Virginia Beach, VA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base plumbing permit fee
- $50
- Per fixture/drain/tap fee
- $6 each
- House sewer connection fee
- $30 each
- House water connection fee
- $30 each
- Unpermitted-work penalty
- $250 per unit
Summary
Plumbing work in Virginia Beach requires a permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with a $50 base fee plus per-fixture charges before work begins.
The fee for a permit for plumbing work, as required by the building code, shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) and, in addition thereto, the following: (1) Each plumbing fixture, floor drain or tap: Six dollars ($6.00). (2) Each house sewer connection: Thirty dollars ($30.00). (3) Each house water connection: Thirty dollars ($30.00).
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 requires a plumbing permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (adopted at City Code § 8-26) before any plumbing work begins. The base permit fee is $50, plus $6 per fixture, floor drain, or tap, $30 for each house sewer connection, and $30 for each house water connection. Starting plumbing work before the permit is issued and paid for adds a $250 per-unit administrative fee on top of the regular charges, collected by the Building Code Administrator's Division of Permits and Inspections.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted plumbing work triggers a $250 per-unit administrative fee in addition to standard permit fees; the Building Code Administrator can issue notices of violation and summons to general district court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Virginia Beach?
What happens if I start plumbing work before getting a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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