Common questions

How big of a shed can I build without a permit in Virginia Beach?

How big of a shed can I build without a permit in Virginia Beach?

​Sheds/Accessory Structures/Detached Structures – The maximum allowable square footage of a detached/accessory structure is 500 square feet or 20% of the living area of your home, whichever is greater. The structure cannot exceed the height of the house.

What requires a building permit in Virginia Beach?

​Building plans and a site plan or survey of the property must be submitted to obtain permits for: residential new construction, additions, garages, sheds, decks, fences, pools and driveways; commercial new construction, additions, fences, decks and alterations.

What requires a building permit in VA?

What construction requires a building permit in Virginia? Usually, any project that involves building a new structure, altering an existing structure, or demolishing a structure will require a permit in Virginia. This includes small structures such as decks and sheds as well as interior remodeling.

Do you need a permit to build a patio in Virginia Beach?

Other structures and alterations: chimneys, decks, detached structures (including: patios, gazebos, trellises require permits; as well as sheds and storage buildings greater than 256 square feet in size), driveways / driveway aprons, fences, hot tubs / spas (capable of holding at least 24 inches of water), pool …

How close to property line can I build a shed in Virginia Beach?

Any shed that exceeds 8 ½ feet in height shall meet the minimum required side yard setbacks, and shall be located no closer than a distance equal to its height to the rear lot line.

Can I build my own garage Virginia?

In general, a building permit is required to construct a carport, a garage or a shed. Additional permits may also be required if electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems are going to be installed in the structure.

How much does a building permit cost in Virginia?

Payments. Permit Fees of $200 or less are due and payable when making application for a permit. When calculated permit fees exceed $200, the applicant is required to pay the $200 fee at the time of application. The remaining fees will be collected upon issuance of the permit.

Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach, VA Professionals Will All Encourage a Permit Homeowners will be satisfied with the work completed. Future work will be permitted if you want to continue your project down the road. Insurance will cover all the work performed.

Do you need a permit to build a deck in VA?

Yes. All decks with a floor height of 16 inches above the finished grade requires a permit. Decks that are under 16 inches above the finished grade are considered patios and are exempt from building permits.

Do I need a permit to build a shed in Virginia?

In general, a building permit is required to construct a carport, a garage or a shed. The code also makes no distinction between a prefabricated structure that is delivered on-site completely assembled and a structure that is erected on-site.

Are there zoning laws in Virginia Beach?

With the exception of City-owned rights-of-way, all of the land in the City of Virginia Beach has a designated Zoning District. These districts are defined in the City of Virginia Beach’s Zoning Ordinance which describes the regulations applicable to each district.

Who pays for fence between neighbors in Virginia?

Virginia has extensive statutes addressing boundary fences, also known as partition or division fences, which exist along a property line. Virginia law specifies property owners’ obligation to build, maintain, and pay for boundary fences.

Who is in charge of building codes in Virginia?

Virginia’s state building codes and regulations are promulgated and regulated by the DHCD. Codes and regulations are adopted by the Board of Housing and Community Development and periodic amendments are utilized to update codes and incorporate new reference standards.

When does the Virginia construction code go into effect?

2015 Virginia Construction Code (USBC, Part I) Effective September 4, 2018

When do I need to use the USBC code?

They must also be used when maintaining or repairing an existing building or renovating or changing the use of a building or structure. The USBC is comprised of three parts: Virginia Construction Code, Virginia Existing Building Code and Virginia Maintenance Code. The Board of Housing and Community Development adopts and amends the USBC.

What are the requirements for a building permit?

Building Permit Requirements: Construction or alteration of a structure (commercial or residential); this includes cutting away any wall, partition, or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam, the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of the structure affecting the egress requirements.

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Ruth Doyle