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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

Short-Term Rentals

Learn more about what's required to operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach.

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Short-term Rentals

Latest News

  • September 11, 2025

    Public Invited to Provide Input on the City’s Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan

    Two public meetings scheduled in September

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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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