Show All Answers

1. What is considered to be a commercial alteration / tenant build-out?

• Commercial Alteration - When an existing tenant remodels their space, including exterior renovations and roof replacement.
• Tenant Build-Out - When a new tenant establishes occupancy in a previously occupied or unoccupied commercial space (shopping center, mall, office building, etc.)

2. When is a permit required for tenant build-out?

Note: Whether Commercial Alteration or Tenant Build-Out, a Commercial Building Permit (PDF) is typically required.

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: 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 aisle-way 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 regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
  • (An example would be above-ground or below-ground storage tanks.)
• There is an increase to allowed occupancy load reflected on the C.O.
  • (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 i.e. kitchen, seating, and waiting areas.)
  • 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 to 3.

3. How do I find out what level my project is?

• LEVEL 0 - Painting and carpeting; no change of use and occupancy.
  • Level 0 requirements
• LEVEL 1 - Minimal alterations to a tenant space; establishing new use and occupancy.
  • Level 1 requirements
• LEVEL 2 - More extensive interior alterations (removal and addition of walls, etc.) or when the use is changing.
  • Level 2 requirements
• LEVEL 3 - Architectural / Engineer prepared plans with seal required.
  • Level 3 requirements

4. What should I bring to Development and 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 and Permits to obtain a permit.

Permit Applications, Instructions & Other Resources

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Electrical Permit Application (PDF)
• Instructions for Electrical Permits
• Fire Protection or Hazardous Materials System Permit Application (PDF)
• Mechanical / Gas Permit Application (PDF)
• Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)
• More forms and permits (Development and Permits)

Other Resources

• Top Ten Reasons for Plan Rejection
• Top Ten Reasons Why Fire Protection or Hazardous Material System Plans Get Rejected or Delayed