Richmond — Third-Party Inspection Matrix

Compiled 2026-08-08 from each jurisdiction's published websites, policy PDFs, permit packets, and ordinances (10 parallel research agents, primary documents fetched and read; every claim below carries its source). Verification labels: VERIFIED = fetched page/PDF; SNIPPET = search result not fetched; INFERRED = from statewide code, not a local document.

Scope: 47 VA jurisdictions + 2 NC counties (49 total). Middlesex VA is covered in the VB file (VB_EXPANSION_3P_INSPECTION_MATRIX_2026-08-08.md) — cross-referenced, not re-researched.

The statewide frame

Virginia (47 jurisdictions)

VUSBC §113.7 / 113.7.1 (13VAC5-63-130) — VERIFIED (law.lis.virginia.gov): the building official may accept third-party inspection reports, and every building official MUST maintain a written policy setting minimum third-party inspector qualifications, report format/timeframe, and pre-qualification requirements. Where no policy is published online, one exists on paper — request it. Charlotte County's published policy quotes §113.7 verbatim including the two-working-day trigger (county can't inspect within 2 working days → third-party report must be accepted), confirming the statewide floor applies even in paper-policy counties.
Residential exemption: R-3/R-4/R-5 exempt from mandatory Ch 17 SI under VCC 1704.2 "unless otherwise required by the building official" — so for UP's residential book the operative mechanism is nearly always the §113.7 third-party policy, not Ch 17.
TWO regional SI blocs cover this branch (vs. one in the VB territory):
- VBCOA Region VII "Special Inspections Procedures" (2006-era template, ALREADY VERIFIED in the VB research from Gloucester/Mathews hosted PDFs). The RIC-branch Region VII counties are Essex, King & Queen, King William, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond County, Westmoreland (+ Middlesex, in the VB file). Finding: none of the seven hosts the 2006 template itself — but Richmond County hosts its own county-branded SI packet (adapted from the Hampton Roads regional template, deep-foundation pile monitoring + retaining-wall categories) and Lancaster hosts its own modern SSI form with VCC 1705.7–.9 pile lines. The rest publish nothing SI-related.
- James Madison Building Code Officials "Region 4" Special Inspection Guidelines and Procedures (2015 USBC ed., rev. 9/15/2018) — VERIFIED, full PDF hosted by Cumberland County (cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/293). Participating localities in this branch: Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Louisa, Goochland, Buckingham, Cumberland, Prince Edward (PE flagged "not actually Region Four but will be adopting the program") — and per the parallel ROAN session's vbcoa.org + same-document verification, membership additionally includes Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania (+ Fauquier adopting). VBCOA Region IV = the James Madison BCOA (central VA) — this is the central-VA regional program the scope doc anticipated as "Region VI." Program terms: SSI with permit application; SI coordinating agent "must be a Virginia licensed engineer or architect"; ASTM E329 qualifications; final report per IBC 1704.2.5.1; Deep Foundation Elements schedule ("monitor drilling, placement, plumbness, driving of piles, including recording blows per foot, cut off, and tip elevation" — UP's pier-log data) and Retaining Walls under Special Cases (VCC 113.4/1705.1.1). One SI qualification package works across the bloc.
- Central-metro jurisdictions (Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover) publish their own SI forms/manuals — no regional program found for them.

North Carolina (2 counties — ALL FINDINGS BLOCKED ON NC CERTIFIER)

UP has no NC-licensed engineer (memory project_vbeach_nc_certifier_gap) — every NC finding is informational until that gap closes.

GS 160D-1110 — VERIFIED (ncleg.gov PDF, through SL 2024-49): permit required for construction/alteration/repair; the $40k residential cost exemption excludes "the addition, repair, or replacement of load-bearing structures" → all UP structural work needs a permit in NC regardless of cost. Localities may NOT require engineer-sealed plans for 1–2 family dwellings unless the NC Code does.
GS 160D-1106 — VERIFIED (verbatim text fetched, amendments through SL 2023-108): a local government "shall accept and approve, without further responsibility to inspect," a design or proposal for a component or element from an NC-licensed architect/PE, when field inspection is done by (or under supervision of) the licensee and a signed certification is submitted on the Building Code Council (Appendix G) form. Counties may not demand extra information and are discharged from liability. Key limit — (d) definitions: a "component" includes "an excavated footing trench containing no concrete, a foundation, and a prepared underslab… The term does not include a system."
NCOSFM Guidance Paper 4/26/2024 — VERIFIED: "footing, under-slab and foundation inspections may be inspected by… a licensed architect or licensed engineer using the Appendix G form. All other Section 107 Inspections are almost always composed of systems" and cannot be done wholly via the statute.
GS 160D-1104 — VERIFIED (through SL 2025-94): inspectors may not require affidavits in lieu of conducting inspections (SL 2024-49) — the engineer-certification route stays voluntary/permit-holder-initiated.
Net: with an NC PE, footing/foundation component certifications are mandatory-accept statewide (directly relevant to pier footings, FND, slab work); whole-system structural inspections stay with the county.

THE MATRIX

Tier 1 — Published product-specific rules

Jurisdiction	UND	ANC	BRC	SUP	FND	WTR	ENC	RTW	How it works
Spotsylvania	●¹	◆	◆	◆	◆	◆²	◆	●³	3P policy names "Deep foundations supporting existing structures" (= underpinning) as a commercial-inspector category; SI manual names Helical Piers (1705.9) + earth-retention. Approved-agency roster + annual fee.
Emporia City	●⁴	◆	◆	◆	◆	◆	◆	◆	Engineer-friendly written 3P policy (VA PE qualifies alone, 2-day trigger, email to BO); city SSI form has driven-pile blows/ft AND helical-pile torque-log categories — speaks UP's pier-log language natively.
Richmond County	●⁵	◇	◇	◇	◇	◇	◇	●⁵	County-branded SI packet: pile-driving monitoring (blows/ft, tip elevation) + retaining-wall field review; BO pre-approves SI firms. No §113.7 policy published — SI packet is the mechanism.
Amelia	◆⁶	◇	◇	●⁷	●⁶	◆	◇	◇	BO-signed "Shim Use on Masonry Piers" policy (3/1/2026): non-standard girder/pier support allowed under VA RDP guidance — a standing product-specific engineering-acceptance rule (SUP). Shrink-swell clays → BO may require VA-engineer-designed footings. 3P accepted on 2-day trigger or BO pre-approval.
Charlottesville City	◆⁸	◇	◇	◇	●⁸	●⁸	◇	●⁸	Published 3P policy (3/1/2023) whose eligible list IS UP's product line: "Footing, building slab… foundation drainage, foundation wall inspection…, damp/waterproofing, backfill, and retaining walls are the only inspections allowed." 5-day reports w/ photos; only 2 approved firms (both PE-led) — apply.
Colonial Heights	●⁹	◇	◇	◇	◆¹⁰	●¹⁰	◇	●⁹	Published policy REQUIRES third-party inspections for pile foundations and retaining walls (+ steel, CIP concrete, prepared fill) even when 1705 SI doesn't apply; VA-RDP seal on reports. Deepest published residential foundation/waterproofing guidance in the branch.

