The Virginia Beach Planning Department offers over-the-counter services for zoning, trade, and *small-scale building permits meeting the criteria below to walk-in customers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Mondays and Thursdays, over-the-counter services are available by appointment. Please call (757) 385-4621 and press 0 to be directed to the appropriate team.

Hard copy applications can be dropped off at the front counter Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or anytime in the drop box outside the main entrance.

Save yourself a trip! Use our online application system any time to apply for a permit, submit an application, or request an inspection.

Counter Hours of Operation

Monday: Drop-off available, or services by appointment only. Call (757) 385-4621 and press option 0 or email planningcustomerservice@vbgov.com.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.*
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.*
Thursday: Drop-off available, or services by appointment only. Call (757) 385-4621 and press option 0 or email planningcustomerservice@vbgov.com.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.*

*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:

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.

• Apply for a permit, submit an application or request inspections