Do I need a permit for a standby generator in Virginia?

Yes. In Virginia, installing a standby generator needs permits and inspections. The Uniform Statewide Building Code says a permit must be obtained before work begins on electric wiring, fuel supply systems or any equipment the code regulates,^[1] and a standby generator involves all three: a transfer switch and wiring, a gas or propane line, and the generator itself. The licensed contractor you hire normally applies for the permits and arranges the inspections.

Why no exemption applies

The code lists work that needs no permit, and a generator is not on it. The exemptions that come closest cover things like wiring and equipment that operates at less than 50 volts and the replacement of an existing above-ground propane container of the same size in the same place by the gas supplier.^[1] A new transfer switch, a 240-volt circuit and a new gas connection are none of those. The code does allow some urgent work to start first: for emergency equipment replacement the application is due by the end of the first working day after the work starts.^[1] That covers a failed unit swapped out in a hurry, not a planned installation.

What your county or city calls it

Localities describe the same rule in their own terms. Roanoke County's list of jobs needing a trade permit includes "New and replacement gas appliances (generator, water heaters, gas furnace, etc)" and "Addition or modification of electric circuits".^[3] Some counties fold it into one permit: Prince George County's fee schedule, effective July 1, 2021, lists a single generator permit, electrical included, at $100.00.^[4]

Others charge by trade. Montgomery County's fee page, when we checked it on October 27, 2026, prices residential electrical, plumbing and mechanical trade permits at $0.03 per square foot with a $45 minimum each, plus a 2% state levy and a 2% technology fee.^[5] Roanoke County adds a 2% state levy and a 5% technology fee to its trade permits.^[3] Ask your own building department which permits it wants and whether the contractor's quote includes the fees.

Placement is part of the review in many places. Kohler's installation manual opens with: "Obtain a building permit and contact your local utility companies to mark the locations of underground pipes and cables."^[6] It also says "The required distance from a structure is dependent on state and local codes."^[6] Zoning setbacks from property lines, and any homeowners association rules, are worth checking before the pad goes in.

The inspections

Under the building code, the permit holder must notify the building official when the work reaches a stage that needs an inspection,^[2] and electrical, mechanical and plumbing materials, equipment and systems are inspected before they are concealed, and there is a final inspection.^[2] For a generator, that usually means an inspector sees the open trench with its conduit and gas line before it is backfilled, then comes back to see the finished job.

Roanoke County's typical trade inspections include rough-in electrical, final electrical, electrical underground and gas line,^[3] and its advice applies anywhere: "Always call for an inspection before covering."^[3] In Appalachian Power territory, Roanoke County notes that some electrical inspections need an AEP work order number first.^[3] Under the code, the building official may require the electrical service to be energized before the final inspection.^[2]

Who should apply

The code allows the application to come from the owner or lessee, their agent, or the contractor or subcontractor doing the work.^[1] Under Virginia Code § 54.1-1111, whoever applies must show the building official proof of a Virginia contractor's licence or file a written statement that they are not subject to licensing.^[7]

Who holds the permit matters. Roanoke County puts it this way: "The homeowner is encouraged to have a licensed electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or gas contractor apply for the permits, however, the homeowner may do so."^[3] It adds that the permit holder bears the ultimate responsibility that the work will comply with the code.^[3] The state Board for Contractors is blunter: "Anyone who tries to talk you into getting your own building permit is not doing you any favors."^[10] It explains that the permit holder becomes the general contractor and assumes responsibility for the overall job.^[10]

The people doing the work must be licensed. Virginia law requires a licence to work as a tradesman, as a liquefied petroleum gas fitter or as a natural gas fitter provider.^[9] The only broad exception is your own home: a person who works on no more than one primary residence they own, for their own use, in any 24-month period is exempt from contractor licensing,^[8] but they must still comply with the Uniform Statewide Building Code,^[8] permits and inspections included. Roanoke County, for one, asks for an owner affidavit when a homeowner does the work on their own primary residence.^[3] Our answer on doing your own electrical work in Virginia covers the limits.

Before anyone digs

The trench for conduit and gas pipe is excavation. Under Virginia law, no one may begin any excavation without first submitting a locate request to the state's notification center,^[11] and work waits until the utilities have marked their lines or cleared the site. Your contractor should place the request.

Telling the power company

The building department is not the only party that wants to know. AEP, whose guide covers Appalachian Power, says the utility shall be notified of a customer's intention to install an emergency standby power system.^[12] Our answer on how a standby generator connects to a house explains why utilities care about the transfer switch.

If the work was done without a permit

Skipping the permit tends to cost more later. Prince George County, for example, charges a code investigation fee equal to 100% of the permit fee when work starts without a required permit.^[4] An unpermitted generator can also come up when you sell the house.

When to call a licensed pro

Bring in a licensed electrician, with a licensed gas fitter or your propane supplier, before you buy the generator. Ask that the written contract say they will apply for every permit in their own name, place the utility locate request, schedule each inspection and give you the final approval. Call one too if you bought a house with a standby generator and cannot find permits for it. Before hiring, check the contractor's licence, and read what a whole-house generator costs in Virginia.

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