Final Site Plans

When is a final site plan required?

A final Site Plan is required for any construction, use, change in use, or other development in all zoning districts. However, certain development activities are exempt from this requirement.

• Single-family or two-family dwelling construction, or accessory structure construction
• Agricultural activity
• Permitted use of a temporary nature
• Deposit and contouring of fill unless the Director of Development & Permits or Public Utilities determines a plan is required
• Expansion of a use on an existing site unless:
  • The sale or storage of gasoline on hazardous material is involved as part of the use;
  • The Zoning Administrator or designee determines that such change or expansion gives rise to the need for additional parking or off street loading under the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance;
  • In the case of an expansion, the expansion exceeds twenty-five (25) percent of the gross floor area of the existing building or of the area occupied by the use;
  • The Director of Development & Permits or designee requires additional ingress/egress, change in ingress/egress or additional public improvements because of the nature in the use;
  • Additional ingress/egress or alteration of existing ingress/egress is proposed;
  • The Director of Public Utilities or designee requires the extension of utility service or modification of existing service to support the change in or expansion of the use.

Review And Approval Process

Where do I apply for final plan review?

Submit to:

For questions contact:

Contact the Department of Development & Permits at
Phone: 757-382-6101 
Also: Development Contact List

What is the approval process?

• Submitted plans are routed to each department.
• The review of each application by the affected departments and final approval of each application shall be coordinated through the Department of Development & Permits. Each plan shall be reviewed for conformity with the approved preliminary plan (if applicable), and with all other applicable provisions of the relevant ordinances, regulations, and policies applicable to the site.
• If plan meets all relevant requirements, Development Engineering will issue an approval letter. If any department finds the plans deficient, Development Engineering will prepare a review letter detailing aspects of the plan that require revising prior to approval.

What other regulatory agencies approval is required?

If the property is not served by public water or sewer: Contact the Health Department to find out about requirements for onsite sewage and water services.

The developer is responsible for obtaining the appropriate clearances from:

1. Virginia Department of Health
2. Department of Environmental Quality

1. Army Corps of Engineers
2. Department of Environmental Quality
3. U.S. Coast Guard

What are the final site plan requirements?

The Public Facilities Manual (PFM) Volume I is the principal source for all criteria to be addressed on the Final Site Plan. Site Plans will be reviewed for conformity with the following:

1. Approved preliminary plan with all stipulations and proffers.
2. Public Facilities Manual (PFM) Volumes I, II, & III
3. City Code (primarily the Zoning Ordinance).
4. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Criteria
5. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Policy
6. Fire Code & referenced standards
7. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
   • American Association of State & Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) &
   • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
8. Landscape Ordinance
9. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA)

How long is the review process?

Plans can be submitted for review anytime. See Review Schedule for department review timelines.

Submittal Requirements

What are the minimum submittal requirements?

1. Completed Submittal Package Checklist
2. Transmittal letter to include a narrative – a letter that explains the project. The letter must include a summary of the project parameters, offsite improvements, variances requested or previously granted, previous City Council or Planning Commission action, proffers, prior agreements, and any other items which will help determine the appropriate review action required for the project.
3. Development Plan submittal shall be through eBuild
4. Erosion and Sediment Control plan sheet
5. Landscape Sheet
6. Water and Sewer Calculations - (2) sets
7. Site Fire Protection Water Flow Calculations (fire flow plus sprinkler demand, if any) - (2) sets to include a current (within 6 months) available flow from Public Utilities.
8. Drainage Calculations, including Drainage Narrative and Drainage Area Map - (2) sets
9. Stormwater Management Calculations - (2) sets
10. Pavement Design Calculations - (2) sets
11. See Public Facilities Manual (PFM), Chapter 1, for additional submittal information.

Post-Approval

What happens after I receive plan approval?

• Obtain Permit Bond amount and appropriate paperwork from the Department of Development and Permits, Development Construction permits office at 757-382-8298 or sdimaya@cityofchesapeake.net.
• Post Permit Bond.
• Obtain permits consistent with the plan approval. This may include Land Disturbing, Right of-Way or Stormwater Permits, or any combination thereof.

See Commercial Site Inspection.

Next Step . . .

How is a Commercial Building Permit obtained?

See Commercial Building Permits.