eBUILD Help

How do I request a permit after I log in?

To start the application process, either use the “+NEW” dropdown menu at the top of the page, or go to the appropriate tab for your application type and select “Create a Building (or Development or Planning or Zoning) Application”.

Why does my address not come up when creating an application?

Try entering only the street number and street name. Do not include the street type, direction, or unit number. If there are multiple addresses that match the information you entered, the system will return a list and you can pick your address from there. The Parcel and Owner information will also be automatically populated based on our GIS Real Estate database.

I see a NOTICE at the top of my application showing CBPA, Flood Zone, etc., and I think it is stopping me from entering my permit.

These notices are only for your information and to alert the review staff that additional items may be required. Unless you see a “HOLD” or “LOCK” status, these conditions should not stop you from submitting your application.

I am not a contractor. Why can’t I pull the permit?

A homeowner can pull a permit for any work on their own property. The Licensed Professional/Contractor/Tradesman section is not required if you are pulling the permit as the homeowner. Simply complete the Applicant information and select “Continue Application.”

My contractor or business license shows "Expired" and I cannot continue entering my permit.

The system is set up to allow application submittal, even if your license appears expired in our records. Your contractor and business licenses will be verified as part of the application review. If you see a system message saying you cannot continue because your license is expired, please email eBUILD@cityofchesapeake.net.

I need to add something to my permit. Do I create another application?

If you need to modify details of your application, send an email to permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net with the new information and a City staff member will update it for you.

I received an email saying I need to provide contractor information and cost of construction. How do I do this?

Send an email to permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net and be sure to include your permit number.

I submitted my permit an hour ago, why is it not ready yet?

Your permit application requires review by staff. You will receive notice when it is ready or if additional information is required.

I submitted my permit but I don’t see a way to pay for it.

In most cases, the permit fees are not added to the application until it has been reviewed and is ready to be issued.

I got an email saying my permit is ready, but how do I pay for it and then where is my permit?

You can go to your list of records and click on the “Pay Fees Due” link under the Action column, or check the box to the left of the permit and click the “Add to cart” link:

Or you can go into the record info page and select the Fees tab from the Payments menu:

After the payment is made, a copy of your permit can be found on the Attachments section of the record info page.

I see my fees but I cannot add them to the cart.

Your eBUILD account is not properly linked to the contact on the permit. Contact permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net or eBUILD@cityofchesapeake.net.

Why does it say my permit request has been withdrawn?

If your permit application is withdrawn and you did not request to withdraw it, it is most likely because you applied for the wrong permit type. You should have either received an email from the plan review staff instructing you on the correct application type to select, or your information was transferred to the correct application type and you can find it in “My Records.” Examples include a Residential Accessory Structure that should have been a Zoning Accessory Structure or a Residential New Building Permit that should have been a Residential Alteration Permit.

I don’t see the permit when I search by address.

The address might have been corrected by plan review staff. Check “My Records.”

I don’t see my permit when I log in or I don’t see all my permits.

Your eBUILD account is not properly linked to the contact on the permit. Contact permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net or eBUILD@cityofchesapeake.net.

Where do I find what revisions are required?

The revisions required may be found in three different locations based on your application type. 

1. You may have received an email from permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net or eBUILD-noreply@cityofchesapeake.net with the review comments included in the body of the email.

   

2. The comments may be found under the “Review Coordination” task in the Processing Status section of the record info page.

   

3. There may be a review letter in the Attachments section of the record info page.

   

How do I upload documents when revisions are required?

Go to the Attachments section on the record info page and select the orange Add button. If you do not see the Add button, your eBUILD account may not be linked to the application.

I received an email saying that there is something attached. Where is it?

If there is nothing attached to the email itself, attachments can be found on the Attachments section of the record info page.

How do I find my inspection results?

If your application has a valid email address for the Contractor or Applicant, you should receive an email when the inspection is completed. 

In addition, you can access the inspection results through the Inspections section of the record info page.

A third option involves using the Inspection Summary reports that can be found at the top of the page when you’re logged in and go to the Building tab.