Tier 2 — Published general third-party policy (all 8 product types eligible, conditions apply)

Jurisdiction	All products	Policy conditions
Richmond City	◆ (formal agency program)	Third Party Program Manual (rev 7/31/2023, 33 pp): city-certified 3P Agency w/ VA PE professional-in-charge; Notice of Intent pre-approval; lighter "48-Hour Inspection" path (single missed inspection → VA engineer may inspect). SI Manual (2024) names Helical Piers; 48-hr SI reports; final report 30 days before CO.
Henrico	◆ (RDP-friendly)	Policy 7/1/2024: VA RDP or supervised-by-RDP; pre-approval EXCEPT auto-authorized from day 3 after a missed inspection; sealed PDF reports via Build Henrico. Separate 1992-era residential footing agency regime (orientation session + county form). SSI form has Specialty Pile Foundations (1705.9) torque category + retaining-wall backfill.
Hanover	◆ (friendliest residential)	Policy updated 3/26/2026: RDP/supervised/approved-agency; residential footing + poured-wall inspections need NO pre-approval; 48-hr email reports. SSI form: Helical Pile Foundations (1705.9) torque logs + deep-foundation integrity assessment (ASTM D4945 et al).
Stafford	◆	3P Certification Program (2010): named categories incl. waterproofing/damp-proofing, backfill, and a full retaining-wall schedule; $250 application, notarized agreement, WACEL/NICET/ACI field techs under VA RDP; results in IWR portal. SI form: pile + pier foundations, earth-retaining structures.
Fredericksburg City	◆	Published policy mirrors Stafford: footing/wall/slab/waterproofing + retaining-wall categories; $215 fee; 72-hr reports; "NO POST POUR INSPECTIONS"; RDP must have no financial interest in the project (ask how that reads for EOR-plus-inspector).
Caroline	◆	Published cover sheet: 3P authorized for concrete (incl. retaining walls), structural steel, and "remedial repairs" — a standing repair-shaped 3P lane; waterproofing/drain tile explicitly NOT 3P-eligible (county holds them). Full policy doc unpublished — request from BO Jason Dauch, PE.
Powhatan	◆ (strongest of its group)	Full published policy: VA RDP qualifies; pre-approved-RDP-in-good-standing status; day-3 auto-authorization; sealed reports w/ photos "immediately following" inspection, before next inspection request. Basement waterproofing/drainage is a named county inspection.
Westmoreland	◆	Permit Guidance (2019): "Inspections may be performed by a Third Party Inspector, provided approval… in advance by the Building Official." No qualification/report detail published; drain-tile/waterproofing on the county inspection list.
King William	◆	Published policy + inspector application: exception-not-routine, pre-approved before permit issuance, 48-hr unavailability trigger, VA RDP qualifies, 2-day reports. Pier footings + drain-tile/waterproofing on county inspection list.
Madison	◆ (strong)	Full published 3P policy: VA RDP qualifies alone; 2-day trigger; 2-day reports; county performs all CO finals. Published SI procedures w/ deep-foundation pile monitoring + retaining-wall special case. Region 4 SI participant.
Louisa	◆ (most complete terms)	Policy (12/10/2020): approved list w/ annual Jan-15 renewal; residential categories incl. footings, foundations, slabs, drain tile/waterproofing; commercial adds VCC special inspections; $1M professional liability w/ county as additional insured; 72-hr reports; expansive-soil engineered footings = designing engineer's responsibility. 15-firm 2026 roster to join.
Culpeper	◆	Active approved-3P-inspector program; concrete scope incl. "backfill… proper damp-proofing/water-proofing and foundation drainage" (SNIPPET — Cloudflare blocks the site; confirm by phone). 2021 SI package published; Region 4 participant.
Orange	◆	Approved-inspector list (10+ firms) + county Residential 3P Inspection Form with "Piers Verified" / "Piers per plans" checkboxes and drain-tile/waterproofing items; prior county notification required; no narrative policy text published. Region 4 participant.
Goochland	◆ (narrow)	Published rule: "Third party engineer reports are only acceptable for footing and poured wall inspections, unless requested in advance and approved by the BO"; PE report due next day w/ permit # + seal. Own SSI form w/ deep-foundation lines. Region 4 participant.
Charlotte	◆	Published policy quoting §113.7: 2-business-day trigger / weather-critical / BO-approved; VA RDP qualifies; pre-approval required; 2-day sealed reports on county Statement Form (form itself unpublished — request).
Prince Edward	◆	Published policy: pre-approved inspectors; accepted categories footings/poured walls/slabs; 48-hr reports; approved-inspector list exists (PDF unretrievable — get by phone). Region 4 adopter. Town of Farmville runs its own building office.
Cumberland	◆ (best in Southside)	Published policy incl. "Foundations" category (broadest); 48-hr reports; public approved roster of 6 engineering firms to join; hosts the Region 4 SI Guidelines. Damp-proofing/drain-tile on county inspection list.
Fluvanna	◆ (PE by rule)	Published policy: qualification = DHCD-certified OR "a licensed engineer in the field… or a person under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer" — PE qualifies with no ICC cert; BO pre-approval; 7-day reports; ~24-firm approved roster (mostly engineering firms).
Nelson	◆ (footings-only default)	Published policy + procedures + forms (11/5/2019): 24-hr advance notice, 72-hr reports ("No exceptions!"), $1M insurance naming county, ICC-cert qualifications; residential 3P scope = "Footing Only," everything else needs BO prior approval. Mandatory-inspections handout covers pier footings + waterproofing; under-slab fill >24" needs engineer letter.
Prince George VA	◆	Published 2023 policy: VA PE/architect certifier, BO pre-approval, 2-working-day trigger, 2-day sealed letter reports; exception-not-routine. Published 18-pp SI Guidelines (2018 USBC) naming "pile and pier foundations"; regional-template language, program unnamed.
Dinwiddie	◆	Published policy: 48-hr unavailability trigger, VA RDP qualification path, 5-day reports on Statement Form (form unpublished); SI instructions (2015-VCC-era) — NB: "Third party Special Inspections DO NOT substitute for normal required inspections… BOTH must be notified."

Tier 3 — No published policy (§113.7 written policy exists by law — request it)

