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Community Development Inspections

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1. When do I need a Permit?

Permits are required for most of the improvements made to buildings and structures. Separate plumbing, electrial and mechanical permits are required if such work is to be performed. The purpose of obtaining a permit is to allow the enforcement of the codes which have been adopted as law by the state. The enforcement of these codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety and welfare. As a homeowner or business owner you have an investment in the property that will be built or remodeled and it must comply with the codes, if not your investment could be reduced. Therefore, a permit is used to notify the Code Official that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure code compliance.

2. How can I get a Permit?

Call the Inspections Office, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at (434)799-5263 and see if a permit is required. If required, you can come in person to our office, Room 208 of the Municipal Building, 427 Patton St., Danville, VA. You can also obtain a permit application on our website and email or fax it to our office. Some jobs may require a zoning clearance (i.e. decks or additions) before a permit can be issued. Call-in and mail-in permits are intended for simple routine replacement projects such as: Alterations to electrical systems, i.e. increasing size of service; Replacing gas and oil heating equipment, i.e. furnaces; Repairing/replacing deck boards (non-structural); Relocating/adding plumbing fixtures.

3. What information is needed for a Permit?

In order to process a permit we will need: name of contractor and/or owner; address of the job; description of job; total cost of improvement.

4. How much do the Permits cost?

BUILDING PERMITS: Fees are based upon the total cost of the improvments to be made, with a minimum fee of $30.60. The fee for demolishing a structure is $51.00 and the fee for moving a structure (including a mobile home) is $76.50. ELECTRICAL PERMITS: Fees are based upon the number and type of outlets to be installed and/or the number and size of main or subpanels, with a minimum of $30.60. PLUMBING PERMITS: Fees are based upon the number of fixtures or devices to be installed, with a minimum fee of $30.60. MECHANICAL PERMITS: Fee is based upon the cost of the work to be performed, with a minimum fee of $30.60. *This fee includes a 2.00% State Levy.

5. What is a Rental Housing Inspection Program?

The Residential Rental Housing Inspection Program is aimed at promoting greater compliance with health and safety standards to reduce substandard conditions in rental housing. Early prevention of deteriorating housing is the goal of the Rental Housing Inspection Program. This program is being projectd by the City of Danville to determine the need, resources, and effects of a rental inspection ordinance and is dedicated to the proactive inspections of rental properties in focused areas. The program achieves compliance of health, safety and welfare code violations in/on residential rental property that result in a: threat to the occupant's safety; threat to the structural integrity of the building; negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.

6. How does the Rental Inspection Program work?

Inspectors conduct door-to-door inspections in designated areas for property maintenance violations. They survey rental properties for interior and exterior code violations and issue corrective notices. The most common examples of violations are: deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof, foundation or floors, broken windows or doors; ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports or horizontal members that sag, split or buckle; any building in disrepair that constitutes a public nuisance; structure in need of painting; broken windows; electrical problems; heating and air concerns; plumbing leaks; unsafe fire conditions.