Construction or alteration of a commercial structure requiring permits include cutting away any wall, partition, or portion of the building; the removal or cutting of any structural beam; the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of the structure affecting the egress requirements.

Change of use Alterations:

  • Bow or bay windows alterations
  • Converting garage space / screened in porches to living space
  • Foundation repairs
  • Replacing windows or exterior doors IF frames or jams are altered
  • Roofing or siding replacements

Construction of Additions:

  • Carports and garages (attached / detached)
  • Room additions 
  • Screened in porches

Other Structures and Alterations

  • Chimneys
  • Decks
  • Detached structures (gazebos, sheds greater than 256 square feet, storage buildings, trellises, etc.), 
  • Driveways/driveway aprons
  • Fences
  • Hot tubs/spas (capable of holding at least 24 inches of water)
  • Pool installations, in-ground and above-ground (capable of holding at least 24 inches of water)
  • Portable buildings or classrooms
  • Trailers/mobile homes
  • Waterfront construction (bulkheads, piers, boat lifts, rip rap, etc.). Structures in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) or Southern Watershed Area may require permits, regardless of size

Demolition or removal of a structure and moving a lot line that affects an existing structure also require permits. 

Scheduling Commercial Building Inspections

Inspections are scheduled through Permits & Inspections online permitting service, which allows contractors and homeowners to schedule, cancel or reschedule inspections. Relevant information and inspection results can also be reviewed. The system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Inspections can be scheduled up to five working days in advance of the desired inspection date; however, they must be scheduled PRIOR to 8 a.m. for the day desired. All inspections scheduled after 8 a.m. will not be available for a same-day inspection.

Schedule inspections no later than 7 a.m. the day the inspection is desired to assure the information will be recorded in time.​

After an inspection has been scheduled, inspectors may be contacted between 8 and 9 a.m. the day of the inspection. The inspectors will arrange their daily work schedules and do not know what inspections have been requested prior to the inspection date.

Per the Virginia Construction Code Chapter 1, the minimum required inspections for the various types of work are listed below. However, this is a generic list and may not be applicable to, or inclusive of, all situations.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to supply a ladder or other means if access to the attic or roof is required to make the inspection. VCC Chapter 1.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to schedule the required inspections at the appropriate stage of construction. VCC Chapter 1.

When Commercial Building Inspections are Required

  • New buildings/additions/storage: setback/footing, slab/foundation, above ceiling, framing/insulation, final.
  • Interior alterations/construction on existing: above ceiling, framing/insulation, final.
  • Siding/EIFS/roofing/fences: final.
  • Construction trailer: setback/footing, final.
  • Garages/sheds over 256 sq ft: setback/footing, foundation, above ceiling, framing/insulation, final.
  • In-ground pools: setback/footing, final.

Commercial Building Plan Review

The following information is required for your commercial building plan review.

  • A $200 plan review deposit.

  • A cover letter with the contact person's name, address, phone and fax number to whom all correspondence will be sent.

  • Two copies of the complete signed and sealed architectural and structural plans, as well as material specifications of all work. 

  • A site plan that includes size and location of all new construction and all existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, established street grades and proposed finished grades.

  • Architectural plans and specifications that include description of uses and the proposed use group(s) for all portions of the building; the design approach for mixed-uses (as applicable); proposed type of construction of the building; fully dimensioned drawings to determine areas and building height; accurate details and dimensions to evaluate means of egress, including occupant loads for each floor, exit arrangement and sizes, corridors, stairs, doors, etc.; exit signs / means of egress lighting, including power supply; accessibility provisions; description and details of proposed special occupancies, such as a covered mall, high-rise, mezzanine, atrium, public garage, etc.; accurate details to evaluate fire-resistive construction requirements, including data substantiating required ratings; details of plastic, insulation and safety glazing installation; and details of required fire protection systems. 

  • Structural plans, specifications and engineering details that include soils report indicating the soil type and recommended allowable bearing pressure and foundation type; local design load criteria, including frost depth; wind load design criteria and exposure; details of foundations and superstructure; provisions for required special inspections; and applicable construction standards and material specifications (i.e. masonry, concrete, wood, steel, etc.). 

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