Civil Permits

Apply for Civil Permits

The Civil Permits Section (Development Construction, 3rd floor of City Hall) issues Right-of-Way, Land Disturbing, Stormwater, Franchise Utility, and Miscellaneous Right-of-Way Permits and processes permit bonds and permits fees.

Right-of-Way Permits

An approved construction plan and permit bond with bond type is required. The bond amount and permit inspection fee are based on the scope of work as shown on the plan. The permit may be issued only to the landowner or a licensed contractor in Virginia.

The permit applicant must submit evidence of the contractor's public liability insurance, a minimum $1,000,000.

Land Disturbing Permits for Commercial and Subdivisions

An approved erosion and sediment control plan, an approved Stormwater Management Plan and permit bond with bond type are required if the disturbed area is ≥ 10,000 SF (or ≥ 2500 SF in CBPA). If the disturbed area is ≥ 1 acre or < 1 acre in a common plan of development ≥1 acre, the following are required:

The bond amount is based on the scope of E and S control measures shown on the approved plan and the permit fee is based on the disturbed acres (Fee Schedule (PDF)). The permit may be issued only to the landowner or a licensed contractor in Virginia.

Per State Code, the Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) must be identified and sign the Land Disturbing Permit Applicant and Compliance. Learn more about the State (RLD) Certificate of Competence program through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Stormwater Permits

An approved stormwater management plan and permit bond with bond type is required. The bond amount is based on the scope of work as shown on the approved plan.

This permit cannot be issued unless a Construction General Permit (PDF) has been obtained.

The permit fee is $200. The permit may be issued only to the landowner or a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia. 

Residential Driveway Entrance Permits

Applications to be submitted via eBUILD.

For new construction of a single-family residence, this permit is issued with the building permit in the Development and Permits Department, City Hall 2nd Floor 757-382-6018.

Permits for existing homes to replace an existing entrance, install a new or an additional entrance, and / or widening of an existing entrance, may be obtained from the Development and Permits, Civil Permits Section, City Hall 3rd Floor 757-382-6101. The permit may be issued only to the landowner or a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia.

The permit fee is $50. 

An insurance certificate, a minimum $100,000, must be provided for entrances that will cross an improved pedestrian walkway.

Miscellaneous Right-of-Way Permits

(Construction Noise, Easement Encroachment, Sidewalk Replacement, Curb Drain, Soil and Pavement Test Holes, Logging Entrances, etc.).

Applications to be submitted via eBUILD.

An approved construction plan and permit bond with bond type is required. The bond amount and permit inspection fee are based on the scope of work as shown on the plan. The permit may be issued only to the landowner or a licensed contractor in Virginia.

The permit applicant must submit evidence of the contractor's public liability insurance, a minimum $1,000,000, if work is within a traveled area.

Franchise Utility Permits

A Franchise or Temporary License Agreement approved by City Council is required.

Permit applications and plans are submitted via eBUILD.

The permit fee is $100.

Residential Land Disturbing Permits

Applications to be submitted via eBUILD.

  • For new construction of a single-family residence, this permit is issued with the building permit at the Development and Permits Department, City Hall 2nd Floor 757-382-6018.
  • For clearing an existing occupied residential lot or prior to obtaining the building permit, the permit may be obtained in the Development and Permits Department, City Hall 3rd Floor 757-382-6101.

The permit fee is $209, and the permit applicant must identify a State-certified Responsible Land Disturber.

A Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) will be required for permit approval.  For information on the State RLD program, visit the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.