Jurisdiction	Status	What IS known
Chesterfield	◇*	No general 3P policy online, but county chart footnote says "see our third party inspection policy" (unpublished); published: engineered footing/soils policy (expansive soils → RDP design, on-site RDP footing design allowed), Retaining Wall SSI forms, "foundation inspection not required if… posts or piers" carve-out. One call likely resolves. 804-751-4990.
Albemarle	◇*	No 3P policy found (hard hunt; site blocks bots), but mature published SI Guidelines (2012, 18 pp) naming "pile and pier foundations"; RTW ≥3 ft permit-required; structural-component alteration = permit. BO Michael Dellinger 434-296-5832 x3228.
Greene	◇*	A third-party policy was published on the old county site — link now 404s (google-indexed …/777-third-party-inspector-policy/file); nothing on the current site. VBCOA-engaged staff. One call retrieves it. BO Jonathan Crosby 434-985-5204.
Petersburg	◇	"Permits are required for all work except ordinary repairs"; BO name not even published; iWorq portal. 804-733-2409.
Hopewell	◇	Nothing 3P/SI published; permits for "alterations, repairs…" BO Todd Hawkes 804-541-2226 x366.
King George	◇	County inspection list names "Footing—pier," "Retaining wall," "Waterproofing and drain tile" — but no 3P policy or BO name published. 540-775-7111.
Essex	◇	Region VII locality; nothing SI/3P published; fee schedule "piers" lines are marine docks. BO Ryan Sharpe 804-443-4951.
King & Queen	◇	No policy, but 2026 fee schedule has a dedicated "Floor joist or footing and foundation repair — $57" permit line + retaining-wall line; pier footings + drain-tile/waterproofing on inspection list. BO Quentin Mascari (804) 785-5975.
Lancaster	◇	No 3P policy, but hosts its own modern SSI form w/ VCC 1705.7–.9 deep-foundation lines; permit pamphlet (June 2026): retaining walls >2 ft unbalanced fill permit-required; structural repairs not "ordinary repairs." BO Brett Dawson (804) 462-5480.
Northumberland	◇	Thinnest Region VII site — permit apps only, no fee schedule, no policies. BO Jerry Rushing (804) 580-8910.
New Kent	◇*	Snippet evidence of an "approved third party" footing-report process (legacy site unreachable); published retaining-wall inspection sheet (footing + final). BO Phil Prisco (804) 966-9680.
Charles City	◇	Nothing published beyond accessory-structure triggers. BO Quentin Frazier (804) 652-4727.
Halifax	◇	No policy; fee schedule line "Waterproofing/drain tile existing structure — $40 min" (retrofit WTR/FND work is routine permitted work). BO Otis Vaughan (2017 directory; confirm) 434-476-3300.
Mecklenburg	◇	No policy; engineer plans need original "red stamp" wet seal; Accela portal; South Hill issues its own permits in-town. BO Eddie Harris 434-738-6191 x4233.
Lunenburg	◇	Thinnest site of the branch — core permit-document links are broken. BI James Tuck (434) 696-2143.
Brunswick	◇	No policy; in-person permit submittal; "ordinary repairs" exempt but structural alteration permit-required; "pier" checkbox = Lake Gaston dock piers. BO Harrison Jamison (434) 848-2962.
Nottoway	◇	Only trade-test 3P mentions (duct/blower door); not a Region 4 participant. BO Mike Murphy 434-645-8696.
Buckingham	◇	No policy; Region 4 SI participant; all building permits require prior zoning permit. BO Tommy Ranson (434) 969-4243 (7–9 AM).
Greensville	◇	No policy published; building-inspector post vacant (2-day §113.7 trigger more likely to fire); retaining walls ≤4 ft exempt. Admin Kevin Canfield (434) 348-4205 x1300.
Sussex	◇*	No policy; shares permitting infrastructure with Surry (joint application, Surry fee basis, inspections@surrycountyva.gov); fee line "Retaining Walls…Towers, Piers, etc — $50" (confirm scope). BO Matt Westheimer (434) 246-4390.
Northampton NC	◇ 🚫	BLOCKED ON NC CERTIFIER. GS 160D-1106 would force acceptance of NC-PE footing/foundation component certifications (Appendix G); nothing local published; NCRBC R404.4 retaining walls in FAQ. Inspector Thomas Otten 252-534-5171.
Warren NC	◇ 🚫	BLOCKED ON NC CERTIFIER. Zero building-code content online (portal-based); inspections via code-enforcement officers. Dir. Mark Bloomer 252-257-7027 x1280.

Cross-reference: Middlesex VA → see VB file (Tier 3; Region VII presumed; BO G. David Selph 804-758-4305).

Footnotes (Tier 1):

Spotsylvania Third Party Inspection Policy 2025-2026 (6/2025): commercial-tier inspectors may inspect "Deep foundations supporting existing structures" per approved plans or VCC 1705; residential tier covers footings, foundation walls, slabs, waterproofing, drain tile, backfill. RDP = VA PE/architect supervising a local office; WACEL/ICC certs for field techs; mandatory seminar + annual certification fee; 72-hr reports in Trakit; 13-firm approved roster.
Spotsylvania residential 3P tier explicitly includes "Foundation Waterproofing, Interior/Exterior Drain Tile, Foundation Wall Backfill."
Spotsylvania SI Manual (rev 8/2025) names "Helical Piers … 1705.9" as a work type and has an Earth Retention Systems category; First Site Visit approval before concealment; SI Coordinator Adam Williams.
Emporia 3rd Party Inspection Policy (rev 1/10/2023, BO Brian Petty): VA PE/architect qualifies alone; written request w/ credentials to bpetty@ci.emporia.va.us; 2-working-day reports; no concealment until report approved. City SSI form: Driven Deep Foundations 1705.7 ("record number of blows per foot"), Helical Pile Foundations 1705.9 ("installation equipment used, pile dimensions, tip elevations, final depth, final installation torque").
Richmond County Special Inspections Procedures packet (county-hosted, 7 pp, adapted from the Hampton Roads regional template): SSI approved by BO before permit; SI firms pre-approved; 24-hr advance notice of all SI; final report sealed by RDP of record before CO/final; DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS (drilling/placement/plumbness/driving, blows per foot, cut-off, tip elevation) + Retaining Walls special case (VCC 113.4/1705.1.1).
Amelia third-party form BD:SS-R-3PI-NUM (rev 9/26/2024): 3P accepted only when office can't inspect within 2 working days OR with BO prior approval; letter-form reports w/ calculations within 1 week; credentials filed once. Shrink-swell clays at footing inspection → BO may require VA-licensed engineer/architect footing design from site-specific soils investigation (county publishes a shrink-swell map).
Amelia "Shim Use on Masonry Piers" policy (3/1/2026, BO Jerry W. Williams): full girder bearing on masonry piers required "unless performed under the guidance of Virginia licensed Registered Design Professional"; non-listed shim materials allowed with engineering calculations — UP's PE guidance satisfies the exception.
Charlottesville 3rd Party Inspection Policy (rev 2/28/2023, eff. 3/1/2023, Building Code Official Charles Miller): eligible scope verbatim — "Footing, building slab, electrical under slab, foundation drainage, foundation wall inspection (masonry and concrete), damp/waterproofing, backfill, and retaining walls are the only inspections allowed under the 3rd Party Inspection Policy"; others case-by-case; yearly re-approval; ICC/NCPCCI certs required but "the Building Official may waive" them case-by-case (both approved firms are PE-led); $1M insurance; 5-calendar-day reports w/ photos; no post-pour; Ch 17 SI explicitly excluded from the program. UND appears as ◆ because pier footings ride the eligible "footing" category subject to that case-by-case reading — confirm.
Colonial Heights "Definitions Associated With Commercial Projects" (DocumentCenter/View/247, 2006-era, commercial-scoped): "For structures which do not require special inspections in accordance [with] section 1705 of the VUSBC, County policy requires Third Party Inspections and Reports for: 1. Steel Construction; 2. Cast in place concrete construction; 3. Prepared fill; 4. Pile foundations; 5. Retaining walls." Reports by approved individuals/agencies w/ original signature + seal of a VA-licensed RDP. Doc says "County" (template artifact) and is commercial-scoped — confirm residential applicability with BO Jim Canter.
Colonial Heights residential Inspection Guidelines (View/243): Drainage/Waterproofing inspection before backfill; shrink-swell regime — PE soil analysis + engineered footing design with every new-SFD/addition application; waterproofing spec (parge + bituminous, gravity drains); interior-pier footings continuous and tied to exterior footings.

Per-jurisdiction dossiers (sources + contacts)

Richmond City

Bureau of Permits & Inspections, 804-646-4169, PDRPermitsAndInspections@rva.gov; Commissioner of Buildings David Alley (SNIPPET, Nov-2023 directory); 3P program: Daniel.Mouer@rva.gov; SI: Richa.bansal@rva.gov
Third Party Program Manual (rev 7/31/2023): https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/3rdPartyProgramManual.pdf — certified-agency model (VA PE professional-in-charge, NOI pre-approval, 30-day agency decisions, standard footing/foundation report forms); "48 Hour Inspections" + "Partial Inspections" paths on the program page (JS-rendered, SNIPPET)
Special Inspections Manual (rev 5/29/2024): https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/2021%20Special%20Inspections%20Manual.pdf — mandatory pre-construction SI meeting before permit; 48-hr reports; sealed final report 30 days before CO; schedule names Deep Driven Foundation (1705.7), CIP deep foundations (1705.8), Helical Piers (1705.9), "Pier and Curtain Wall Foundations"
Homeowner's Permit Guide (repairs permit-required): https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/Homeowner's%20Permit%20Process%20Guide_2021%20VRC.pdf
Ask: agency certification vs 48-hour path for one-off pier jobs; SI pre-con meeting enforcement on R-5 repairs.

