Compiled August 2026 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 Virginia Beach matrix; 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). This confirms 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"). 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: statute lane live)
The NC certifier gap closed 2026-08: Valerio holds NC PE #024172 (active), so the statute lane below is usable, not merely informational. The ◈ glyph marks it in the matrix.
- 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
| UP | 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; it 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; the 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)
| UP | 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 it). |
| ✓ | 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", so a 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)
| UP | 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; the 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 (Code Compliance Official David Hash, 434-447-3191). 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. Victoria and Kenbridge both fold under the county (settled 8/2026; Victoria's own page disclaims permit issuance). |
| ✓ | 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 | ◈ | Statute lane live (Valerio NC PE #024172): GS 160D-1106 mandates 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 | ◈ | Statute lane live (Valerio NC PE #024172; PE field inspection is the statutory precondition). 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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).
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 it)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greene County
- Building Inspections, 434-985-5204, inspections@gcva.us; BO Jonathan Crosby (jcrosby@gcva.us)
- 3P policy existed on the prior site; the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Lunenburg County (+ Victoria and Kenbridge, both fold under it)
- Building Inspection Services, (434) 696-2143; BI James L. Tuck (jtuck@lunenburgva.gov; use .gov, not the stale directory .net); Permit Tech Gail A. Gregoric
- Index: https://lunenburgva.gov/services/building_inspection/index.php; document links broken (CMS 404s; no archive copies)
- Victoria: NOT an AHJ, settled 8/2026 at the strongest tier. The town's own permits page: "The Town of Victoria does not issue building permits or perform building inspections. Building permits and inspections are handled by the Lunenburg County Building Inspector" (VERIFIED, live). DHCD directory row: "Victoria — Town — See Lunenburg County" (VERIFIED, dated 12/2017; one row above the Vienna cross-reference that named this failure mode). The town's only permit is a zoning permit signed by a Zoning Administrator (25−100 tiers; VERIFIED application PDF): a job in town limits may need it alongside the county building permit. Kenbridge: same pattern per the DHCD directory. County Code Ch. 22 routes all permit fees to the county Treasurer and requires county notification for construction over $1,000 (VERIFIED, Municode).
- Ask (county): policy, working permit documents, fee schedule, repair practice; Victoria rider: town zoning-permit sequencing.
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.
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: Code Compliance Official David Hash, (434) 447-3191, 211 S. Mecklenburg Ave (VERIFIED 8/2026; the old 447-5041 number is not on the town's page). Nothing 3P/SI published. Ask: §113.7.1 policy; repair classification; wet-stamp logistics.
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.
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.
Northampton County, NC
- 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. Certifier live (Valerio NC PE #024172). Ask: Appendix G acceptance history; repair-permit process. Cross-listed on the Virginia Beach page (county territory splits).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Richmond City
- Bureau of Permits & Inspections, 804-646-4169, PDRPermitsAndInspections@rva.gov (NB the 3P manual's cover shows 804-646-4619; the city's own documents disagree, confirm); 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.
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.
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/
- Roster fee answered from the policy itself (re-read 8/2026): $560/year certification fee, due at the annual meeting, + $13 per-inspection review fee. Remaining ask: which tier handles R-5 pier underpinning.
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.
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.
Warren County, NC
- 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. Certifier live (Valerio NC PE #024172). Ask: everything.
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.