Department of Development & Permits - Plan Review & Code Compliance Division

Commercial Alterations/Build-Outs

TENANT BUILD-OUT REQUIREMENTS

The following information provides guidelines to assist customers with obtaining their permits for new tenant build-outs or a change of occupancy to an existing space. The requirements herein are the most common required and are not representative of all the conditions you may encounter when designing and preparing tenant build-out drawings. The complexity of the tenant build-out will determine the length of the review process and the requirements for your project.
 
It is the permit applicant’s responsibility to provide the minimum code information in order for the Plans Examiner to determine code compliance.

Please note: Per Section 108 of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), a tenant build-out permit is not required when all of the following conditions are met:

1. No change of occupancy type is taking place. Example: The previous use and the new use are the same- Mercantile to Mercantile, Business to Business, etc.
2. There are no walls removed or added.
3. There are no structural alterations.
4. There are no revisions, repairs, or replacement of fire rated assemblies.
5. There are no alterations to any required means of egress.
6. There are no alterations or new installations to the water supply and distribution systems, sanitary drainage system or vent system.
7. There are no alterations or new installations to electrical wiring.
8. There are no alterations or new installation to fire protection system, mechanical systems or fuel supply systems.
9. There are no alterations or new installations of any other equipment regulated by the VUSBC.
10.  There is no increase to allowed occupancy load.   

Please note: No change shall be made in the existing occupancy classification when the current VUSBC requires a greater degree of structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation or sanitation. When such a greater degree is required, the owner or owner’s agent shall follow the requirements of Section 103.3 of the VUSBC.

If you have any question as to whether a permit is required, please contact the Neighborhood Services' Plans Examiner at (757) 382-6018.

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