The Building Permit process begins with a building permit application. Unless an application has been submitted to the building department, a permit has not been applied for.
To apply for a permit, complete a permit application and submit it to the Building Department. Complete permit applications may be mailed, or hand delivered the Building Department office. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. If you mail please follow up with a telephone call to be sure that it has been received, is complete and ready for processing.
Because there are a wide variety of permit types and situations, not every application requires the same information or takes the same review and approval route. However, in general, permits involve three tiers of approvals; Health Department, Zoning, and Building Department.
Permit applications are available for:
Building Permits
Electrical Permits
Shore Electrical Inspections
757-709-1025
When Permits are Required
Permits are required for all construction regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). To download a free copy of the USBC, please visit: www.vbcoa.org
To view USBC requirements for permits visit: USBC 108.1
If after reviewing the above, you are in doubt, please contact the Building Official, describe the situation and ask for a determination as to whether a permit is required.
How To Apply For A Permit
To apply for a permit, complete a building permit application and submit it to the Building Department. Complete permit applications may be mailed or hand delivered the Building Department office. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. If you mail the application, please follow up with a telephone call to be sure that it is complete and ready for processing.
Taxes
County regulations require that all real estate taxes be paid up to date in order to apply for a building permit. To check on the status of real estate taxes, please contact the Treasurer's Office. Permit applications for properties that have taxes that are past due will not be accepted for processing.
Site Plan / Zoning
All permits that require an increase in the footprint of a building or structure or change of use of a structure will require a site plan. This includes the addition of a deck, garage, pool, or shed.
The complexity of a site plan, and the approval process depends largely on the nature and location of the project. At a minimum, a site plan must show the following:
- Street address or Tax Map ID number of the property.
- Location of all property lines, easements, rights of way.
- Location of 100 year flood plain - if present. A flood elevation certificate, prepared and sealed by a qualified design professional may also be required along with the site plan.
- Location of all structures on the property.
- Distance between proposed structure and property lines.
The department staff may require additional information be shown on the site plan.
Site plans must be an accurate representation of site conditions.
Building Plans
Two sets of plans must be submitted. Following plan review and approval, one set will be returned to the applicant to be kept on the job site. The second set will be retained by the County.
Plans not sealed by an licensed architect or engineer, must include the name, occupation, address and contact information of the person who prepared them.
Plans for construction will be reviewed by building department staff, therefore it is important that they accurately convey the scope and construction methods of the project. Plans should show all structural aspects the work. Additional requirements will be required for more complex structures.
Wind Resistant Construction: Plans for structure located within 1500 feet of tidal salt water shall be sealed by a Va. Licensed Registered Design Professional and comply with the County's Wind Resistant Construction plans policy. Wind Resistant Construction Policy
Flood Plain: Structures located within the 100 year flood plain must indicate storm resistant construction, including the placement and size of all flood vents, and methods of anchoring against uplift (floatation) and the effects of water pressure on the structure. Plans for structures located in "V" type flood zones MUST be sealed by a Virginia licensed architect or engineer.
Examples:
Decks / Piers: Show footing sizes; post spacing; girder size and span; joist size, spacing and spans; guardrail, handrail and star details.
Pools: Location of all utilities on the property in relation to the pool; location of all dwelling units on the properties; location of all fences or barriers around the pool; details of barriers, fences and gates through the barrier.
Alterations: Plans should indicate the existing conditions as well as what will be changed. When alterations involve structural changes, the nature of the change must be clearly detailed.
New residential structures and additions: All structural aspects including footings; foundation walls, access and vents; girder sizes and spans; floor joist sizes, spans and spacing; header sizes and spans; window locations and sizes; door locations; roof construction methods, including wind resistant construction methods. Plans must also indicate stair locations, handrails and geometry; and a complete floor plan for each level. Indicate each fire place and mechanical equipment location. Plans for additions should also include the location of all existing bedrooms in the existing structure.
Other Structures: Plans must be detailed enough for a complete structural evaluation. Plans for multiple dwelling buildings, or multi-use structures must also address fire walls, fire separation assemblies, as well as height and area limitations. Buildings required to be equipped with fire suppression systems must indicate the location and type of suppression system.
Accessibility: Plans for new and altered commercial facilities must include details of accessibility. Please include a completed Accessibility Compliance Form with each application for commercial alteration.
Asbestos: State regulations require that buildings built before 1985, must be inspected for asbestos containing materials before permits for alteration or demolition may be issued.
Structures located within the 100 year flood plain must indicate storm resistant construction, including the placement and size of all flood vents, and methods of anchoring against wind uplift and the effects of water pressure on the structure. Plans for structures located in "V" type flood zones MUST be sealed by a Virginia licensed architect or engineer.
Plans for structures located within 1500 feet of major bodies of water must be sealed by a Registered Design Professional. See the County's policy regarding these structures. RDP Policy
Incomplete plans will result in a delay in issuance of permits.
Forms
Various Forms may be downloaded from this page: Permit Guides