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Nottoway building official outlines when permits are required, offers outreach
Summary
Building official Nicholas Bowles gave a detailed overview of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, what work requires permits, and the county’s enforcement priorities; staff will add an agricultural exemption paragraph and distribute permit guidance.
Nicholas Bowles, Nottoway County’s building official, presented a plain-language overview of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and walked the board through when a permit is required, the department’s inspection role and the county’s approach to unpermitted work.
“My name is Nicholas Bowles. I have the honor to serve Nottoway County as the building official,” Bowles said as he described his department’s responsibilities, including plan review, inspections, and responding to complaints. He explained that the USBC exists to protect health, safety and welfare while enabling construction at the least possible cost consistent with standards and that some routine items are exempt from permitting.
Bowles told the board the department has begun sending notices to properties where staff observed apparent unpermitted work, either after complaints or from internal observation, and asked for feedback on how notices are delivered. At the chair’s request Bowles agreed to add language to clarify agricultural outbuilding exemptions, referencing section 102.3 of the USBC which lists general exemptions.
Why it matters: Clear guidance on permits reduces unsafe construction and improves code compliance; Bowles emphasized education and customer service in addition to enforcement. The board encouraged outreach to rural landowners and suggested placing permit guidance on the county website and at convenience centers.
