Commercial Site Inspection and Acceptance Process

How do I get my commercial site inspected and accepted by the City?

Prerequisites:

1. A Final Site Plan must be approved by Development and Permits Dept. - Development Engineering.
2. Review the Utility Activation package letter which was mailed subsequent to plan approval. In particular, large water meter(s) (≥ 2") are provided by the developer, delivered to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) meter shop to be installed by the City.

To begin construction:

1. Complete the Resident Notification Form – The resident notification form shall be completed and mailed/delivered to the adjacent property owners thirty (30) days prior to commencing construction, if required.
2. Obtain the Right-of-Way Permit, Land Disturbing Permit, and if applicable, the Stormwater Permit.
   Stormwater Permit is required if the site plan was approved for Stormwater Quality (BMP). Prior to issuance of a Land Disturbing Permit, obtain a Construction General Permit, if applicable, from DEQ.
3. Contact Development & Permits, Development Construction Division kleidig@cityofchesapeake.net or 757-615-9264 no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to land disturbing activities so a pre-construction meeting and inspection can be scheduled, according to the recommended construction sequence. Any deviation from approved construction plan shall be addressed by a plan revision or a field change request.
4. Utility Final/Activation (Utility Activation detailed process)
   
   1. Complete the water and sewer improvements within the public right-of-way and public easements in accordance with the approved plans and the Public Facilities Manual (PFM) Volume II & III.
   2. Request a Utilities substantial inspection upon completion of improvements which will generate a punch-list inspection.
   3. Submit the Activation Package including the Water & Sewer Construction Record Drawings ('As-builts'). (flowchart).
      Note: Water & Sewer CRD's required for:
      
      • Extension of water or sewer main
      • ≥ 4" service line (unless water meter on the same side)
   4. Complete the punch-list items.
   5. Upon approval of activation package, take water samples per Flushing and Disinfection Policy. If the site is protected by a fire protection system, the Fire Protection Division will perform an additional pressure test.
   6. Request Utility Activation.
   7. City accepts water and sewer improvements and sets meter.
      Note: For Commercial Sites – there are unique coordination issues for the meter, on-site utilities and utilities in the building – see Utilities Activation for Commercial Sites.
5. Street and Drainage Final Acceptance
   1. Complete all entrance and drainage improvements on the approved plans, including SWMF.
   2. Request a street and drainage inspection upon completion of improvements which will generate a punch list.
   3. Submit Site Plan Construction Record Drawings (As-Builts).
      Note: Streets and drainage CRD's required for:
      • Stormwater Management Facility
      • ≥ 300' public storm drainage
      • 5 or more public storm structures
   4. Defect Bond for ROW improvements (i.e. pavement patch).
   5. Complete the punch list items.
   6. Request the final inspection.
   7. City releases Permit performance bond and accepts the entrance and drainage public improvements.
6. Prior to Certificate of Occupancy
   1. Submit Site Plan Certification
   2. See Certificate of Occupancy

NOTE: If full vegetation has not been established at the time of final inspection, the Land Disturbing Permit and bond will remain in effect and released once vegetation fully established. If a Construction General Permit was required by DEQ, then a Notice of Termination must be submitted to Development & Permits in order to cease SWPPP inspections and avoid an annual maintenance fee.

Concurrent Step ...

• Inspection for New Commercial Building Construction »