Administrative overview · FIPS 51810
Virginia Beach city County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
City of Virginia Beach Planning Department, Permits & Inspections Division
For a project in or near Virginia Beach city, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
757-385-4211
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Building 3, Municipal Center, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Operating hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Virginia Beach city
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
City of Virginia Beach Planning Department, Permits & Inspections Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 757-385-4211.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Schedule through the online permitting service. Residential inspections may be scheduled up to five working days ahead and must be requested before 8:00 AM for the desired day.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
The Division administers the current Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and City ordinances; the 2021 Virginia code cycle is current for 2026. Qualifying USBC Section 108.2 minor work may be exempt, but Virginia Beach requires permits for many structural alterations, additions, decks, pools, fences, roofing/siding work and detached structures over 256 square feet; Chesapeake Bay or watershed areas may require permits regardless of size.