{"id":1533,"date":"2024-01-22T07:05:20","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T12:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/?p=1533"},"modified":"2024-01-03T09:09:35","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T14:09:35","slug":"virginia-beach-building-permit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/virginia-beach-building-permit\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get a Virginia Beach Building Permit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re building or renovating a structure in Virginia Beach, you\u2019ll most likely need a building permit before your contractor starts on the project. A building permit is a document issued by the local government, approving a new construction, building alteration, or building addition. While this sounds straightforward, understanding the process and which type of permit is needed can be confusing, especially for those who don\u2019t work in construction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This guide outlines what type of Virginia Beach Building permit you need based on project type and how to apply for a permit online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Residential vs Commercial Virginia Beach Building Permits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are two main types of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/planning.virginiabeach.gov\/permits\/building\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">permits in Virginia Beach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: commercial and residential. If your building will be used as a single-family home, it falls under the residential category. In this case, you want to work with a contractor who specializes in residential buildings and apply for a residential permit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If a building or structure will be used for business, a commercial permit is needed. Commercial buildings include, but are not limited to, storefronts, restaurants, pet salons, bookstores, healthcare facilities, assisted living homes, multi family houses, and condo complexes. If a business operates out of a building or multiple families live in a structure and pay rent, it\u2019s safe to assume a commercial permit is needed.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When a Commercial Building Permit is Needed<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sometimes, you as a property owner can make small alterations to a building without needing a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/planning.virginiabeach.gov\/permits\/building\/commercial-building-permits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Virginia Beach building permit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. These small changes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adding a new layer of paint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Replacing hardwood floors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adding or replacing carpet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Changing a door or window, so long as the swap doesn\u2019t alter the building\u2019s structure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Replacing paneling or drywall<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, if any of these changes alter the building structure, they need a Virginia Beach building permit. Because of the grey area around what changes do and don\u2019t need a permit, it\u2019s also best to work with a trusted contractor who can help you navigate the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you do need a Virginia Beach building permit, there are three kinds of commercial ones. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each, including application requirements. There are some additional permits for plumbing, water supply, and other utilities, and a skilled contractor will know the needed submittals and how the building code of Virginia applies to these areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Commercial Construction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When you build a new commercial construction, such as a shop or healthcare facility, you need to apply for a new commercial construction permit. To apply, the following documentation is needed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paid public utility receipts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2 copies of the site plan, approved by the Zoning Office and the Development Services Center<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The contractor\u2019s information, including license type, state registration number, and address<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zoning Division approval for the business location<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost of construction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Construction size in square feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Construction type and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/construction-use-group\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">use group<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While this permit is often for new storefronts and commercial buildings, other structures may require this type too, including gazebos, sheds greater than 256 feet, portable buildings, and mobile homes used for commercial purposes. In-ground pools, hot tubs, and swimming pools for commercial use also fall under this permit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commercial Additions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anytime you add onto a commercial building, you need this type of Virginia Beach building permit. Adding a garage, room, or screened-in porch all count as commercial additions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To apply for this type of permit, you and your contractor must gather:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2 copies of the site plan, approved by the Zoning Office and the Development Services Center<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paid public utility receipts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The contractor\u2019s information and license type<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost of construction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Construction type and use group<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depending on the building\u2019s age and use, there may be additional information needed for your application, which is why it\u2019s important to work with a commercial contractor who understands Virginia Beach building permits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commercial Alterations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Virginia Beach government provides some examples of commercial alterations on their website, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repairs to foundation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Moving walls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Structural changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Changing office layouts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anytime you are renovating in a way that alters the structure of a building, you need a commercial alterations permit. For a better idea of what constitutes as a commercial alteration, check out our work for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/case_studies\/mccormick-law\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">McCormick Law<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/case_studies\/jump-trampoline-park-virginia-beach\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jump Trampoline Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/case_studies\/pursuit\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pursuit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To apply for this specific type of Virginia Beach building permit, general information applicants must submit includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Floor plans and plan review<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Receipts showing public utility fees have been paid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zoning approval for your business<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A building permit application with a contractor\u2019s license type\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost of construction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Construction type and use group<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Depending on the building\u2019s age and use, additional requirements, such as a health inspection, may be needed to apply for a Virginia Beach building permit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Submitting the Application<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Virginia Beach, almost all building permits must be submitted through their online portal. Some small plans and building inspections can be processed in person at their office (2875 Sabre St., Suite 500), but they must meet the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/planning.virginiabeach.gov\/permits\/building\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">guidelines outlined here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before applying, work with your contractor to gather all necessary materials. Often, your contractor will submit the permit application for you, but make sure this is the case before you start working with a contractor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are also some fees to pay for each permit type. For new commercial buildings and alterations, the fee is $50.00 plus $8.00 for every 100 square feet. If the building isn\u2019t heated, the cost drops to $4.00 per 100 square feet. Commercial alterations cost $50.00 plus $5.00 for every 100 square feet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additional fees and a 2% tax levy often apply, making it tricky to determine the price of a permit or inspection. For a full breakdown of Virginia Beach building permit fees, check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/virginia-beach-departments-docs\/planning\/Divisions-Offices\/Permits_Inspections\/Documents\/Commercial-permit-fees.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">up-to-date fee information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How big can I build without a permit in Virginia?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You need a building permit for almost all structures in Virginia. The one exception is one-story detached structures that are less than 256 square feet. These structures must also not be classified as Group F-1 or H occupancy. Even though these buildings don\u2019t often require the issuance of a permit,, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhcd.virginia.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Docx\/technical-memos-bulletins\/carports-garages-sheds-info.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Virginia government<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> still recommends consulting local officials before building.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom in Virginia?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All interior alterations, including bathroom renovations, require a permit in Virginia. There are usually different permit types for renovating a bathroom in a commercial space and a residential space. For example, renovating a bathroom in an office or lobby will require a different permit than renovating one in a single family home. Permit requirements and type are determined by your local government, not the state of Virginia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What requires a building permit in Virginia Beach?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If Virginia Beach, almost all construction types require a permit. A build out, renovation, or remodeling project that alters a commercial or residential structure needs a permit. If a project only produces minor changes, such as a different paint color, a permit is not usually needed. To ensure you have any necessary permits, consult with a licensed contractor before starting your project. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re building or renovating a structure in Virginia Beach, you\u2019ll most likely need a building permit before your contractor starts on the project. A building permit is a document issued by the local government, approving a new construction, building alteration, or building addition. While this sounds straightforward, understanding the process and which type of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[118,25],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1533"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1534,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1533\/revisions\/1534"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}