Virginia Beach, VA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Division of Permits and Inspections
- Minimum building permit fee
- $50
- Reinspection fee
- $75 per additional visit
- Governing code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
- Permit required for
- construction, alteration, repair, demolition
Summary
Virginia Beach requires a building permit and Division of Permits and Inspections sign-off before any construction, alteration, repair, or demolition begins, with fees scaled by project type and extra charges for failed reinspections.
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, enlarge, alter, repair or demolish any building or structure as defined in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code without first obtaining a building permit therefor and paying the permit fees set forth in this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The city adopts the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code by reference (City Code § 8-26) and runs permitting through the Division of Permits and Inspections. Under § 8-31(a), it is unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a permit and paying the fee: a $50 minimum for most building permits, scaled up by floor area for new construction or by value of construction for alterations and repairs. Separate permits and fees apply for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work (§§ 8-32 to 8-34). Inspectors may charge $75 for each additional inspection made necessary by faulty work, a premature request, or blocked access (§ 8-56).
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit violates § 8-27; the building code administrator or an assigned inspector can serve a written notice of violation, order the violation abated, and issue a summons to general district court for failure to obey a lawful order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I build without a permit in Virginia Beach?
How much does a building permit cost in Virginia Beach?
Can inspectors charge extra for repeat inspections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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