Who reviews building plans?

All building plans are reviewed by the Division of Building Safety subsequent to Planning & Development Services and Stormwater reviewing and approving their respective requirements. 

A building permit can be issued when all the reviews have been completed, approved and all applicable fees been paid. Many projects will also require reviews by Public Works Utilities Operations and the Department of Fire and Life Safety. The reviews ensure that the project can be built within the code requirements and will reduce field inspection delays.

The Department of Fire and Life Safety reviews plans with the Division of Building Safety for fire alarms, commercial kitchen range hoods and sprinkler systems. Although building plans are jointly reviewed, the Department of Fire and Life Safety does not issue building permits. All construction plans should be submitted to the Division of Building Safety who in turn will forward them to Fire and Life Safety for review. Fire and Life Safety can be at (757) 890-3600.

In many cases, the above reviews may not be required or may be completed in a shorter time frame. The larger the projects the greater the impact and more reviews and approvals are required. It is always best to plan ahead for any size projects.

Commercial projects require an approved site plan before building permits can be issued. Building plans can be submitted for review before site plan approval and it is recommended that they are submitted simultaneously.

The plan review also includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Before a permit is issued all local and Hampton Roads utility connection fees must be paid. Standard fees may be obtained and can be paid through either the Division of Utility Billing in our Finance Department or the Utilities Operations Division of Public Works.

Show All Answers

1. What are the hours of operation for the Building Safety Office?
2. What is a building permit?
3. When is a building permit required?
4. Who reviews building plans?
5. Do I need a permit for ordinary repairs?
6. What are some of the significant changes in the 2018 code cycle?
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