Building permits in Chesapeake are issued by the Development & Permits Department. Chesapeake enforces the 2021 VUSBC, with the 2021 codes fully effective since January 18, 2025.
This guide covers what requires a permit, how to apply through eBUILD, fees, trade permits, and inspections in Chesapeake.
Chesapeake is an independent city in the Hampton Roads region. It handles all its own permitting and code enforcement. Plans of 18×24 minimum are required for additions/large projects; smaller projects may use 8.5×11.
What requires a building permit in Chesapeake?
Under the 2021 VUSBC, a building permit is required for most construction, alteration, demolition, and change-of-occupancy projects. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and alterations
- Structural modifications and load-bearing changes
- Reroofing, siding, windows, and doors
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system work
- Decks, pools, fences, and accessory structures
- Change of occupancy or use
- Demolition of any structure
- Installation of manufactured homes
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, and cosmetic work
- One-story detached accessory structure ≤ 256 sq ft
- Retaining walls ≤ 4 ft (not supporting surcharge)
- Replacement of existing same-type fixtures
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. Note that exemption from a building permit does not exempt a project from zoning requirements — confirm edge cases with the building department.
Who handles permitting in Chesapeake?
The Development & Permits Department handles permitting, plan review, and inspections for all buildings and structures on private property. Applications are filed through the eBUILD portal (Accela Citizen Access).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Development & Permits — City Hall, 306 Cedar Rd, 2nd Floor, Chesapeake, VA 23322 |
| Phone | (757) 382-6018 |
| develop-permits@cityofchesapeake.net | |
| Online portal | eBUILD — aca-prod.accela.com/CHESAPEAKE/ |
| Code cycle | 2021 VUSBC — effective January 18, 2025 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM; drop box available after hours |
Apply online through eBUILD. The eBUILD portal (Accela Citizen Access) allows online permit applications, document uploads, fee payments, and inspection scheduling 24/7. A copy of your permit must be posted in public view per VUSBC Section 110.5.
Chesapeake building permit cost
Chesapeake building permit fees are valuation-based, following the standard Virginia fee calculation: $100 for the first $5,000 plus a per-$1,000 increment. A mandatory 2% state levy applies to all fees.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Residential building permit | Valuation-based (see Chesapeake fee schedule) |
| Commercial building permit | Valuation-based |
| Plan review fee | 65% of building permit fee |
| Trade permits | Separate fees per trade |
| State levy | 2% on all permit fees |
| Work-without-permit | Double fees + stop-work orders |
Want a precise number for a specific Chesapeake project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Chesapeake trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are filed separately through Development & Permits.
Electrical permits
Required for service upgrades, panel changes, solar PV, and most wiring — DPOR-licensed electrical contractor required.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heaters, and gas work — DPOR-licensed plumber required.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC installations, changeouts, and ductwork — DPOR-licensed mechanical contractor required.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Reroofs, decks, pools, signs, and accessory structures permitted separately. Land disturbing, stormwater, and right-of-way permits handled by Construction Administration.
Verify your contractor's license. Virginia requires a state contractor license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for any project valued over $1,000. Licenses are classed by project value: Class A ($120,000+ per project), Class B ($10,000–$120,000), and Class C ($1,000–$10,000). Each class requires specific experience, education, and financial qualifications. Homeowners may perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license, but all permits and inspections still apply. Verify licensure at dpor.virginia.gov.
How to get a building permit in Chesapeake
Confirm zoning compliance
Contact Development & Permits or check GIS zoning maps. Chesapeake Bay Preservation District requirements may apply.
Register on eBUILD & apply
Create an eBUILD account and submit a building permit application with all required forms.
Submit plans for review
Upload plans (minimum 18×24 for additions/large projects). Include site plan showing setbacks and lot coverage.
Plan review & corrections
Staff reviews against 2021 VUSBC. Address reviewer comments and resubmit if needed.
Pay fees & receive permit
Pay all fees including 2% state levy. Post permit card in a publicly visible location on site.
Schedule inspections through CO
Schedule inspections through eBUILD. Keep stamped plans on site. Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy.
Inspections in Chesapeake
Post your permit card in a publicly visible location per VUSBC Section 110.5. Keep stamped approved plans on-site (18×24 minimum for large projects, 8.5×11 acceptable for smaller sheds/decks). Standard checkpoints include footing/foundation, framing, rough-in MEP, insulation, and final.
Address correction notices before requesting a re-inspection; a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before legal occupancy or use.
Official Chesapeake permitting resources
- 🏛️ Chesapeake Development & Permits
- 💻 eBUILD portal
- 📋 Forms & applications
- 🪪 VA DPOR — verify licenses
- 📘 VA DHCD — building codes
- 🗺️ Chesapeake permit info
Simplify Chesapeake permitting with Alliance Permitting
Chesapeake's eBUILD portal, Chesapeake Bay Preservation requirements, and multiple departments involved in plan review reward applicants who prepare complete packages. Alliance Permitting is a permit expediter for Chesapeake — our permit expediting services pair AI-driven document review with experts who know the Development & Permits Department process, so your Chesapeake submissions move faster.
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Contractors and builders choose Alliance for Chesapeake because we deliver:
- Local expertise — we know the Chesapeake Development & Permits process, eBUILD portal, and VUSBC requirements.
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
Need a Chesapeake building permit?
Get your Chesapeake project permitted right. Alliance Permitting prepares and files your application — so you build, not wait.
More Virginia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Chesapeake Development & Permits Department before filing. This is not legal advice.