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Building Permits
Commercial - New Building Construction

Where do I obtain a permit?

City of Chesapeake
Department of Development & Permits
City Hall 2nd Floor
306 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone:
     (757) 382-6018     (757) 382-8424     (757) 382-6890

What should I bring upon the notification of plan approval?

A building permit application will be processed automatically at the time of permit issuance by a Building Official. To begin the permit processs, bring the following documents:

1. Approved final site plan from the Public Works

2. Virginia State Contractor’s License

   Note: Out-of-state contractor must obtain the valid State of Virginia Contractor’s License.
   
   For questions concerning the state license requirements, please contact the State of Virginia, Department of Professional Occupational Regulations, (804) 367-8511 or visit their website at http://www.state.va.us/dpor/

3. City of Chesapeake Business License

   1. The Commissioner of Revenue for the City of Chesapeake requires a city business license for the contractor whose business is based in the City of Chesapeake

   2. Out-of-state contractor must obtain the City of Chesapeake Business License.

   3. Other Virginia municipality is required a City of Chesapeake Business License if the contract value conducted in Chesapeake accumulated to $25,000.00 in a calendar year.

Upon the arrival of the Department of Development & Permits, the Zoning Inspector will issue a permit application. You will visit the Department of Public Works for Land Disturber License and bonding payments. Next, you will make payments for water, sewer and HRSD in the Department of Public Utilities. Upon the payment from Public Works and Public Utilities, you will return to the Department of Development & Permits for a building permit issuance from the building official.

 

How much does the permit cost?

• The minimum fee is $40.00.
  
  The permit fee is based upon square footage of the structure. The minimum fee is an administrative fee of $40.00 for issuing each permit, plus an additional $10.00 per 100 square feet or fraction thereof.

  For example: A new commercial construction with 14,000 square feet, the fee will be:

  14,000/100 = 140
  140 x 10 = $1,400
  + $40.00 (administrative fee) = base fee $1440.00.
  

• New Commercial Fee Schedule pdf format
  
  

• Additionally, the plan review fee and a 2% state levy are assessed to the permit cost plus $5.00 technology fee.

  Base fee $1,440.00
  + plan review fee $25.00 = $1,465.00
  + 29.30 (2%) = $1,494.30
  + 5.00 technology fee = $1,499.30.

What other permits are required?

After obtaining the building permit, the electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas (if applicable) are required.

Electrical Permitpdf format
New procedures 3/5/07


Plumbing Permit pdf format
Mechanical and Gas Permit pdf format

Permits are also available online in other formats.
See Forms & Permits.

Next step . . .

Inspections