Bayfront Advisory Commission Board of Zoning Appeals Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board Green Ribbon Committee Historic Preservation Commission Historical Review Board Old Beach Design Review Committee Planning Commission Conditional Use Permit Rezoning Property Resort Advisory Commission Transition Area/ITA Citizens Advisory Committee Wetlands Board Comprehensive Plan
Back
Comprehensive Plan
2016 Comprehensive Plan Transportation Planning Strategic Growth Areas Burton Station SGA Centerville SGA Hilltop SGA Lynnhaven SGA Newtown SGA Pembroke SGA Resort SGA Resort Area Mobility Plan Resort Area Outdoor Café Franchise Program Rosemont SGA Princess Anne Commons & Transition Area Suburban Focus Areas Special Economic Growth Areas Environmental Planning
Back
Environmental Planning
Floodplain Management Elevation Certificates Wetlands Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board Land Development
Back
Land Development
Development Liaison Legal Forms & Templates Site Plans Stormwater Subdivision Plans & Plats Sureties Permits
Back
Permits
Building Commercial Building Permits Residential Building Permits Conditional Use Fence/Wall Moving & Hauling Peddler Right of Way Short-Term Rentals Signs Trades Waterfront/Wetlands Zoning
Back
Zoning
Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Common Zoning Terminology Complaints Form-Based Zoning Central Business District/Town Center Oceanfront Resort District Rezoning Property Short-Term Rentals Variances & Appeals
Planning & Community Development
The department strives to provide excellent service to its customers; protect and preserve the safety and welfare of Virgina Beach residents and visitors through upholding codes, policies and regulations; and collaborate and communicate effectively 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.
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. 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. 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:
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.