city · Independent City County · Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

6.2

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

46 days

6-7 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$14,650

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$10,800

per lot

Permit Fee

$2,700

residential

Plan Review Fee

$1,150

per application

Delay Risk

36%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Site plan review
✓ Architectural review (historic districts)
✓ Zoning compliance review
✓ Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area compliance
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Sea level rise adaptation (certain zones)
✓ Fire Marshal review
✓ Erosion control plan
✓ Utility connection permits

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

City of Norfolk Planning & Community Development. Hampton Roads' urban core. Most development is infill or redevelopment. Historic Ghent and other districts require architectural review. Naval Station Norfolk proximity affects development in some areas. Strong focus on urban revitalization.

Recent Changes

January 2026: Updated plaNorfolk 2030 comprehensive plan. November 2025: Revised historic district guidelines. December 2025: New stormwater requirements for Chesapeake Bay compliance. October 2025: Updated zoning ordinance for mixed-use downtown developments. Sea level rise adaptation requirements added.

Rezone Probability

56%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(757) 664-4752

Official Website

https://www.norfolk.gov/518/Planning-Community-Development

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