Henrico County

Building Construction & Inspections, (804) 501-4360; BO H. Bolman Bowles, PE, CBO; footing policy: Sr. Inspector Richard Moore
Qualifications of Third-Party Inspection Agencies (7/1/2024): https://henrico.gov/assets/3rd-party-inspection-UA-1.pdf — RDP or supervised-by-RDP; pre-approval except auto from day 3; sealed PDF reports via Build Henrico only
Footing Inspections Policy (10/22/2024): https://henrico.gov/assets/Footing-Inspections-Policy-10-22-24-UA.pdf — approved-agency regime since 1992: county orientation session (804-501-4374), county report form, RDP seal
SSI form (12/1/2015): https://henrico.gov/assets/Posse-Special-Inspections.pdf — Specialty Pile Foundations (1705.9) torque category; retaining-wall backfill under Soils; Soils Policy: https://henrico.gov/assets/Soils-Report-Requirements-UA-UA.pdf (not fetched)
Permit-required list (retaining walls >3 ft): https://henrico.gov/permitcenter/permit-required/
Ask: orientation session for pier work; footing-agency vs generic 3P classification for underpinning.

Chesterfield County

Building Inspection, 804-751-4990, BIInspectionRequirements@chesterfield.gov; BO/Director Ron Clements
No general 3P policy online, but the required-inspections chart references one: https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1678/ ("See our third party inspection policy…"; also "foundation inspection is not required if the supporting structural members are proper posts or piers"; Drainage & Waterproofing named inspection)
Residential Soil Testing and Footing Design Requirements (7/1/22): https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28533 — expansive soils → RDP-designed footing; on-site RDP design w/ sealed as-built report allowed
Retaining Wall SSI form: https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1264/ (+ final report /1270/, structures /891/ + /1272/ — SNIPPET)
Local color: Va. Code §15.2-1228 (VERIFIED) lets Chesterfield spend public funds repairing dwellings damaged by shrink-swell clay foundation failure.
Ask: the unpublished §113.7.1 policy; engineer report in lieu of footing/foundation inspections on pier repairs; residential RTW SSI applicability.

Hanover County

Building Inspections, 804-365-6040; CBO Richard T. Gordon; reports → inspectionreports@hanovercounty.gov (serves county + Town of Ashland)
Third-Party Inspection Policy (eff. 3/16/2019, updated 3/26/2026): https://www.hanovercounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3274/ — residential footing + poured-wall 3P inspections need NO pre-approval; 48-hr reports; RDP seal
SSI process: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/287/Special-Building-Inspections; SSI form: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2743/ — Helical Pile Foundations (1705.9) torque logs; deep-foundation integrity (1705.10, ASTM D4945/D5882/D6760/D7949)
Shrink-Swell Soils Policy: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9248/ (not fetched)
Ask: does pier/underpinning ride the no-pre-approval footing lane; SSI expectations on residential helical jobs.

Spotsylvania County

Building Office, 540-507-7222; CBO Chuck Stiles (540-507-7230); SI Coordinator Adam Williams (540-507-7244, Arwilliams@spotsylvania.va.us); thirdparty@spotsylvania.va.us
Third Party Inspection Policy 2025-2026 (6/2025): https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/30730/ — "Deep foundations supporting existing structures" named commercial category; residential tier incl. waterproofing/drain tile/backfill; approved agencies: https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/30729/
Special Inspections Manual (rev 8/2025): https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/30756/ — Helical Piers 1705.9; earth retention; First-Site-Visit approval before concealment; WACEL-listed program
Residential Foundations Policy (rev 8/2024, shrink-swell regime): https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/30753/ + form /32530/
Ask: which tier handles R-5 pier underpinning; roster application + annual fee amount.

Stafford County

Building Division, permits 540-658-8650 / inspections 540-658-8950; BO Cary Jamison, CBO (SNIPPET — confirm)
Third Party Inspection Certification Program (2010): https://cdn.staffordcountyva.gov/Public%20Works/Building/Commercial%20Building/Third%20party%20Inspector%20Agreement.PDF — categories incl. waterproofing/damp-proofing, backfill, full retaining-wall schedule; $250 application
SSI form: https://cdn.staffordcountyva.gov/Public%20Works/Building/Commercial%20Building/Special%20Inspections%20Form.pdf — Pile Foundations (blows/ft, tip/butt elevations), Pier Foundations, Earth Retaining Structures schedule
Soils Testing Policy (2012): https://cdn.staffordcountyva.gov/Public%20Works/Building/Residential%20Building/Soils%20Policy.pdf — ALL lots need engineered soils analysis (shrink-swell + acid sulfate)
Approved-firms list behind IWR login (https://hello.stafford.va.us/Build/TPI). Ask: current program revision; underpinning classification.

Fredericksburg City

Building Services, 540-372-1080; BO John Schaffer
Third Party Inspection Policy: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/902/Third-Party-Inspection-Policy — footing/wall/slab/waterproofing + retaining-wall categories; 72-hr reports; no post-pour; no-financial-interest clause; application: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22541/ ($215)
Soils Testing Policy (4/1/2017): https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8201 — shrink-swell + acid sulfate; RDP-sealed structural recommendations
Residential construction (plans must show piers/girders): https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/907/Residential-Construction
Ask: EOR + inspector dual role vs the financial-interest clause; repair permit classification.

King George County

Community Development, 540-775-7111 (BO name unpublished)
Required Residential Inspections ("Footing—pier," "Retaining wall (before backfill)," "Waterproofing and drain tile (before backfill)"): https://www.king-george.va.us/1035/Residential-Required-Inspections
Permit trigger (structural component alteration): https://www.kinggeorgecountyva.gov/505/Building
No 3P policy found. Ask: written policy; BO name; engineer-report practice on piers.

Caroline County

Building Inspections, 804-633-4303; BO Jason D. Dauch, PE (x1198, jdauch@co.caroline.va.us)
3rd Party Cover Sheet (published; full policy doc unpublished): https://co.caroline.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/9950/ — 3P authorized for concrete (incl. retaining walls), structural steel, "remedial repairs" (repair-shaped lane), air/duct testing; waterproofing/drain tile/backfill NOT 3P-eligible; expansive/fill-soil RDP evaluation checkboxes (R401.4)
FAQ (courtesy inspections, ~21-day residential turnaround): https://co.caroline.va.us/faq.aspx?TID=17
Ask (engineer-to-engineer w/ Dauch): full policy; does pier underpinning ride "Remedial" or "Special."

Essex County

Building & Zoning, 804-443-4951; BO Ryan Sharpe (current site; old domain 403s — archived page listed Ernie Sadler, superseded)
Dept page: https://www.essexva.gov/1250/; forms: https://www.essexva.gov/1271/; 2025 fee schedule (repair $0.12/sq ft; "piers" = marine): https://www.essexva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/218/
Nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; Region VII usage; pier-underpinning expectations.

King & Queen County

Building & Zoning, (804) 785-5975, buildingofficial@kingandqueenco.net; BO Quentin Mascari
Mandatory inspections (pier footings; basement drain tile + waterproofing): https://kingandqueenco.net/mandatory-building-inspections/
2026 Residential Fee Schedule ("Floor joist or footing and foundation repair — $57"; retaining wall $114): https://kingandqueenco.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Residential-Fee-Schedule.pdf
Nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; PE-report acceptance; inspections required on a $57 foundation-repair permit.

