city · Independent City County · Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

5.8

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

42 days

6 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$13,150

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$9,600

per lot

Permit Fee

$2,500

residential

Plan Review Fee

$1,050

per application

Delay Risk

30%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Site plan review (DRC for larger projects)
✓ Zoning compliance review
✓ Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area review
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Erosion & sediment control
✓ Fire Marshal review
✓ Military installation compatibility (near bases)
✓ Traffic impact analysis
✓ Tree preservation plan
✓ Utility connection permits

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

City of Virginia Beach Planning Department. Virginia's largest city by population. Strong residential market. Resort area and military presence. Development Review Committee (DRC) process for larger projects. Agricultural Reserve overlay restricts rural southern area. Oceanfront resort district has special requirements.

Recent Changes

December 2025: Updated Comprehensive Plan for military installation compatibility. November 2025: Revised Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area regulations. January 2026: New stormwater management requirements. October 2025: Updated zoning ordinance for accessory dwelling units.

Rezone Probability

62%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(757) 385-4621

Official Website

https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning

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