city · Independent City County · Virginia

Roanoke, Virginia Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

5.5

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

39 days

5-6 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$11,700

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$8,500

per lot

Permit Fee

$2,250

residential

Plan Review Fee

$950

per application

Delay Risk

27%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval (historic districts)
✓ Site plan review
✓ Zoning compliance review
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Erosion control plan
✓ Fire Marshal review
✓ Tree preservation plan
✓ Utility connection permits

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

City of Roanoke Planning, Building & Development. Largest city in Southwest Virginia. Mix of historic neighborhoods and newer development. Historic districts require Architectural Review Board approval. Most residential development is infill or redevelopment. Lower cost structure than Northern Virginia/Richmond markets.

Recent Changes

October 2025: Updated Vision 2040 Comprehensive Plan. September 2025: Revised historic district guidelines. No significant fee increases for 2026. November 2025: Updated stormwater management ordinance. City focused on downtown revitalization and neighborhood infill.

Rezone Probability

65%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(540) 853-2344

Official Website

https://www.roanokeva.gov/204/Planning-Building-Development

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