Building Department
**Change in Permitting Hours Public Notice**
Effective July 1, 2023, the Building and Zoning Office deadline to submit permit applications will change from 4:30 PM to 4:00 PM to allow processing time for the permit as well as payment processing by 4:15 PM.
Building and Zoning Permit Technicians are not able to hold payments overnight, subsequently no applications will be accepted after 4:00 PM.
Persons with questions may contact the Building and Zoning Office or County Administration.
The primary goal of the Essex County Building Department is to provide for the safety of life and property from hazards related to building design, construction, use, repair, removal, or demolition. Generally, this is accomplished through the review of building plans and specifications and by inspection of all aspects of construction to ensure that all new construction complies with nationally recognized and State mandated codes and standards.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Meeting and advising owners, contractors, sub-contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and others regarding construction codes and plans
- Issuing a certificate of occupancy upon satisfactory completion of a project
- Investigation of complaints and assisting the public with questions and concerns
- Serving notice of violation on anyone causing a code violation and posting a stop work order when serious problems arise
- Representing Essex County as an expert in the field of Building Code administration, interpretation, and enforcement
- Proposing changes to County policies or ordinances in the field of building safety and regulation to County Management and/or the Board of Supervisors.
Fair Housing
The Federal Fair Housing Act and Virginia Fair Housing Law prohibit discrimination in residential housing based on sexual orientation, race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, elderliness, disability (physical or mental) or familial status. These laws apply to property managers, owners, landlords, real estate agents, banks, savings institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, mortgage lenders and appraisers. To ensure fair housing opportunities for residents, Essex County implements fair housing practices in all of its housing programs and provides information about how to file a complaint in the case of discriminatory housing practices.
