Business Licensing & Operations, Chesapeake

If you live in Chesapeake or are thinking about moving there, business licensing & operations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Chesapeake has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of business licensing & operations, and some of them might surprise you.

Pawnbrokers

Chesapeake will not issue a pawnbroker business license until the circuit court authorizes it under state law, and applicants must submit a certified court order, their date of birth and a sworn disclosure of any criminal history. City Code Sec. 18-79.1.1 taxes pawnbrokers as personal and business services.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 18-79.1.1. Prerequisite: Circuit court authorization required first. Application includes: Court order, DOB, criminal disclosure. License scope: Tied to one designated building. Recordkeeping penalty: Class 4 misdemeanor (Sec. 58-60).

Operating as a pawnbroker without circuit court authorization or the business license required by Sec. 18-79.1.1 exposes the operator to license denial and prosecution; violating the recordkeeping, ID-check or reporting duties in Chapter 58, Article III is a Class 4 misdemeanor under Sec. 58-60, and the issuing officer may separately revoke the pawnbroker's license under Sec. 58-61.

Compared to other cities, Chesapeake takes a harder line on pawnbrokers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Secondhand Dealers

Pawnbrokers, junk dealers, antique dealers and secondhand-goods dealers in Chesapeake must check every seller's ID, keep daily transaction records, and report to the Chief of Police within 24 hours. Violations are a class 4 misdemeanor and can cost the dealer their license.

Key details: Enforcing agency: Chesapeake Chief of Police. ID check: Required before every transaction. Report deadline: Daily, covering prior 24 hours. Pawned-item hold: 30 days before removal. Book records retention: 1 year minimum.

A violation of Article III is a class 4 misdemeanor unless another penalty is specified (Sec. 58-60). On top of any court penalty, the officer who issued the dealer's license may revoke it upon conviction (Sec. 58-61). Failure to admit the Chief of Police for an inspection, or falsifying required records, exposes the dealer to the same misdemeanor charge.

Compared to other cities, Chesapeake takes a harder line on secondhand dealers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Massage Establishments

Every massage therapy establishment in Chesapeake needs an annual operator's permit from the Health Department under City Code Sec. 38-76, and every massage therapist must be certified by the state board of nursing. Permits cost $40 to issue or renew, plus a separate $40 plan-review fee, and the director can run a criminal background check before approving an applicant.

Key details: Permit required: Annual operator's permit, Sec. 38-76. Permit fee: $40 plan review + $40 issuance/renewal. Therapist requirement: Certification by state Board of Nursing. Background check: Director may require criminal history review. Enforcing office: Chesapeake Department of Public Health.

Operating without a valid Sec. 38-76 permit, or letting an uncertified person perform massages, exposes the operator to enforcement by the director of public health, who may suspend or revoke the permit under Sec. 38-80 for any violation of the article or health department rules. Any citizen may file a complaint with the health department, and any law enforcement officer may issue a summons under Sec. 38-63. Prohibited conduct, including touching an 'erogenous area' or performing an unlicensed off-premises massage at a hotel, is enforceable the same way.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chesapeake's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tattoo & Body Modification

Tattoo and piercing shops in Chesapeake need an annual body art establishment permit from the Health Department under City Code Sec. 38-203, issued only after a plan review and certificate of occupancy. Branding and scarification are flatly prohibited, minors need a parent physically present with photo ID to consent, and permitted operators must run monthly spore-destruction tests on their sterilizers.

Key details: Permit required: Annual permit from Chesapeake Health Department. Minor rule: Written consent + parent present with photo ID. Banned outright: Branding and scarification, any form. Sterilizer testing: Monthly spore-destruction test, lab-verified. Violation class: Class 2 misdemeanor, Sec. 38-215.

Operating a body art establishment without a permit, or performing branding or scarification, violates Sec. 38-207 and is enforced as a Class 2 misdemeanor under Sec. 38-215(c), with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The health department can temporarily suspend a permit immediately upon written notice for noncompliance, and may permanently revoke it after a hearing for repeated or serious violations that threaten client or operator health under Sec. 38-214. Interfering with a health department inspection is also enforceable under Sec. 38-213.

Compared to other cities, Chesapeake takes a harder line on tattoo & body modification. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Towing Companies

Chesapeake caps what a non-consent tow truck service can charge at $200.00 for hookup and initial towing of a vehicle under 11,000 pounds, plus limited add-on fees, under Sec. 74-314. Article IX also requires a business license, posted signage before towing from private lots, and bars cruising to solicit tows.

Key details: Hookup fee cap: $200 (under 11,000 lbs) / $350 (over). After-hours surcharge: Up to $25 for 7 p.m.-8 a.m. or weekends. Storage fee cap: $60-$100 per day after free first 24 hours. License required: Chapter 18 business license (Sec. 74-310). Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor per violation (Sec. 74-308).

Violating Article IX's towing rules is a class 1 misdemeanor under Sec. 74-308, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. Overcharging beyond the Sec. 74-314 fee caps, towing without the required signage, or cruising to solicit tows in violation of Sec. 74-317 can each trigger that misdemeanor charge, on top of any refund owed to the vehicle owner.

This is one of the stricter rules in Chesapeake's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Chesapeake is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Chesapeake, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Chesapeake's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.