We have moved! The Virginia Beach Planning Department has relocated to the Municipal Center into newly renovated spaces in Building 3 located at 2403 Courthouse Drive (the former City Hall building).
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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.
Planning & Community Development
Virginia Relay TTY
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.
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.
Learn more about what's required to operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach.
April 21, 2025
Satellite Treasurer’s Office co-located with Planning Department at Sabre Street to close permanently.
November 1, 2024
June 18, 2024
May 3, 2024
Five open-house-style meetings scheduled in May
