code is 2021 and the referenced ICC model codes are listed below:

Mission Statement

To protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Sussex County through effective building code enforcement.

Vision Statement

The Sussex County Building Department is committed to becoming a premier building organization based on integrity, professionalism, and consistency. Our staff is well-trained, efficient, and dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our citizens and making Sussex County a safer place to live.

The Sussex County Building Department is responsible for issuing permits, conducting inspections for all new construction, alterations, repairs, removals, demolition, or other building operations. The Building Department also reviews building plans to ensure that the proposed construction comply with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Other Useful Links

Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation “The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s mission is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by licensing qualified individuals and businesses and enforcing standards of professional conduct for professions and occupations as designated by statute.”

International Code Council “The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools.”

Virginia Building & Code Officials Association “The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association is a Statewide organization of construction regulators and representatives dedicated to the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of all persons who live, work, or visit the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development “The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable, and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. DHCD partners with Virginia’s communities to develop their economic potential, regulates Virginia’s building and fire codes, provides training and certification for building officials, and invests more than $100 million each year into housing and community development projects throughout the state – the majority of which are designed to help low-to-moderate income citizens.”

US Department of Housing & Urban Development “HUD’s mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. To fulfill this mission, HUD will embrace high standards of ethics, management and accountability and forge new partnerships–particularly with faith-based and community organizations–that leverage resources and improve HUD’s ability to be effective on the community level.”