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Preparing Commercial Construction Documents
- Application Requirements
- Document Requirements
- Project Checklists
- Applications & Forms
- Package Submittal
- Plan Review
- Permit Issuance
Commercial Building Permit Applicants
The following people can apply for commercial building permits:
- Property owner
- Licensed contractor
- Tenant of the building or unit where the proposed work will take place
- Owner’s agent with written permission from the owner
- Contractors: Contractors who have never performed work before in Chesterfield County must submit a Client Registration Form, at which time a Customer Pin will be created for use in future applications and inspection scheduling. The contractor must have a valid business license from a Virginia locality for jobs valued at $25,000 or less. For jobs valued at more than $25,000, the contractor must have a valid Chesterfield County Business License.
The commercial permit application package must include the permit application, associated forms and plans, and the permit fee. If you submit the application without an assigned contractor (“To Be Decided” on the application), the permit will only issue after a contractor is assigned.
Permit Requirements
Several types of permits that may be necessary for a commercial project, depending on the scope of work. The following projects require a permit:
Building Permits
For construction of a New Structure
- Demolition of a structure, including the removal of any wall, partition, or structural component
- Reconstruction, alteration, or replacement including:
- The addition of any wall, partition, or structural component
- Reconstruction of decks, balconies, porches and similar structures
- Any required fire or smoke-resistance rated assembly
- Modification to means of egress
- Removal or disturbance of asbestos containing materials
- Replacement of roofing and siding
- Change of occupancy, requiring a new Certificate of Occupancy (CO) prior to the use of the structure. A CO is required when the USBC requires a greater degree of structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation or sanitation. Typical examples: new restaurant (A-2) locating in an existing mercantile shopping center (M); business (B) operating from an existing residence (R).
- Tents or air-supported structures greater than 900 square feet or with more than 50 occupants
- Modifications to the Exterior Accessible Route: Modifications to an exterior accessible route i.e.: accessible parking and sidewalks leading to an accessible building/site
- Converting a single-family dwelling into a business office. A permit is required even if no alterations are proposed
Trade Permits
For Installations or alterations involving:
- The water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage or vent system
- Electric wiring greater than 50 volts, or less than 50 volts where wiring penetrates a fire rated or smoke protected assembly, is located in a plenum or is associated with an elevator fire safety control system, egress control system or fire protective system
- The fire protection system, mechanical systems or fuel supply systems
- Equipment regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
- Replacement of above-ground existing LP-gas containers when any of the following occur:
- Tank capacity changes
- Tank location changes
- Tank regulator changes
Other Permits
- Elevators/conveyance equipment installation – Elevator/conveyance equipment permit
- Temporary and permanent signs – Sign permit
- Amusement devices – Amusement Device permit
Policies for Registered Design Professionals (RDP)
Minimum Documents Required to Initiate the Permit Review Process
The footing and foundation permit is separate from the building permit for the other portions of the structure.
- If the permit application is submitted prior to application for the complete building permit - five sets of plans for the footing and foundation portion of the work are required
- If the permit application is submitted with or after application for the complete building permit - three sets of plans for the footing and foundation portion of the work.
- All pages of the plan set the same size. If different discipline designers use different page sizes, re-print smaller pages on sheets the size of the largest in the set.
- Completed Commercial Building Permit Application (PDF) for the footing and foundation permit
- In Work Description field, clearly state that the permit is for the footing and foundation portion of the project.
- State the overall project name or description and list any ground work for plumbing, electrical or other trade work to be performed with the footing and foundation portion of the project.
- If the footing and foundation permit is submitted after the complete building permit application has been submitted, provide the building permit (Job) number in the work description.
- Scope of work beyond footings, foundations and slabs for vertical building elements, such as steel or wood framing, is typically not included with footing and foundation permit approvals.
- If plan approval is desired for a permit that is for more than the footing and foundation portion of the job, but less than complete building, contact our department for further information.
