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1. How do I know when to call for an inspection?

New Building Construction Inspection Requirements: Residential and Commercial (PDF)

2. Who should I call to request an inspection?

The City will make every effort to provide inspections on your requested date. However, please be aware the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code allows two working days from the date of request to perform the inspection.

You can request your inspections by phone or online.

Process for Requesting Inspections

You may request inspections by telephone or online via our eBUILD site.

All phone-in inspection requests should be directed to the City's Customer Contact Center at 757-382-CITY (2489). You may also submit your inspection request online via the City of Chesapeake Customer Contact Center. Online submittals may be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You may request a next-business-day inspection by phone, or online up to 11:59 a.m. the previous day.

Instructions for Requesting an Inspection

• Request by phone: Please call 757-382-CITY (2489) to request an inspection.
• Request online: eBUILD.

Request by Phone

All inspections by phone should be directed to the City's Customer Contact Center at 757-382-CITY (2489). Operator on duty - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Callers must be prepared to provide specific required information when requesting an inspection.

• Permit Number
• Property Address
• Type of Inspections - Required Steps (PDF)
• Contractor's Name
• Phone Number
• Requestor Name
• A copy of the approved plans and any engineering (if applicable) as well as the approved site plan are required to be on-site for inspection. The minimum size required is 18 feet by 24 feet for additions, houses or larger projects, small sheds, decks, or other minor work may use 8.5 feet by 11 feet as long as the details are sufficiently legible. Plans are downloadable from your permit record in eBUILD.

3. How do I know if my inspection was approved?

The Department of Development and Permits-issued standard operating procedures include the Code Compliance Inspectors leaving a yellow inspection card at the job site to notify the permit holder if the inspection was approved or rejected with a brief explanation if rejected.

4. When can I move in to my new home?

All new residential dwellings are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy after the completion of all required construction inspections.

As required by Section §116.1 of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, any building or structure constructed under this code shall not be used until a Certificate of Use and Occupancy has been issued by the building official.

5. What can I do if my inspections are not finalized and I must move in?

You may contact the Building Code Official in the Department of Development and Permits and apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. However, the following are guidelines to apply for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy:

1. The building permit holder is the only party eligible to request a temporary certificate of occupancy.
2. All inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas) except building final must be finalized. A final building inspection must be done before applying.
3. If the property is located in the flood zone, the FEMA letter is required.
4. Septic tank and/or well water approval letters must be received in this office.
5. A review of any rejected or outstanding issues will be considered prior to issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy.

Should the applicant fail to renew and/or complete inspections/conditions of a permit authorized a temporary occupancy, this privilege will be suspended until full compliance is achieved.