Virginia Beach building permits
Building permits in Virginia Beach are issued by the Permits & Inspections Division (Planning & Community Development)1. You can apply and request inspections online through cvb-prod.accela.com2.
On this page
- Building department contacts
- Building codes in force in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach building permit fees
- How to get a building permit in Virginia Beach
- Permit expiration and extensions
- Inspections in Virginia Beach
- Building without a permit in Virginia Beach
- Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Virginia rules that also apply in Virginia Beach
- Sources
Building department contacts
Permits & Inspections Division (Planning & Community Development)1
Building permits
- Website
- planning.virginiabeach.gov1
- Apply online
- cvb-prod.accela.com2
- Phone
- (757) 385-42111
- [email protected]1
- Address
- Building 3, Municipal Center, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 234561
- Hours
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday1
- Inspections
- Online through the Accela Public Portal, 24/7; up to five working days ahead; must be scheduled before 8 a.m. for same-day3
Zoning Administration (Planning & Community Development)4
Zoning and planning
- Website
- planning.virginiabeach.gov4
- Apply online
- cvb-prod.accela.com5
- Phone
- (757) 385-80744
- [email protected]6
- Address
- Building 3, Municipal Center, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 234564
- Hours
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday4
Development Services Center (DSC)7
Public works and right-of-way
- Website
- planning.virginiabeach.gov7
- Phone
- (757) 385-46217
- [email protected]7
- Address
- Building 3, Municipal Center, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 234567
- Hours
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday7
Planning & Community Development, Floodplain Management8
Floodplain
- Website
- planning.virginiabeach.gov8
- Phone
- (757) 385-8615 (Whitney McNamara, CFM); flood zone determinations (757) 385-46218
- [email protected]8
Planning Administration Environmental Team (waterfront / CBPA / flood zone approvals)3
Floodplain
- [email protected]3
Permits & Inspections fire inspectors (fire protection system permits/inspections)9
Fire marshal
- Phone
- (757) 385-87699
Building codes in force in Virginia Beach
These are the model codes Virginia Beach enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Virginia building codes.
| Code | Title as adopted | Model edition | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| State code | Uniform Statewide Building Code (administered by Permits & Inspections)1 | 202110 | 11 |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 International Residential Code as referenced in the VCC (Virginia Residential Code, "VRC")10 | 202110 | 11 |
Adopted by: Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development12.
Virginia Beach building permit fees
Fees come from the Residential Building Permit Fees (Permits and Inspections), rev. Jul-202513.
How valuation is set. Construction value (alterations, roofing/siding, pools, mechanical); square feet (new living area and additions)13.
Each line is worded as in Virginia Beach’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Residential living area (heated), new and additions | Per square foot | $50.00 plus $7.00 per 100 square feet of area or fraction thereof13 |
| Non-heated residential, new and additions | Per square foot | $50.00 plus $4.00 per 100 square feet of area or fraction thereof13 |
| Residential alterations | Based on project valuation | $50.00 plus $5.00 per $1000 of construction value or fraction thereof13 |
| Roofing and siding permit | Based on project valuation | $50.00 plus $5.00 per $1000 of construction value or fraction thereof14 |
| In-ground and above ground pool permit | Based on project valuation | $50 plus $5 per $1,000 of construction value3 |
| Pool fence permit | – | $60.60 (includes 2% state levy and technology fee)3 |
| Right-of-way fee (in-ground pools only) | Flat fee | $353 |
| Fence permit (Zoning, fences/walls within 30 ft of a public right-of-way) | Flat fee | $616 |
| Residential Plan Review Fee | Plan review | $100.0013 |
| Residential Counter Plan Review | Plan review | $25.0013 |
| Residential Plan Review Revision | Plan review | $25.0013 |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Flat fee | $75.0013 |
| Re-inspection Fee | Re-inspection | $75.0013 |
| Right of Way Fee | Flat fee | $35.0013 |
| Water Service Line | Flat fee | $50.0013 |
| Sewer Service Line | Flat fee | $50.0013 |
| Administrative Fee for beginning work without a permit | Work started without a permit | $250.0013 |
| State levy | State surcharge | 2% of permit fees13 |
| Technology Fee | Technology surcharge | $10.00 on all permits13 |
| Electrical: New Service Single Phase | Flat fee | $50.00 plus $20.00 per 50 amps; Change of Service = 1/2 of New Service Fees9 |
| Electrical: 200 amp single-phase change of service (table cell) | Flat fee | Change of Service Up to 200 amps: $65.009 |
| Electrical: additions or repairs | Flat fee | $50.00 plus $5.00 per circuit9 |
| Electrical: generator circuit, panel replacement/relocation, meter base, pool bonding, etc. | Flat fee | $50.00 each9 |
| Gas permit | Per fixture or item | $50 plus $4 per outlet/shutoff9 |
| Mechanical permit | Based on project valuation | $50 plus $5 per $1,000 of the construction value9 |
| Plumbing permit | Per fixture or item | $50 plus $6 per fixture/drain9 |
| Plumbing/Mechanical plan review | Plan review | $509 |
| Demolition permit | Flat fee | $50 per structure/building2 |
| Accela online payment: ACH/eCheck processing fee (vendor) | Flat fee | $2.15 per transaction15 |
| Accela online payment: credit card processing fee (vendor) | – | $3.63 for transactions $100 or less; 3.47% over $10015 |
How to get a building permit in Virginia Beach
- Check whether the work needs a permit (list of residential work requiring permits)3
- Get zoning-approved site plan (and DSC approval where needed) for additions, decks, sheds, pools3
- Check environmental approvals for CBPA, flood zone or Southern Rivers Watershed properties3
- Apply online through the Accela Public Portal (or at the counter for small plan sets)2
- Plan review: 15-45 business days for the initial online review; revisions half that2
- Schedule required inspections at each stage3
- Final inspection; utility release generated after all finals approved9
- Apply online
- Yes2
- Over-the-counter permits
- Residential counter review: additions, alterations and accessory structures 500 sq ft or less, uncovered decks of any size; plan set max five pages2
- Posting the permit
- Yes16
Permit expiration and extensions
- How long a permit lasts
- May be revoked if work not started within 6 months or suspended/abandoned 6 months16
- Extensions
- 1 year16
Inspections in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).
