Outdoor kitchens in Norfolk require separate trade permits from Codes Administration: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lines, plumbing permit for water and sinks, and electrical permit for outdoor outlets. The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applies, with coastal high-wind and FEMA flood requirements on much of the Norfolk waterfront. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act buffers may restrict placement.
Norfolk administers the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), based on the 2018 IRC/IBC/IFGC/IPC/NEC with Virginia amendments, through the Codes Administration division. Built-in outdoor kitchens require: (1) Building permit for any structural slab over 256 sq ft, masonry counter walls, foundation, or roofed pergola/pavilion under the IRC/IBC; (2) Mechanical permit for any new natural-gas line extension to a built-in grill under the IFGC, including pressure test and final inspection — Virginia Natural Gas is the local utility; (3) Plumbing permit for outdoor sinks, ice-maker lines, or hose bibbs under the Virginia USBC plumbing provisions, with backflow prevention required if connected to potable supply; (4) Electrical permit for any new outdoor circuits, GFCI-protected outlets, lighting, or refrigerator/freezer circuits under the NEC (2017 with VA amendments) — outdoor outlets must be in 'wet location' rated enclosures with weatherproof in-use covers. Zoning compliance: outdoor kitchens are accessory structures subject to setback rules, typically 5 ft side and 10 ft rear depending on district. Coastal high-wind: Norfolk has design wind speeds of 115-120 mph Vult per ASCE 7; roofed pavilions must be designed for these loads. FEMA flood: portions of Ghent, downtown, and Ocean View are in V and A zones — outdoor kitchens with utility connections must comply with finished-floor elevation and flood-resistant construction. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Resource Protection Area buffers (100 feet from tidal waters) restrict accessory structure placement on waterfront lots. Historic districts (Ghent, Freemason, Brambleton) require ARB review for visible alterations.
Unpermitted gas, electrical, or plumbing work: Codes Administration stop-work order, double permit fees on after-the-fact applications, and mandatory exposure of concealed work. Unpermitted gas lines may prompt Virginia Natural Gas service disconnection. Chesapeake Bay Act buffer violations can carry substantial DEQ civil penalties. ARB violations may require removal at owner expense.
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