Business Licensing & Operations in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Chesapeake Massage Establishment Permit
Significant RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 38-76; Sec. 38-78
It shall be unlawful for any massage therapy establishment operator who does not possess a valid massage therapy establishment permit to operate a massage therapy establishment in the city. ... The director is authorized to charge a fee of $40.00 for plan review of massage therapy establishments and a fee of $40.00 for both the original issuance and annual renewals of a massage therapy establis...
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.
Chesapeake Body Art Establishment Rules
Significant RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 38-203(a); Sec. 38-207(a), (e)
No person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, business trust, corporation, or organized group of persons may operate a body art establishment except with a body art establishment permit from the health department. ... It is prohibited to perform body art on any body part of a person under the age of 18 years without the written consent and presence of the parent or legal guardian of...
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.
Chesapeake Secondhand & Junk Dealer Rules
Significant RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 58-52
It shall be unlawful for any pawnbroker, junk dealer, antique dealer or dealer in secondhand clothing, furniture, appliances and similar articles to take in pawn, buy or exchange any article prior to examining the identifying credentials of the person pawning, selling or exchanging the article.
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.
Chesapeake Pawnbroker Business License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 18-79.1.1
Any person engaged in business as a pawnbroker shall pay the license tax prescribed in section 18-177 for personal and business services. No business license shall be issued for a pawnbroker under this chapter until authorized by the circuit court of the city in accordance with Code of Virginia, § 54.1-4000 et seq., as amended. Applications for a pawnbroker business license shall include a cert...
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.
Chesapeake Non-Consent Tow Truck Service Rules
Significant RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 74-314
(a)No towtruck service or operator shall charge a hookup and initial towing fee greater than the following for a vehicle removed from (1) public property or a public right-of-way, or (2) private property without the consent of the owner or custodian: $200.00 for any vehicle of 11,000 pounds or less gross weight and $350.00 for any vehicle of greater than 11,000 pounds (GVWR as indicated on vehi...