{"id":1627,"date":"2024-02-19T07:43:53","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T12:43:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/?p=1627"},"modified":"2024-01-25T01:47:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T06:47:49","slug":"building-permits-in-chesapeake-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/building-permits-in-chesapeake-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to building permits in Chesapeake, Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Renovating your business\u2019 storefront or remodeling a condo complex can be confusing, and one of the most mind-boggling elements is when and how to apply for building permits. When creating a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/commercial-construction-timeline\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">commercial construction timeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> with your contractor, consider when and how to apply for building permits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For businesses located in Chesapeake, Virginia, this guide outlines the types of building permits in Chesapeake, Virginia, and the process to apply for the right permit. Continue reading to discover what type of permit your project needs and why it\u2019s best to work with a local contractor who can help you navigate the permit application process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is a Building Permit?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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\">The requirements for a building permit vary from city to city, which is why it\u2019s best to check with a guide focused on your area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Residential vs Commercial Building Permits in Chesapeake<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before applying for a permit in Chesapeake, Virginia, it\u2019s important to note if your project is residential or commercial. Unlike in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/virginia-beach-building-permit\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">nearby Virginia Beach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the process between the two doesn\u2019t differ as much (because divisions must also be considered in Chesapeake, which we\u2019ll discuss in the next section).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Still, it\u2019s important to know which project type you have and to work with an appropriate contractor who specializes in one or the other. If a building or structure will be used for business, a commercial permit is needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commercial buildings include, but are not limited to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Storefronts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Restaurants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hair salons<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Healthcare facilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Assisted living homes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Multi-family houses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Condo complexes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gyms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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. In contrast, residential buildings are those lived in by a single family, such as a single home or townhouse in a residential district.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While it might seem like a condo complex falls under residential, it\u2019s considered a commercial project if you\u2019re renting out units to multiple families. This applies, even if you or your family live in one of the units.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Four Divisions in Chesapeake<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Along with understanding if a project is residential or commercial, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/216\/Development-Permits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">four divisions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that permits can be submitted to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Building, Permits, Plan Review, and Inspections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zoning and Property Maintenance Enforcement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Civil Permitting, Civil Inspections, and Commercial and Subdivision Development<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Site Construction Plan Review and Engineering Subdivision<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most commercial and residential applications are reviewed through the first division. This includes additions, accessory structures, renovations, and any work in the trades (plumbing, electrical, mechanical).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some site plans may be submitted through the fourth division, though this is less likely. To understand the right division for your project, talk to a local contractor who understands Chesapeake\u2019s building code.<\/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\">A commercial building permit is usually needed in Chesapeake, Virginia. Projects that must have a permit include new constructions, additions, and alterations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some smaller projects don\u2019t fall under that umbrella. These include:\u00a0<\/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, even with small changes, it can be hard to tell if it will be classified as an alteration and thus need a Chesapeake, Virginia building permit. Because of this, it\u2019s also best to discuss any renovation project with a local contractor who understands Chesapeake&#8217;s building code.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Commercial Construction\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let\u2019s say you\u2019re building a new hospital from scratch or you just bought a plot of land and want to knock down the existing structure to build a new grocery store. In either case, you\u2019d need a permit for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/304\/New-Commercial-Building-Construction-Per\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">new commercial construction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Since this project type differs greatly from renovating an existing structure, different regulations are needed and the permit requires different components. Working with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/commercial-contractor-in-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">contractor in Virginia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> who understands these differences is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commercial Additions\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anytime you add onto a commercial building, you need this type of Chesapeake building permit. Adding a new room, garage, or screen-in space all count as commercial additions. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/licensed-commercial-contractor-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Licensed contractors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in your area should understand what is needed to submit this type of application.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commercial Alterations\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Chesapeake, a different type of permit is needed for different types of alterations. For example, adding an elevator to the space requires an elevator permit, which differs from the gas permit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To fully understand what alterations do and don\u2019t need a permit and the type of permit needed, speak with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/commercial-real-estate-contractor-in-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">local commercial contractor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, especially since the city\u2019s website is vague on permit requirements for renovations and remodels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Submitting the Application<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An individual, business, or contractor can submit their permit request through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/222\/eBUILD-Chesapeake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">eBUILD <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(electronic Building, Utilities, Inspections, Land Use, and Development). eBuild is an online platform that can be accessed 24\/7.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once on the platform, someone can submit their permit application, see the current status of any submitted applications, or look at requirements for a plan review or permit application. It\u2019s also possible to schedule inspections or navigate various local projects in the eBUILD portal through their interactive map feature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How much is a building permit in Chesapeake VA?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The minimum fee for a permit in Chesapeake, Virginia is $50. On top of that, most businesses will pay an additional $10 for every 100 square feet. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/596\/Fees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">city\u2019s website outlines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> how this pricing structure works in more detail.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What requires a building permit in Virginia?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can be tricky to determine what requires a building permit in Virginia since each city or area, not the entire state, defines building codes and permit requirements. In general, most new builds, additions, and major alterations need a permit while maintenance and repair projects don\u2019t. For a more accurate answer, consult a local contractor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What happens if you don&#8217;t get a building permit in Virginia?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Without a building permit in Virginia, the project cannot legally be undertaken. If someone still starts a project without a permit, they may face legal proceedings, as defined by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title13\/agency5\/chapter63\/section150\/#:~:text=Compliance%20with%20a%20notice%20of,required%20construction%20permit%20prior%20to\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">section 155.3 of Virginia\u2019s administrative code<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Renovating your business\u2019 storefront or remodeling a condo complex can be confusing, and one of the most mind-boggling elements is when and how to apply for building permits. When creating a commercial construction timeline with your contractor, consider when and how to apply for building permits.\u00a0 For businesses located in Chesapeake, Virginia, this guide outlines [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1628,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1627"}],"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=1627"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1630,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1627\/revisions\/1630"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}