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“Getting Started”
Development Approval Process
in the City of Chesapeake
The City of Chesapeake has established various approval processes concerning proposed development in the City.
The purpose of the Development Approval Process is to ensure that certain types of development conforms to all plans, ordinances and standards accepted by the City regarding new construction and development, and to prescribe standards for the preparation and submission of development plans. The processes also meet State and Federal requirements such as ICC Codes and State Health Department.
The Development Review Process consists of three (3) general phases:
The Department of Planning reviews the following types of applications:
Certificate of Appropriateness for the South Norfolk Historic District |
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These planning applications fall into two general processes:
Once the preliminary phase (if applicable) is completed, then the applicant may proceed with obtaining approval for plans which fall into two categories: Development Plans and Building Plans. (Review of both may occur simultaneously).
Development Plans (Submit to the Public Works Department)
These plans address site improvements necessary to accommodate the proposed building and are reflected on the following plan types:Once the Development Plan is approved, then proceed with:
Building Plans (submit to Neighborhood Services - Zoning)
These plans address the building structure improvements reflected on the following plan types (aka Architectural Plans):Development Plan construction is handled by Public Works.
Building Plan construction is handled by Neighborhood Services.
Building Plans - Residential and Commercial
Submit to the Zoning Division of the Department of Neighborhood Services
These plans address the building structure improvements reflected on the following plan types (aka Architectural Plans):
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the proposed USE a PERMITTED use, CONDITIONAL use, or ... not permitted at all?
Contact the Zoning Office for determination.
If not a permitted use, then either a Rezoning and/or Use Permit Application is to be filed with the Planning Department for approval consideration at a public hearing which includes Planning Commission and/or City Council.
Rezoning – A rezoning is required when the proposed use of the land is not permitted by the current zoning classification. Contact the Zoning Office to determine. (PUDS included) Click for procedures.
Conditional Use Permit – A Conditional Use Permit is required for land uses listed in the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance as a “conditional use”. Certain land uses in the Ordinance require intensive review to determine whether appropriate. Click for procedures.
Street Closures – A Street Closure Application – The Zoning Office will determine if the property lies within one of the Overlay Districts that have additional development standards. Click for procedures.
Overlay Districts – The Zoning Office will determine if the property lies within one of the Overlay Districts that have additional development standards.
The Overlay Districts are:
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) - map
- Fentress Airfield - map
- Historic and Cultural Preservation - map
- Northwest River Watershed Area Overlay District - map
- South Norfolk Business Overlay - map
- Transportation Corridor Overlay District (TCOD) - map
City Code Zones: Zoning Office to determine what standards of other City Code zones may apply.
Airport safety zone (AICUZ)
NAS Oceana ... see Programs > Naval Air Station Departments >Air Operations > AICUZ
What are the development standards for the Zoning Districts and from City Code?
Residential Development Standards (setbacks) - Zoning Districts
Commercial Development Standards (setbacks) - Zoning Districts
If any deviation is desired, then the following exception procedures may apply:
Is a Preliminary Subdivision, Preliminary Site Plan or other administrative action for development required?
Although a development may not require a public hearing at Planning Commission and/or City Council other applications may be required and reviewed by each department with comments presented to the applicant through the Administrative Plan Process.
What areas should the developer address prior to (or concurrent with) submission of any application to the City?
Chesapeake Health Department requirements
(if Public Utilities not available)Proffers and stipulations approved with previous applications may be binding to property.
When can the Development Plan be submitted?
Development Plan Review - After the Preliminary Phase is complete or it has been determined that the development requires no action from the Planning Department, a Development Plan prepared by a professional engineer may be submitted to the Public Works Department.
When can the building plans be submitted?
At any time during the process. The Building Permit will not be issued until the Final Site Plan is approved.
When do I obtain my site permits?
Once the Development Plan is approved, then the developer may obtain permits issued by the Permit Engineer, Public Works.
Prior to plat recordation, the subdivider may execute a Subdivision Agreement with a Performance Bond assuring completion of proposed improvements. Contact the Development Construction Administrator for the bond amount and plat processing fees at least two (2) week prior to plat recordation.
When can the building permits for structures be obtained?
The Building Permit Application may be obtained at any time from Zoning allowing the Building Plans to be reviewed concurrently with the Construction Plan. Once the Construction Plans are approved and the building plans are approved then building permits may be issued.
Building Permit – The Building Permit process ensures compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, landscaping and zoning requirements.
When can public utilities be activated?
Public Utilities can be activated once all utility improvements have been installed and inspected in accordance with the Activation Procedure.
How do I obtain the Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy indicating completion of the work shall be obtained prior to occupancy.
The following must be satisfied:
All work associated with the structure is complete.
Final Inspection for the Building Permit and all associated permits: electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, or fire protection systems.
FEMA Flood Elevation Certificate submitted and approved (if property lies within flood hazard area).
Chesapeake Health Department approval for structures served by private sewage disposal and/or water systems.
Any requirements specified on the permit by other city departments or agencies including Public Works, Public Utilities, Planning, Zoning, or the Arborist.
City of Chesapeake, Virginia