King William County

Building Dept, 804-769-4969, permits@kwc.gov; BO Matt Melton 804-769-4916, Matt.melton@kwc.gov
Third-Party Inspection Policy: https://www.kwc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3157/ (page /532/) + inspector application /3156/ — 48-hr unavailability trigger, exception-not-routine, pre-approval before permit issuance, VA RDP qualifies, 2-day reports on Statement Form (form not online)
Inspections list (pier footings, projection incl. piers, basement drain tile/waterproofing): https://www.kwc.gov/170/Inspections
Ask: submit inspector application proactively; do pier jobs qualify as "unusual construction"; get the Statement Form.

Lancaster County

Building/Land Use, (804) 462-5480, build@lancova.com; BO Brett Dawson (bdawson@lancova.com); inspection line 804-462-0241
County SSI form (deep foundations VCC 1705.7–.9, RDP-sealed, final report): https://www.lancova.com/documents/special_inspections.pdf
"When is a Construction Permit Required?" (June 2026): https://www.lancova.com/documents/permitinfo.pdf — retaining walls >2 ft unbalanced fill permit-required; structural repairs outside "ordinary repairs" exemption
Fee package ("Bulkheads/Piers/Rip Rap" = marine): https://www.lancova.com/documents/bldgpmt_pkg_04292025.pdf
No 3P policy. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; when SI is invoked residentially.

Northumberland County

Building & Zoning, (804) 580-8910; BO Jerry Rushing; residential inspector Stevie Conaway
Dept: https://www.co.northumberland.va.us/1277/; forms catalog (no policies): https://www.co.northumberland.va.us/1312/
Nothing 3P/SI/fee published (site recently migrated; old URLs 404). Ask: policy, fee schedule, flood-zone pile rules, Region VII usage.

Richmond County (Warsaw)

Building Inspection, (804) 333-3415; BO Clayton S. Woolard (804) 333-5460; ViewPoint Cloud permitting; site still says 2018 VUSBC (stale — confirm)
Special Inspections Procedures packet (county-hosted): https://co.richmond.va.us/images/pdf/Special_inspection_procedures.pdf — SSI before permit; BO approves SI firms; 24-hr notice; sealed final report; deep-foundation pile monitoring + retaining-wall special case; references "HRRSIGP" (Hampton Roads template — INFERRED)
Permit process (plans need "Pier-Size-Location"): https://co.richmond.va.us/departments/county-administration/building-inspections/building-permit-process; FAQ (repair = permit trigger): …/faqs
No §113.7 policy online. Ask: written policy; PE pre-qualification; does the SI packet apply to R-5 pier work.

Westmoreland County

Land Use Administration, (804) 493-0120, landuse@westmoreland-county.org; BO James Wise (jwise@…) — older directories say Paul Brunkow (SNIPPET, likely stale)
Permit Guidance (amended 3/22/2019): https://www.westcova.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/Permit%20Guidance.pdf — "Inspections may be performed by a Third Party Inspector, provided approval… in advance by the Building Official"; inspection list incl. drain-tile/waterproofing; structural changes permit-required; cites IRC 2012 (stale)
No SI documents. Ask: written §113.7.1 policy; Region VII usage; confirm BO + code edition.

New Kent County

Building Development, (804) 966-9680 (inspections 804-966-8572); BO Phil Prisco
Snippet-only: "If an approved third party performs footing inspections, projection inspections will not be scheduled until the footing report is submitted…" (legacy co.new-kent.va.us unreachable)
Retaining-wall inspection sheet (footing 18"/8" + final): https://newkent-va.us/DocumentCenter/View/245/; residential permits: https://www.newkent-va.us/183/; FAQ (2021 VRC; reconstruct/alter = permit): https://www.newkent-va.us/Faq.aspx?TID=35
Ask: written policy; approved-3P status process; scope beyond footings.

Charles City County

Building Official's office, (804) 652-4727, permitsandinspections@charlescityva.us; BO Quentin Frazier
Forms: https://www.charlescityva.us/155/; FAQs (accessory-scale triggers only): https://www.charlescityva.us/FAQ/Topic?topic=15
Nothing 3P/SI/product published; county code Ch 8 on Municode (403 to fetch). Ask: everything (policy, repair triggers, retaining-wall threshold).

Powhatan County

Building Inspections, (804) 598-5622 x2012; BO David Dunivan, ddunivan@powhatanva.gov (+ acalaf@powhatanva.gov for reports)
Third-Party Inspection Policy: https://www.powhatanva.gov/1689/Third-Party-Inspection-Policy — VA RDP or supervised; pre-approval or "previously approved RDP in good standing"; day-3 auto; sealed reports w/ photos immediately after inspection; general form: https://www.powhatanva.gov/1748/
Required Inspections matrix (BASEMENT WATERPROOFING AND DRAINAGE; shrink/swell + soil-bearing SI rows): https://www.powhatanva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4325/
Ask: approved-RDP standing status; SI rows on R-5 pier repairs; Permit Exemptions PDF.

Culpeper County

Building Dept, (540) 727-3405, BUILDINGGENERAL@culpepercounty.gov; BO Bob Orr (SNIPPET — one conflicting name seen; confirm). Entire site behind Cloudflare — all content SNIPPET.
Approved 3P inspectors page: https://web.culpepercounty.gov/building/page/approved-third-party-inspectors; policies page: …/policies-procedures; 2021 SI package on …/applications-forms
Region 4 SI participant (VERIFIED via Cumberland-hosted participant list)
Ask/get by phone: full policy text, roster process, BO name.

Orange County

Development Services, (540) 672-4574; BO Michael Guidry
Approved 3rd Party Inspectors list: https://orangecountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7883/; Residential 3P Inspection Form ("Piers Verified," "Piers per plans," draintile/waterproofing): https://orangecountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7225
When-permit-required (structural component; RTW <3 ft exempt): https://orangecountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1377; FAQ: https://orangecountyva.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=91
Region 4 SI participant. Ask: roster admission for a VA PE firm; report deadline; final-approval practice.

Madison County

Building Dept, (540) 948-6102; BO Jamie Wilks, CBO, jwilks@madisonco.virginia.gov
Third-Party Inspection Policy: https://www.madisonco.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/501/ — VA RDP qualifies; 2-day trigger; 2-day reports; county does all CO finals; online request form (FormCenter …/Third-Party-Inspection-Request-55)
Special Inspection Policy: https://www.madisonco.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/500/ — SSI before permit; deep-foundation pile monitoring; retaining-wall special case (HR-template artifact text); Region 4 participant
Required Inspections 2026 (drain tile/waterproofing; Expansive Soils Policy referenced, not located): https://www.madisonco.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/52529/; when-permit-required (repair named): …/View/109/
Ask: Expansive Soils Policy copy; pre-approval documentation for UP.

Louisa County

Community Development — Building Inspections, (540) 967-3430, buildingpermits@louisa.org (BO name unpublished)
Third-Party Inspections Policy (12/10/2020): https://www.louisacounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7247/ — annual Jan-15 renewal; residential categories incl. drain tile/waterproofing; commercial adds VCC SI; $1M professional liability naming county; 72-hr reports; "special foundation anchorage systems" in report content
2026 Approved 3P Inspector List (15 firms): https://www.louisacounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9835/
Inspections page (shrink-swell FAQ → "get a 3rd party to inspect your footings"): https://www.louisacounty.gov/3102/Inspections
Region 4 SI participant. Ask: BO name; Shrink/Swell Policy; 2027 roster application; repair-scope classification.

