Planning & Community Development
The department protects and preserves the safety and welfare of Virginia Beach residents and visitors by upholding codes, policies and regulations in all functions of community design and development.
The City is currently in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. The compilation and analysis of residents' input on Virginia Beach's existing conditions will be crucial for planning the city's growth over the next several years. Take the opportunity to explore the planning areas that support the diverse lifestyles in our city.
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The Virginia Beach Planning Department now offers over-the-counter services 5 days a week for zoning, trade and *small-scale building permits meeting the criteria below to walk-in customers.
Counter hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.*, Monday through Friday.
Save yourself a trip! Use our online application system any time to apply for a permit, submit an application or request an inspection.
*4:30 closing times are required to allow for payment processing and end-of-day billing to be completed by 5 p.m.
Counter Review Requirements
Commercial and residential building plan sets must meet the following criteria in order to be accepted at the counter:
Residential
- Additions with a work area of 500 square feet or less
- Alterations with a work area of 500 square feet or less
- Accessory structures with a work area of 500 square feet or less
- Plan sets may not exceed five pages
Commercial
- Interior and exterior alterations with a work area of 2,500 square feet or less
- No change of use
- No A, I, or H uses
- Plan sets may not exceed five pages
Larger commercial and residential building projects that do not meet the criteria above must be submitted online. Review services for online submissions take three business days for the initial review and for subsequent revisions.
Short-Term Rentals
Learn more about what's required to operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach.
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Latest News
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July 28, 2025
Public Utilities, Planning and Housing Offices Closed Early Due to Power Outage
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April 21, 2025
Virginia Beach Planning and Public Utilities Departments Relocating to Municipal Center Campus
Satellite Treasurer’s Office co-located with Planning Department at Sabre Street to close permanently.
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November 1, 2024
Temporary Road Closure on Atlantic Avenue Nov. 4
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June 18, 2024
Seatack Historic District Listed in National Register of Historic Places