As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop [and in accordance with recommendations and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)], the Powhatan County Community Development Department will be open with reduced operations. Before visiting the office, you can call the following numbers (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) to get up-to-date information:

Planning/Zoning: (804) 598-5621

Building Inspections: (804) 598-5622

Economic Development: (804) 598-5612

Staff members are regularly checking and responding to emails. You can also click the link below to submit general inquiries, and a staff member will get back to you.

CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

The Building Inspections Department is following current CDC guidelines when performing its duties (both in the office and in the field). Note the following procedural changes:

Email/Phone Communication Only: All communication will occur by phone or via email until further notice. There will be no in-person meetings.

Submittal via Drop-Off Box: There is a drop-off box in the front lobby of the County Administration Building where permit applications, amendments, and other paperwork can be submitted. Please leave any and all information that you feel necessary with applications. Fees will be calculated at a later date (you will be contacted with the required fee amount and procedures for payment). A valid email address is necessary on all permits to receive a response. If there is not a line for an email address, please leave one at the bottom of the application. Note that items left in the dropbox (and any mail received) will not be handled until the next business day.  To expedite review, certain materials may be submitted electronically (for an initial review).

Proffer Payments: To avoid any delays in issuance of a C.O., cash proffer amounts should be requested at least five (5) days prior to the request for a final inspection. Checks will not be handled until the next business day (and cannot be cashed until final inspections are passed), so payment should be submitted as soon as possible.

Inspections: Inspectors may refuse to inspect portions of buildings occupied by individuals diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, exposed to others with the virus, or display symptoms of illness. Anyone on an inspection site is asked to stay at least ten (10) feet away from County staff and have limited communication with them while they are on site. Virtual inspections are now available. Any inspection that required interior access of an occupied structure will need to be postponed until further notice.

Third Party Inspections: Anyone wishing to have inspections performed in the event that Powhatan County has to close for an extended period will need to have their preferred inspection agency approved prior to any closing. Please forward this information, in email, to the Building Official at ddunivan@powhatanva.gov. Powhatan County expects to remain open as long as possible during this pandemic.

Thank you for working with us during this unique situation, so that we can continue to provide services and ensure the safety of staff and the public. Please check back frequently to view any updates that may take place to ensure the protection of County staff.

We expect to remain open as long as possible throughout this pandemic.