Goochland County

Building Inspection, 804-556-5815, bi-emails@goochlandva.us; BO Casey Littlefield
Inspection Policy (rev 7/29/2026): https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/120/ — PE may perform footing inspections; report next day w/ permit # + seal
Residential Requirements ("Third party engineer reports are only acceptable for footing and poured wall inspections, unless requested in advance and approved by the Building Official"): https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/121/
SSI form (deep foundations 1705.7–.9): https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/122/; Unvented Crawl Space Detail (ENC): …/View/9523/
Region 4 SI participant. Ask: advance-approval mechanics for repair scopes beyond footing/poured-wall.

Halifax County

Building Code Enforcement, 434-476-3300; BO Otis Vaughan (2017 DHCD directory + PDF metadata; confirm); inspector Charles Crenshaw
Fee schedule ("Waterproofing/drain tile existing structure — $40 min"): https://www.halifaxcountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/128/; permit application (rev 6/2026): …/View/979/
Nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; PE-report acceptance on piers; confirm BO.

Mecklenburg County

Building Inspection, 434-738-6191; BO Eddie Harris (x4233)
Required Inspections: https://www.mecklenburgva.com/DocumentCenter/View/100/; SFD procedure (engineer plans need original "red stamp" wet seal): …/View/88/; Accela portal ("AccelaMeck")
Town of South Hill permits in-town (434-447-5041). Nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; repair classification; wet-stamp logistics.

Charlotte County

Building Dept, (434) 542-5404; BO John Hess, jhess@charlottecountyva.gov
Third-party policy (published, quotes §113.7): https://www.charlottecountyva.gov/departments/inspections.php — 2-business-day trigger; VA RDP qualifies; pre-approval; 2-day sealed reports on county Statement Form (unpublished — request)
Permits page (structural repairs permit-required): https://www.charlottecountyva.gov/departments/permits.php; application: https://cms8.revize.com/revize/charlottecountyva/Building%20Permit%20UPDATED.pdf
Ask: Statement Form; standing-approved RDP status; pier-drive observation in lieu of footing inspections.

Lunenburg County

Building Inspection Services, (434) 696-2143; BI James L. Tuck (jtuck@lunenburgva.gov)
Index: https://lunenburgva.gov/services/building_inspection/index.php — document links broken (CMS 404s; no archive copies); Town of Victoria posts its own permit page (SNIPPET)
Nothing verifiable published. Ask: policy, working permit documents, fee schedule, repair practice.

Brunswick County

Building Inspection, (434) 848-2962; BO Harrison Jamison
Dept page (exemptions incl. "ordinary repairs"; sealed drawings "depending on project complexity"; in-person submittal): https://www.brunswickco.com/government/departments/building_inspection; application ("Boathouse/Pier" = dock; §113.2 pre-permit site-inspection note): CivicLive UserFiles …/Building%20Permit%20Application.pdf
Nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; PE-report acceptance; remote submittal.

Prince Edward County (Farmville)

Building Office, 434-392-8838, building@co.prince-edward.va.us; BO Phillip Moore (VERIFIED via archive — live site 403s bots). Town of Farmville has its own office (434-392-8465).
Third Party Policy: https://www.co.prince-edward.va.us/files/assets/county/v/1/building/documents/third_party_policy.pdf — pre-approved inspectors; footings/poured walls/slabs; 48-hr reports; Ch-17 work excluded from the policy. Approved list approved_3rdparty_inspectors_04242026.pdf (unretrievable — get by phone)
Inspection list incl. drain tile/damp proof; "repairing" an enumerated permit trigger (archived Building Office page)
Region 4 adopter. Ask: roster admission; do pier repairs fit the accepted categories.

Nottoway County

Building Dept, 434-645-8696; BO Mike Murphy (mmurphy@nottoway.org)
Dept: https://nottoway.org/departments/building_department/index.php; checklist (3P mentions are duct/blower tests only): …/building_permit_checklist/
Not a Region 4 participant; nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; pier-repair permit expectations; sealed-plan sufficiency.

Amelia County

Building Dept, 804-561-3039, permit.tech@ameliacova.com; BO Jerry Wayne Williams; 2021 USBC since 1/18/2025
3P/soils/radon form BD:SS-R-3PI-NUM (rev 9/26/2024): https://cms2.revize.com/revize/ameliacountyva/Document%20Center/Department/Building/Permits%20And%20Forms/Soil,%20Radon,%203rd%20Party,%20Numbering.doc.pdf — 2-day trigger or BO approval; 1-week letter reports w/ calcs; credentials on file
"Shim Use on Masonry Piers" (3/1/2026): …/Shim%20Use%20on%20Masonry%20Piers.pdf — RDP-guidance exception for girder/pier bearing (SUP)
Required Inspections (waterproofing before backfill; footing 3P only w/ prior approval): same Document Center path; CivicReview portal for applications
Ask: credential submittal; realistic path (2-day trigger vs BO approval); shrink-swell map implications for pier design.

Buckingham County

Building Inspection Office, (434) 969-4243 (BO 7–9 AM; Permit Tech x2); BO Thomas W. (Tommy) Ranson, CBO (transon@buckinghamcounty.virginia.gov)
Dept: https://www.buckinghamcountyva.org/departments/building_inspections/index.php; application (no 3P mentions; zoning permit prerequisite): cms9files.revize.com …/BUCKINGHAM%20COUNTY%20BUILDING%20PERMIT%20APPLICATION.pdf
Region 4 SI participant. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; Region 4 qualification framework for 3P acceptance; repair permit path.

Cumberland County

Building Inspection, (804) 492-9114, permits@cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov; BO Robby Felts (rfelts@…)
Residential Third Party Inspection Policy: https://www.cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1219/ — footings, poured walls, Foundations, slabs; 48-hr reports; qualifications filed + approved
Approved 3P list (6 engineering firms): https://www.cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/737; residential inspections (damp proofing/drain tile; "Third party reports may be accepted"): …/View/1218/
Hosts the Region 4 SI Guidelines: https://www.cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/293/
Ask: roster admission; does "Foundations" cover pier underpinning on existing dwellings; 2021-code update of the Region 4 doc.

Emporia City

Building & Inspections, 434-634-6315; BO Brian Petty (bpetty@ci.emporia.va.us) — separate office from Greensville County
3rd Party Inspection Policy (rev 1/10/2023): https://www.ci.emporia.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/103/ — VA PE qualifies alone; written request w/ credentials; 2-day reports; no concealment until approved
SSI form (driven-pile blows/ft + helical-pile torque categories): https://www.ci.emporia.va.us/DocumentCenter/View/102/
Dept page (permit triggers; wall exemptions): https://www.ci.emporia.va.us/164/Building-Inspections
Ask: standing-agency pre-approval vs per-permit requests; pier-repair permit fee.

Greensville County

Building Inspections, (434) 348-4205 x1300, building@greensvillecountyva.gov; Administrator James Kevin Canfield; building-inspector post VACANT
Dept page (retaining walls ≤4 ft exempt; reconstruction/alteration permit triggers): https://www.greensvillecountyva.gov/departments/adminstrative_building/building_inspections.php
No 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy (vacancy makes the 2-day trigger more likely to fire); pier-underpinning inspection practice.

Sussex County

Building Inspections, (434) 246-4390; BO Matt Westheimer (also Surry's BO in the VB file); inspections hotline 877-224-7978, inspections@surrycountyva.gov (a Surry address — shared services)
Joint "Surry and Sussex Counties" General Permit Application: https://sussexcountyva.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/General-Permit-Application-Revised_-002-2022.pdf; fee schedule ("Retaining Walls…Towers, Piers, etc — $50"; solar fees "based on the current Surry County building fee schedule"): …/Permit-Fee-Schedule.pdf
"Decks & Piers" page = deck piers — confirm what fee-line "Piers" means before relying on it: https://sussexcountyva.gov/department/building-inspections/decks-piers/
No 3P/SI published. Ask: the shared-arrangement scope; §113.7.1 policy; fee-line pier meaning.

