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Permits
Anyone experiencing issues applying for permits should contact the Department of City Planning at 757-664-4752 or planning@norfolk.gov
When do I need a Building Permit?
A building permit is required for any residential or commercial repair (alteration), addition, or new construction that requires new framing or exposes existing framing. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
Residential projects: building permits are required to remove drywall, construct new partition walls or bearing walls, relocate walls, install new framing, change the roof pitch, construct decks, build room additions, screen porches, cover porches, build any accessory structure over 256 square feet, install pre-manufactured carports, install above ground swimming pools deeper than 2 feet, install hot tubs/spas, and construct masonry walls with a footing.
Commercial projects: building permits are required to remove drywall, construct new partition walls or bearing walls, relocate walls, install new framing, re-roof, side or cover exterior walls, complete tenant build-outs, complete change in use, obtain a change in occupancy, build additions, construct commercial accessory structures, install fences taller than 6 feet in height, install fire suppression equipment, install 5 foot run-ins, elevators, install paint booths, construct service station islands and canopies, and install pre-manufactured steel buildings.
When is a permit not required?
Building permits are not required for 1 and 2 family residential re-roofs, replacement windows of the same size, vinyl or shake siding, cabinets, floor coverings, minor repair to decks including but not limited to deck board repair and tread repair, driveways, water tanks supported on grade at 5,000 gallons or less, retaining walls supporting less than 2 feet of unbalanced fill, and above ground swimming pools less than 2 feet deep.
E-Permitting Portal
Building, Fire, Sign, Elevator, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign, and Zoning permits are applied for and issued online using our E-Permit Portal*. The online portal accepts only Visa and Mastercard. You will need to submit a complete building permit application and forms as well as apply in the portal. Please see the information needed on plans by project type to assist with the requirements for plan review. This should help minimize delays during the plan review process.
* For portal password resets, please call 757-664-4752 or email planning@norfolk.gov
Building Permits
Trade Permits (Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing)
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please call 757-664-6565 for assistance. Questions can also be sent to planreviewpermits@norfolk.gov.
Pools or Hot Tubs
Deck, Porch, Handicap Ramp
Building a Deck, Porch, or Handicap Ramp
Fences, Driveways, & Accessory Structures
Building a Fence, Driveway, or Accessory Structure
Certificate of Occupancy for Residential Sponsored Care Home/COE
Below is a list of the projects in our review queues where you can view the anticipated review date. Our goal is to review the plans by the review date; however, this is an anticipated date and it can vary with an influx of plans. If the status says "Documents Submitted" this means that the project is waiting for a review; if the status says "Reviews in progress" this indicates a reviewer is working on your project. If you do not see your project number, then the “Applicant” has received an email requesting additional required information.
We treat each project as a priority because we understand that each project is just as important as the next.