Prior to Permit Issuance, Submit the Following Documents for Review,
If Applicable
- Geotechnical Report
- Statement of Special Inspections (PDF) for any inspections or testing that will be done for the footing and foundation portion of the project (VCC Chapter 17)
- If the building is a pre-fabricated metal building - certification from the structural engineer stating that the foundation has been designed according to the actual loads from the steel building manufacturer. This certification may be on the plans or in letter that includes the engineer’s seal.
Construction Document Checklists
This section provides, by type of construction project, a listing of the plans and other documents typically required to apply for a permit. It also provides the requirements for what the plans must contain. Review these items and ensure that your plans are complete prior to submission. Select a project type to access the detailed permit requirements for that project.
- New Construction and Additions Checklist
- Alterations and Renovations Checklist
- Footing and Foundation Checklist
- Structural Checklist For New Construction and Additions
- Converting a Single Family Dwelling into a Business Checklist
- Accessibility – Ramp, Handrail and Guard Checklist
- Solar Photovoltaic Systems Checklist
- Electrical Checklist
- Mechanical Checklist
- Plumbing and Gas Checklist
- Tent Checklist
- Fire Protection System Permit Checklists
- Passenger Elevator Checklist
- Utilities Checklist
Applications
The following applications are available in PDF format. To complete the application, click on the first field and type in your information, use the tab key to move to the next field. Use mouse clicks to select or deselect the check boxes.
- Amusement Device Application
- Commercial Building Permit Application
- Commercial Multi-Unit Permit Application
- Electrical Permit Application
- Elevator or Conveyance Equipment Permit Application and Registration
- Fire Permit Application
- Mechanical-Boiler Permit Application
- Plumbing-Gas Permit Application
- Sign Permit Application
- Refund Request Application
Forms
The following forms are available in PDF format. To complete the form, click on the first field and type in your information, use the tab key to move to the next field. Use mouse clicks to select or deselect the check boxes.
- Asbestos Form
- Client Registration Form
- Credit Card Authorization Form – American Express, Discover, Master Card and Visa
- Retaining Wall - Statement of Special Inspections Form
- Retaining Wall - Final Report of Special Inspections Form
- Structures - Statement of Special Inspections form
- Structures - Final Report of Special Inspections Form
- Footing Inspection and Concrete Placement Report Form
- Freedom of Information Act Request Form
The commercial permit package must include the permit application, associated forms, plans, and the permit fee. If you submit the application without an assigned contractor (“To Be Decided” on the application), the permit will only issue after a contractor is assigned. Please submit complete and accurate packages to avoid rework and delays. Applications may be submitted in the following ways:
Commercial Walk-Thru- Demolition of the entire structure (does not include partial demolition)
- Re-roof
- Sign
- Tents greater than 900 square feet (without food preparation within the tent). Tents less than 900 square feet do not require permits.
- Construction, classroom or sales trailer
- Submit Walk-Thru Permit applications in person on Tuesdays and Thursday, from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Walk Thru applications are processed in the order received and appointments are not accepted.
Deliver to our Office
Commercial permit applications, plans and associated forms are accepted from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm at the offices of the Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection, 9800 Government Center Parkway, Chesterfield, Virginia, except on Scheduled Holidays.
Mail commercial permit applications, plans and associated forms, with a check or Credit Card Authorization Form, to Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection, P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832-0040.
Fax
Fax legible application and associated forms, accompanied by the Credit Card Authorization Form, to (804) 717-6080 if it does not require plans.
Plan Review Process
- Plan reviewers from all applicable departments review the submitted plans and documents to evaluate code and ordinance compliance:
- Building Inspections – reviews plans for building code compliance
- Addressing – verifies that correct address is being used
- Planning - reviews plot plan for property and zoning issues
- Utilities – reviews plot plan and application for water and sewer availability and clearance to easements
- Environmental Engineering – reviews plot plan for erosion control and drainage
- Health – reviews are required for facilities with food service, bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels, marinas, public pools and buildings with a septic or well system.