- New buildings / additions / storage: setback/footing, slab/foundation, framing/insulation, final3
- Interior alterations: framing/insulation, final3
- Siding / EIFS / roofing / fences: final3
- Garages / sheds over 256 sq ft: setback/footing, framing/insulation, final3
- Above-ground pools: final3
- In-ground pools: setback/footing, final3
- Decks / screened-in porches: setback/footing, slab/foundation, framing/insulation, final3
- Trailers / mobile homes: setback/footing, final3
- Electrical, residential new service/new wiring: rough-in, slab, trenching, final9
- Electrical, panel/meter replacement or relocation: final9
- Mechanical, new or replacement gas appliance: rough-in and final9
- Gas piping: pressure test and final9
- Plumbing, residential on slab: slab, top out, shower pan, water, sewer, final9
- Final inspection / certificate of occupancy13
- How to schedule
- Online through the Accela Public Portal, 24/7; up to five working days ahead; must be scheduled before 8 a.m. for same-day3
- Re-inspection fee
- $75.0013
- After the final inspection
- Certificate of occupancy within five working days after final approval17
Building without a permit in Virginia Beach
| Consequence | Applies to | As the city states it |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation fee | Beginning work without a permit (building, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, elevator permits)13 | $250.00 administrative fee13 |
| Criminal penalty Va. Code § 36-106 | Any USBC violation18 | Fine of not more than $2,50018 |
| Civil penalty Va. Code § 36-106 | Locality civil penalty schedule (optional local ordinance)18 | Not more than $100 initial summons; not more than $350 each additional18 |
For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.
Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Homeowner may pull a building permit
- Yes3
- Homeowner electrical work
- Yes9
- Homeowner plumbing work
- Yes9
- Owner and occupancy requirement
- One primary residence owned by him and for his own use, per 24 months19
- Sale or rental limits
- CO required before conveying unless purchaser acknowledges in writing19
- Affidavit or declaration
- Notarized Affidavit of Permit Authorization when an agent (not lessee/architect/engineer/contractor) applies for the owner20
Virginia's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Virginia permit guide.
Virginia rules that also apply in Virginia Beach
- Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections in Virginia
- Contractor licensing in Virginia
- Selling a home with unpermitted work in Virginia
- Private plan review and inspections in Virginia
Sources
- Permits & Inspections | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
- Building Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
- Residential Building Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
- Zoning Administration | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Zoning AdministrationChecked November 7, 2026
- City of Virginia Beach Public Portal (Accela)City of Virginia BeachChecked November 7, 2026
- Fence and Wall BulletinCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Zoning AdministrationRevised November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Development Services Center | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Development Services CenterChecked November 7, 2026
- Floodplain Management | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Trades Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
- 13VAC5-63-10. Section 101 GeneralCommonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Administrative Code)Effective January 18, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Codes | DHCDVirginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)Checked November 7, 2026
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) | DHCDVirginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)Checked November 7, 2026
- Residential Building Permit FeesCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionRevised July 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Roofing and Siding Permit FeesCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionRevised July 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Accela Public Portal Processing Fees | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- 13VAC5-63-100. Section 110 PermitsCommonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Administrative Code)Effective January 18, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- 13VAC5-63-160. Section 116 Certificates of occupancyCommonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Administrative Code)Effective January 18, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- § 36-106. Violation a misdemeanor; civil penaltyCommonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Law, Code of Virginia)Checked November 7, 2026
- § 54.1-1101. Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penaltiesCommonwealth of Virginia, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Law, Code of Virginia)Checked November 7, 2026
- Affidavit of Permit AuthorizationCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionRevised November 2025Checked November 7, 2026