New Commercial Building

New Commercial/Industrial/Public, Semi-Public and Non-Single Family Detached Residential:

The following permits are required for new projects:

• Building permit
• Auxiliary permits: One or more of the following permits may be required, depending on the scope of work: electrical permit, gas permit, mechanical permit, plumbing permit, fire alarm permit, sprinkler permit.

Application Submission Requirements

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Approved site plans from the Division of Development Services and all receipts and documentation that the requirements applicable in site plan approval letter have been fulfilled.
• Construction plans (two or more copies) - We'll return one copy to you with the issued permit.
• Engineered soil reports (two copies) - Required to be prepared by a soil scientist or geotechnical engineer and submitted with each set of construction plans for all new structures.
• Copy of septic system permit from Health Department or receipt of payment to H.R.S.D. and York County for sewer connection.
• A Statement of Special Inspections executed and submitted in accordance with the Hampton Roads Special Inspection guidelines. (if applicable)
• Certificate to construct sewer
• One copy of specifications
• Plan review fee of $280. 

Construction Plan Requirements

Architectural plans and specifications to include: 

• Description of uses and the proposed Occupancies for all portions of the building. Provide design approach for mixed-uses (as applicable). 
• Proposed type of construction of the building. 
• Fully dimensioned drawings to scale not less the 1/8”=1’-0”. Minimum sheet size 21”X34” 
• Adequate details and dimensions to evaluate means of egress, including occupant loads for each floor, exit arrangement and sizes, corridors, doors, stairs, etc. 
• Exit signs/means of egress lighting, including power supply. 
• Accessibility provisions. 
• Description and details of proposed special occupancies such as a covered mall, high-rise, mezzanine, atrium, public garage, etc. 
• Adequate details to evaluate fire resistive construction requirements, including data substantiating required ratings. 
• Details of plastic, insulation, and safety glazing installation. 
• Details of required fire protection systems. 
• As required per Title 54.1-402 of the Code of Virginia, plans shall include the seal and signature of the design professional responsible for the documents as well as the date the documents were sealed OR where an A/E seal is not required, the plans must be signed by the individual (not a company) responsible for the design, including the individual’s occupation and complete address.

Structural plans, specifications, and engineering details to include: 

• Soils report indicating the soil type and recommended allowable bearing pressure and foundation type. 
• Signed and sealed structural design calculations which support the member sizes on the drawings. 
• Local design load criteria, including frost depth. 
• Earthquake seismic zone/effective peak acceleration coefficient. 
• Details of foundations and superstructure. 
• Provisions for required special inspections. Submit two (2) completed copies of the Statement of Special Inspections, including ALL of the required original signatures and ALL of the “agent” information. 
• Applicable construction standards and material specifications (i.e., masonry, concrete, wood, steel, etc.).

Energy plans and details to include: 

• Description of uses and the proposed use group(s) for all portions of the building. 
• Thermal performance of envelope components. 
• Fenestration performance details (U-factor, SC, SHGC, VLT, air leakage rates, etc.). 
• Fully dimensioned drawings to determine gross and net areas of all envelope components. 
• Details of vapor barrier and insulation installation, caulking, gasketing, weather stripping and other means of sealing joints, cracks, holes and penetrations in the building envelope. 
• ENVSTD output (where applicable). 
• Design conditions (interior and exterior) consistent with local climate.

Accessibility plans and details to include: 

• Complete signed and sealed (as required by applicable laws) architectural plans and material specifications of all work. Details and plans drawn to scale with sufficient clarity, details and dimensions to show the nature and extent of the work proposed. 
• Site plan including the following information: 
  • Size and location of all new construction and all existing structures on the site. 
  • Location of any recreational facilities (i.e., pool, tennis courts, etc.) 
  • Established street grades and proposed finished grade. 
  • Accessible parking, other locations of public access to the facility, accessible exterior routes and locations of accessible entrances. 
• Architectural plans and specifications to include: 
  • Description of uses and the proposed use group(s) for all portions of the building. The design approach for mixed-uses (as applicable). 
  • Fully dimensioned drawings to determine areas and building height. 
  • Adequate details and dimensions to evaluate accessible means of egress, including occupant loads for each floor, exit arrangement and sizes, corridors, doors, stairs, areas of refuge, etc. 
  • Adequate details and dimensions to evaluate the accessible route to areas required to be accessible, including corridors, doors, protruding objects, maneuvering clearances, clear floor space at fixtures and controls, etc. 
  • Accessibility provisions including but not limited to access to services, seating, listening systems, accessible fixtures, elevators, work surfaces, etc. 
  • Accessible plumbing facilities and details. 
  • Tactile signage provided. 
  • Details of required fire protection system. Note: The Accessibility Review will cover the scoping requirements in Chapter 11 other accessibility related requirements mainstreamed throughout the applicable building code. Technical requirements covered will be based on the applicable edition of ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usage Buildings and Facilities.