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Commercial Alteration/
Tenant Build-Outs
What is considered to be a Commercial Alteration / Tenant Build-Out?
When a new tenant moves into an existing or new building or tenant space, then it is considered to be a Commercial Alteration or Tenant Build-Out, and a Commercial Building Permit is typically required.
When is a Permit Required for Tenant Build-Out?
The following is a partial list of the most common conditions requiring a permit:
Where there is no current valid Certificate of Occupancy for the building or space.
Any change of occupancy type is proposed (Examples would be when the previous use and the new use are changing: Mercantile to Business, Office to Restaurant, etc.).
There are walls removed or added.
There are structural alterations.
There are revisions, repairs, or replacement of fire-rated assemblies.
There are alterations to any required means of egress(Examples include a change to an aisleway or means to an exit, relocation of exit doors, addition of walls, etc.).
There are alterations or new installations to the water supply and distribution systems, sanitary drainage system or vent system.
There are alterations or new installations to electrical wiring.
There are alterations or new installation to fire-protection system, mechanical systems or fuel-supply systems.
There are alterations or new installations of any other equipment (An example would be above-ground or below-ground storage tanks.) regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC).
There is an increase to allowed occupancy load The allowed occupancy load is based on Table 1004.1.1 in the IBC International Building Code. A restaurant, for example, may have 3 different occupant loads because of the use of the different areas ie kitchen, seating and waiting areas.) reflected on the C.O.
See allowed occupancy load.
NOTE: The requirements above are the most common, yet are not representative of all the conditions when preparing tenant build-out drawings.
The City of Chesapeake classifies alterations/build-outs by levels of complexity of the project. There are four (4) different levels ranging from 0-3.
How do I find out what level my project is?
- LEVEL 0 - Painting and carpeting “Fluff” -- No permit required.
- LEVEL 1 - Minimal alterations to a tenant space - “Walk Through”
- LEVEL 2 - More extensive interior alterations (removal and addition of walls, etc.) or when the Use is changing.
- LEVEL 3 - Architectural/Engineer prepared plans with seal required.
What should I bring to Development & Permits?
Fill out as much information on the Commercial Alteration/Tenant Build-Out checklist as possible. Much of the information can be obtained from the landlord/owner or online.
After determining which Level will be required for the tenant build-out based on the description above, link to Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 for a complete list of items to bring to Development & Permits to obtain a permit.
Search by: Parcel Number, Address or Company or Project
NOTE: This feature only runs in Internet Explorer at this time.1) You will be able to view Key Plans for other existing tenants in LaserFiche WebLink.
2) You can also see other details in pdf
Permit Applications, Instructions & Other Resources
| Permit | Instructions/Brochures | DOC | |
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| Building Permit Application | |
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| Electrical Permit Application | Revised procedures Effective March 5, 2007 |
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| Fire Protection Permit Application | |
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| Hazardous Materials Permit Application | |
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| Mechanical/Gas Permit Application | |
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| Plumbing Permit Application | |
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| More forms & permits (Development & Permits) | |||
Other Resources
For further questions or assistance
If you have any questions and want to further discuss the requirements,
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Contact the Plans Examiner’s office at (757) 382-6018, or
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Meet with a Plans Examiner of Department of Development & Permits on the 2nd floor of City Hall from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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Counter Assistance: A Plans Examiner will be available at the counter of Department of Development & Permits to assist in determining requirements and answer any commercial permitting questions.
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Plans Examiner will determine what level of plan review required.
City of Chesapeake, Virginia