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Plan Approval
Commercial - New Building Construction

 

Where should I start to process a new commercial construction?

You must determine the type of business and location, then contact the zoning officer in the Department of Neighborhood Services if the proposed use is a permitted use or conditional use.

The following plans should be submitted to the appropriate departments:

• Site Plans – Preliminary, Department of Planning, 306 Cedar Road, City Hall, 2nd floor, Chesapeake, VA 23322; Phone – (757) 382-6176

• Site Plans – Final (land disturbance, entrance permit); for questions concerning off-street entrance requirement, land disturbing permits or site plan requirement, please contact the Department of Public Works, Engineering at (757) 382-6101

• Contact Public Utilities for Water and Sewer availability and fees.

Upon the approval from Public Works, Public Utilities and Planning, the final site plan will be forwarded to the Department of Neighborhood Services, Zoning Division for an approval and permit application process.

 

When can I submit a building plan?

You may submit your building plan to the Plans Reviewer in the Department of Neighborhood Services in any time prior to the site plan approval.

 

What are the requirement for submitting a new commercial building plans?

The following are plan review requirements based upon the 2006 International Building Code:

1. Submittal letter (cover letter) from Architect or Engineer. 2. 2 complete sets of building plans including a copy of pre-approved site plan.

The following plans should be submitted to Plan Review Office in Department of Neighborhood Services:

1. Submittal letter (cover letter) from Architect or Engineer.

2. Two (2) complete sets of building plans including a copy of final site plan.

Information required on building construction plans.

• A title block on the cover sheet or front page which includes:

  • The design code used and the edition of the code

  • Use Group

  • Type of Construction

  • List of all installed Fire Protection features

  • Code design options

  • Sprinklered building

  • Square footage of building & rooms; occupant load total

• Two complete sets of building plans, stamped, signed and sealed by the architect or designer including:

  • Building plans should include the following as applicable:

    • All appropriate wall, floor and foundation sections

    • Complete door schedule with catalog cuts for all doors and hardware (including locksets).

    • Complete interior finish schedule with flame spread rating

    • List of all rated assemblies (include a diagram of assembly and design number) & penetration number.

    • Details showing all handicapped requirements with compliance with ICC/ANSI - A117.1.

  • Electrical plans (show location of all exit and means of egress lighting.)

  • Plumbing plans with riser diagrams of waste and vent piping and size of piping.

  • Mechanical plans showing equipment sizes and ductwork and locations.

• Complete information for all special occupancy requirements (hazardous uses, high rise, and covered mall).

• Complete information for all special structures

• Statement of Special Inspections

• Geo Tech/Soil Report for new building or an additional 5,000 sq ft and up.

• Calculations showing compliance with the Model Energy Code.

See Plan Review Checklist pdf format

How long will it take to get building plan approved?

Normally, plan review may take a minimum of 4 weeks and is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Measures are being taken to reduce this plan review time period. Please utilize this information when planning your project and plan review.

If your plan is disapproved, the Plans Examiner will send a plan review comments letter containing information that is necessary to complete the review process. After your plan is completely reviewed, the Plans Examiner will notify you to obtain a permit application.

Obtain Building Permit