Contractor FAQs

Do I need a Building Permit?

All contractors who perform work within the City of Winchester are required to secure a City Building Permit

Do I need a Business License?

If you perform any job and your office is located in the City, you are required to secure a City Business License, for your total gross receipts, including work performed outside the City limits.

Out of town contractors

If you are a contractor who is licensed in another Virginia locality and you do not expect your total jobs within the City of Winchester to exceed $25,000, you may be eligible for a City business license at no charge. Please bring a copy of your valid license to the Winchester Commissioner of the Revenue's Office in Rouss City Hall (15 N. Cameron Street), so that your eligibility can be verified.

If your City of Winchester contracts for the year will exceed $25,000, you will need to pay for a local license at the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office.

Out of state contractors

If you are a contractor whose office is located outside the Commonwealth of Virginia, you are required to secure a City Business License.

Do I need a State License?

• If you bid or perform a job in excess of $1,000 but less than $7,500 you must secure a State Contractor's Class C
• If you bid or perform a job in excess of $7,500 but less than $70,000 you must secure a State Contractor's Class B
• If you bid on or perform jobs in excess of $500,000 in any one calendar year, you must secure a State Contractor's Class A License.

The State requires that certain tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians, gas, and steam pipe fitters, etc. be tested as part of the state licensure process.

How do I get a City License?

Go to the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office, main floor City Hall. Bring with you your State Contractors license. You will be given an application and asked to estimate either your total gross receipts for the project or for the calendar year, depending upon where your office is located.

What about Workers' Compensation Coverage?

Please refer to the Forms section of this web page for information from the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission under the heading "Contractor's Information on Workers' Compensation".

When must I get a City License?

If you are an out of town or out of state contractor, you must get your license prior to the first day you begin work. If you have an office in the City of Winchester, you are required to renew your license by March 1st of each year.

Who to Contact (City of Winchester)

No Business License will be issued for less than the estimated value of the job as listed.