Northampton County, NC 🚫 blocked on NC certifier

Codes & Building Safety, Jackson NC, 252-534-5171; Director Jason McAllister (Jason.McAllister@nhcnc.net); Inspector Thomas Otten (Thomas.Otten@nhcnc.net); citizenserve portal
FAQ (quotes permit statute incl. "repair"; NCRBC R404.4 retaining walls; R327 waterway piers; stale pre-160D citation): https://www.northamptonnc.com/DocumentCenter/View/95/
Nothing local on GS 160D-1106/Appendix G. Ask (when certifier exists): Appendix G acceptance history; repair-permit process.

Warren County, NC 🚫 blocked on NC certifier

Planning/Zoning & Code Enforcement, Warrenton NC, 252-257-1305, permits@warrencountync.gov; Director Mark Bloomer (252-257-7027 x1280); code officers Sakima Mills / Tim Short; ViewPoint Cloud + OpenGov portals
Pages: https://www.warrencountync.com/806/Permits-Inspections, /810/About-Us (next-day inspections by 3:30 PM), /789/Forms-Applications (stale 2016 zoning fee schedule)
Zero building-code content published. Lake Gaston shoreline work also needs Dominion Energy permitting. Ask: everything, when certifier exists.

Charlottesville City

NDS Building Inspections, 434-970-3182, inspections@charlottesville.gov; 3P program: 3rdPartyInspectionApproval@charlottesville.gov; Building Code Official Charles Miller (per 1/27/2023 memo — confirm current)
3rd Party Inspection Policy (rev 2/28/2023): https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9274/ — eligible list = footings, slabs, foundation drainage, foundation walls, damp/waterproofing, backfill, retaining walls; yearly re-approval; $1M insurance; 5-day reports w/ photos; no post-pour; two-strike sanctions; Ch 17 excluded
Approved inspectors (only 2 firms, both PE-led): https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9735/ — Elevated Structural Solution LLC (Alex Rayfield PE), Underhill Engineering (Chris Webster PE)
Mandatory Inspections handout (pier footings; piers-to-correct-heights; damp/waterproofing; "any under slab fill over 24 inches requires engineer letter"): https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9153/
Ask: PE waiver of ICC certs (precedent favorable); pier/underpinning classification under "footing/foundation wall"; get the city 3P form. Apply for the approved list — only two competitors on it.

Albemarle County

Community Development — Building Inspections, 434-296-5832, applicationservices@albemarle.org; BO Michael Dellinger x3228; Civic Access (EnerGov) portal. Site blocks bots — content read via text-render proxy.
SI Guidelines (2012, 18 pp — "pile and pier foundations" named): https://www.albemarle.org/home/showpublisheddocument/6804/637461237750830000 — Agent 1 must be VA engineer/architect; ASTM E329; 7-working-day reports; uniform-procedures (regional-lineage) preface
Building Code page (RTW <3 ft exempt → ≥3 ft permit; structural-component alteration = permit): https://www.albemarle.org/government/community-development/planning-codes/building-code
No 3P policy found. Ask: written §113.7 policy; is the 2012 SI doc operative under 2021 VCC; residential underpinning invocation practice.

Fluvanna County

Building Inspections, (434) 591-1935, building@fluvannacounty.org; BO Andrew Wills (awills@fluvannacounty.org)
Third Party Inspection Policy (VA-PE-qualifies-by-rule; 7-day reports; ~24-firm roster): https://www.fluvannacounty.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/building_inspections/page/571/third_party_inspection_policy_25.docx
Required inspections (footings; damp-proofing/drain-tile before backfill): https://www.fluvannacounty.org/building/page/building-inspections-information-and-requirements; permit triggers incl. "structural remodeling": https://www.fluvannacounty.org/building
Ask: roster addition; scope of 3P-eligible inspections (policy doesn't restrict); underpinning classification.

Greene County

Building Inspections, 434-985-5204, inspections@gcva.us; BO Jonathan Crosby (jcrosby@gcva.us)
3P policy existed on the prior site — indexed URL now 404s (https://www.greenecountyva.gov/forms/building-inspections/777-third-party-inspector-policy/file); current page publishes no policy: https://www.greenecountyva.gov/164/Building-Inspections
Online permit portal suspended 12/1/2025 — applications by email; 48-hr inspection notice. Application packets: DocumentCenter/View/165–167 (not read).
Ask: current written 3P policy PDF; underpinning intake while portal is down; SI expectations on residential helicals.

Nelson County

Building Inspections, 434-263-7080; Building Code Official Chuck Miller per 2019 letterhead (likely stale — VACO advertised the seat in Aug 2022; confirm). Site blocks bots — read via proxy.
3rd Party Policy (4 pp, 11/5/2019): https://www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3rd-party-inspections-11-5-2019.pdf — confirmation form BEFORE inspecting; 24-hr notice; 72-hr reports; ICC-cert qualifications; $1M insurance naming county; county 2-part form; "Residential: Footing Only… Other Residential 3rd party inspections only upon prior approval"
Mandatory Inspections (6/21/2022): …/Mandatory-Inspections-6-21-2022.pdf — pier footings; footing depth 18" east / 24" west of Route 151; damp/waterproofing; piers-to-correct-heights; under-slab fill >24" → engineer letter
Ask: current BO; is 2019 policy current; PE-seal vs ICC-cert question; prior-approval path for underpinning.

Petersburg City

Code Compliance, permits 804-733-2410 (Renee' Hawkins, rhawkins@petersburg-va.org); BO office 804-733-2409 (name unpublished); iWorq portal
"Permits are required for all work except ordinary repairs": https://www.petersburgva.gov/faq.aspx?TID=51; permit requirements: /778/
Nothing 3P/SI published; legacy petersburg-va.org domain connection-resets. Ask: BO name; §113.7.1 policy; engineer-report acceptance on piers.

Hopewell City

Building Code & Property Maintenance, 804-540-2226, permits@hopewellva.gov; BO Todd Hawkes 804-541-2226 x366
Dept (permits for "alterations, repairs…"): https://hopewellva.gov/706/; forms list (no 3P/SI): https://hopewellva.gov/182/; fees: /272/ (SNIPPET)
Ask: §113.7.1 policy; engineer-letter practice; SSI form for commercial deep foundations.

Colonial Heights City

Building Inspections, 804-520-9297; BO Jim Canter, canterj@colonialheightsva.gov; permits ~2 weeks, inspections within 48 hrs
Definitions doc w/ 3P-required categories (pile foundations, retaining walls, steel, CIP concrete, prepared fill): https://www.colonialheightsva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/247
SSI + Final Report forms: https://www.colonialheightsva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11664
Residential Inspection Guidelines (12 pp): https://www.colonialheightsva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/243 — drainage/waterproofing inspection; shrink-swell PE-design regime; waterproofing spec; interior-pier footing continuity
Ask: is the 2006 "County"-template doc current policy; does the pile/RTW 3P rule reach residential pier retrofits; standalone §113.7.1 policy.

Prince George County

Community Development & Code Compliance — Building Inspections, 804-722-8659, inspections@princegeorgecountyva.gov; BO Charles L. Harrison III (Director)
3rd Party Inspection Policy 2023: https://www.princegeorgecountyva.gov/3rd%20Party%20Inspection%20Policy%202023.pdf — VA PE/architect certifier; 2-working-day trigger; ≥24-hr pre-approval requests; 2-day sealed letter reports; exception-not-routine
Special Inspection Guidelines (18 pp, 2018 USBC, eff. 7/1/2021 — "pile and pier foundations"): https://www.princegeorgecountyva.gov/Special%20Inspection%20Guidelines%20and%20Procedures.pdf; Final SI Report form on forms page (SNIPPET)
Fee schedule (renovations/repairs 1% of cost, $100 min): …/fee_schedule.php
Ask: standing pre-qualification vs per-job requests; RTW permit threshold; residential SI invocation practice.

