Special Exception

What Is a Special Exception?

A special exception may be granted by the Planning Commission for the relief of specific Zoning Ordinance requirements only under special circumstances. The Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance specifies when a property owner can apply for a special exception. Consideration for a special exception can be processed as part of a required preliminary site plan or subdivision plan review or as a separate request.

  • The application deadline is 5 p.m. on the 4th Monday of the month. Check the Planning Commission Public Hearing Schedule (PDF) for specific dates.
  • Please read the Public Hearing Application Review Instructions (PDF) prior to submitting an application. 
  • Deliver all Original Notarized Documents listed under Application Submittal to the Planning Department by 5 p.m. on the filing deadline date. Failure to submit a complete application by the filing date will result in the application being deemed incomplete.

Please click on each of the tabs below to view additional information.

Use the eBUILD Application Assistant to find information needed for applications.eBUILD

Submit the following documents and information in eBUILD for a complete application:

*Documents must be uploaded and originals delivered to the Planning Department by the deadline

For additional questions about special exception applications, please contact the Planning Department at 757-382-6176 or at planning@cityofchesapeake.net