Dinwiddie County

Building Inspections, 804-469-4500 opt. 6; BO Jerry Perkinson x2119 (jperkinson@dinwiddieva.us); EnerGov self-service portal
Third Party Inspection Policy: https://www.dinwiddieva.us/DocumentCenter/View/5670 — 48-hr trigger; VA RDP path; 5-working-day reports on Statement Form (unpublished)
SI/Third-Party Instructions (2015-VCC-era): https://www.dinwiddieva.us/DocumentCenter/View/4326 — SSI before permit; field report left on site day-of; 3P special inspections do NOT substitute for county critical inspections — both notified
Ask: permit triggers for pier jobs; standing RDP pre-approval; get the Statement Form; confirm the dual-notification rule's residential reach.

Strategy read (opinion, labeled as such)

Anchor jurisdictions (highest volume × friendliest published lane):
- Richmond City (172 tracker rows): formal 3P Agency program + "48-Hour Inspection" fallback; SI manual names helical piers. Worth the agency-certification overhead — it's the branch's biggest book.
- Henrico (108) / Hanover (70): RDP-friendly published policies with day-3 auto-authorization (Henrico) and no-pre-approval residential footing/poured-wall inspections (Hanover, updated 3/26/2026). Hanover's SSI form is helical-torque-log native.
- Spotsylvania (137) / Stafford (132): mature roster programs; Spotsylvania's "deep foundations supporting existing structures" category is the single most UP-shaped published rule in the branch — get on its 2026-27 roster (and Stafford's IWR list) early.
- Charlottesville (87): only two firms on the approved list, both PE-led — a thin-competition roster whose eligible-inspection list matches UP's products almost exactly.
The citable precedents for BO conversations: Colonial Heights (3P required for pile foundations + retaining walls), Spotsylvania ("deep foundations supporting existing structures"), Emporia (helical-pile torque-log SSI + PE-qualifies-alone policy), Amelia (RDP-guidance shim/pier policy), plus JCC's engineer-letter-is-final pier policy from the VB research.
Roster-application wave (apply once, standing status): Spotsylvania (annual cert + seminar), Stafford (250IWR), Fredericksburg(215 — resolve the no-financial-interest clause first), Louisa (Jan-15 renewal, $1M policy naming county), Cumberland (6-firm roster), Fluvanna (~24-firm roster, PE by rule), Orange, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Richmond City (agency program), Henrico (+ footing-agency orientation session), Prince Edward. One qualification package (Valerio VA PE resume, firm E&O/liability certificates, sample sealed pier report + driving log) serves all of them.
Two regional SI packages instead of one: the Region 4 (James Madison BCO) bloc takes the same SSI/final-report package across Culpeper–Orange–Madison–Louisa–Goochland–Buckingham–Cumberland–Prince Edward; the Region VII Northern Neck counties accept the already-verified 2006 template frame (Richmond County's county-branded packet is the live example).
Insurance prerequisite: Louisa, Charlottesville, and Nelson all require $1M professional liability with the county named additional insured — confirm UP's policy can issue additional-insured endorsements before the roster wave.
NC: park until a certifier exists. When it does, GS 160D-1106 Appendix G certifications for footing/foundation components are mandatory-accept — the strongest statutory 3P right anywhere in UP's footprint — but only for components, not systems.

Phone-call worklist (Tier 3 + open questions)

Priority calls (volume-weighted):

Chesterfield (56) — 804-751-4990 / BIInspectionRequirements@chesterfield.gov — obtain the referenced-but-unpublished 3P policy; posts/piers foundation-inspection carve-out reading
Petersburg (68) — 804-733-2409 — BO name + §113.7.1 policy
Albemarle (55) — Michael Dellinger 434-296-5832 x3228 — §113.7 policy; 2012 SI guidelines status
Hopewell (45) — Todd Hawkes 804-541-2226 x366 — §113.7.1 policy
King George (27) — 540-775-7111 — policy + BO name (their own list already inspects "Footing—pier")
Halifax (64) — Otis Vaughan (confirm) 434-476-3300 — policy; waterproofing/drain-tile fee-line practice
Mecklenburg (76) — Eddie Harris 434-738-6191 x4233 — policy; red-stamp logistics; South Hill split
Greene (17) — Jonathan Crosby 434-985-5204 — retrieve the formerly-published policy
New Kent (41) — Phil Prisco (804) 966-9680 — "approved third party" footing process terms
Nottoway (29) — Mike Murphy 434-645-8696 — policy + pier-repair expectations
Lancaster (52) — Brett Dawson (804) 462-5480 — policy; residential SSI invocation
Northumberland (59) — Jerry Rushing (804) 580-8910 — policy + fee schedule + flood-zone pile rules
Essex (26) — Ryan Sharpe 804-443-4951 — policy; Region VII usage
King & Queen (2) — Quentin Mascari (804) 785-5975 — what the $57 foundation-repair permit buys
Westmoreland (29) — (804) 493-0120 — the written policy behind the published acceptance sentence; BO confirm
Charles City (8) — Quentin Frazier (804) 652-4727 — everything
Sussex (12) — Matt Westheimer (434) 246-4390 — Surry/Sussex arrangement; fee-line "Piers" meaning
Greensville (5) — Kevin Canfield (434) 348-4205 x1300 — policy (vacancy = 2-day trigger leverage)
Buckingham (18) — Tommy Ranson (434) 969-4243, 7–9 AM — policy; Region 4 framework
Brunswick (14) — Harrison Jamison (434) 848-2962 — policy; remote submittal
Lunenburg (13) — James Tuck (434) 696-2143 — policy + working documents (site links broken)
Charlotte (18) — John Hess (434) 542-5404 — Statement Form; standing RDP approval
Nelson (1) — 434-263-7080 — current BO; 2019 policy status; PE-vs-ICC quals
Culpeper (29) — (540) 727-3405 — full policy text (site Cloudflare-blocked); BO confirm
Tier-1/2 confirmations: Colonial Heights (Canter — 2006 doc currency + residential reach), Spotsylvania (Adam Williams 540-507-7244 — tier for R-5 underpinning + roster fee), Richmond County (Clayton Woolard (804) 333-5460 — SI packet's residential reach + policy), Amelia (Jerry Williams 804-561-3039 — credential filing), Emporia (Brian Petty 434-634-6315 — standing pre-approval), Fredericksburg (John Schaffer 540-372-1080 — financial-interest clause), Caroline (Jason Dauch PE — full policy; "remedial" lane), Madison (Jamie Wilks — Expansive Soils Policy), Louisa (540-967-3430 — BO name + roster), Goochland (Casey Littlefield 804-556-5815 — beyond-footing approvals), Prince George (Charles Harrison 804-722-8659 — standing status), Dinwiddie (Jerry Perkinson x2119 — Statement Form), Powhatan (David Dunivan — good-standing status), King William (Matt Melton 804-769-4916 — submit application), Prince Edward (Phillip Moore 434-392-8838 — roster; Farmville split), Cumberland (Robby Felts 804-492-9114 — "Foundations" scope), Fluvanna (Andrew Wills — roster), Charlottesville (3rdPartyInspectionApproval@charlottesville.gov — apply), Henrico (804-501-4360 — orientation session), Richmond City (Daniel Mouer — agency vs 48-hour path), Stafford (540-658-8950 — program revision + IWR list), Orange (Michael Guidry 540-672-4574 — roster admission).