- If all reviewers approve the construction documents, the process proceeds to Permit Issuance.
- If corrections are required by the Building Inspection Department - The plans are placed on “hold” and the applicant is notified by letter or e-mail, once all applicable reviews are completed. Review results are also available online. If desired, the applicant may schedule a meeting with a Building Inspection Department to discuss outstanding issues by calling (804) 717-6443.
- Any department other than Building Inspection - A letter will be mailed once the last department review has been completed. The permit issues once all of the departments have approved the permit application and associated documents.
Submitting Revised Construction Documents During Permit Review Process
- Revisions addressing departments other than Building Inspection do not need to be submitted at the same time as revisions addressing Building Inspection Department reviews.
- When revisions addressing other departments affect the building design, submit the revised construction documents to the Building Inspection Department. They will be routed to the appropriate department(s) for review.
- Submit revisions addressing Building Inspection Department review comments to the Commercial Plan Review division in a single submittal; individual plan reviewers will not accept revisions.
- Address all correction-required comments from all building code reviewers.
- Submit a cover letter containing the permit number and responses to each plan review comment. Denote the sheet(s) on which the revision is addressed. Submit five copies of the letter.
- Clearly denote all revisions on the plans with a cloud, revision symbol and revision date.
- Submit five complete, collated sets of revised plan sheets (six sets for projects involving Health department approval). If five or more sheets are revised, submit five full sets.
- All pages must be the same size.
- If you have any questions regarding the submission process please call (804) 717-6427.
- After all plans are approved, the permit issues and construction begins.
Revisions to Issued Permits
The process is the same as that outlined above for revisions submitted prior to permit issuance, with the following additional stipulations:
- If the revised building design changes the cost of construction, the permit fee may need to be adjusted. The permit holder must indicate the additional cost of construction, if any.
- Revisions to issued permits are placed into “In Review” status. Inspections may continue to be performed by contacting the building inspector directly. The automated inspection scheduling system cannot be used when permits are in the “In Review” status.
- Upon approval of the revision, the permit applicant will be contacted to pick up the plans. A complete set of documents, including all approved revisions, must be maintained in the field.
Permit Issuance
- Once all reviews are released, the approved plans are stamped.
- You are notified when your permit and plans are ready to be picked up.
- Once a building permit is issued, the permitted work may begin.
- Post the permit on the job site and have the approved Field Set of plans on-site and available for all inspections.
- If the contractor was noted as "To be determined" on the application, in order for the permit to issue, the applicant must send a letter naming the contractor for the job. Fax the letter to 804-717-6080 or you can email it.
- The contractor must have a valid business license from a Virginia locality for jobs valued at $25,000 or less. For jobs valued at more than $25,000 the contractor must have a valid Chesterfield County business license.
Revisions to Issued Permits
The process is the same as that outlined above for revisions submitted prior to permit issuance (see Plan Review Tab above), with the following additional stipulations:
- If the revised building design changes the cost of construction, the permit fee may need to be adjusted. The permit holder must indicate the additional cost of construction, if any.
- Revisions to issued permits are placed into “In Review” status. Inspections may continue to be performed by contacting the building inspector directly. The automated inspection scheduling system cannot be used when permits are in the “In Review” status.
- Upon approval of the revision, the permit applicant will be contacted to pick up the plans. A complete set of documents, including all approved revisions, must be maintained in the field.
Permit Expiration
Permits are valid for 6 months from the date of "last activity", which includes completed inspections, amendments, and the issuance of associated permits. If the permit does expire, an administrative fee is assessed to reinstate the permit.
If your permit is about to expire and you will be completing the work, contact the office to extend the permit. If you are not going to complete the work, contact the office to void the permit. Contact Craig Condrey, Commercial Inspection Chief at 804-748-1242 or by email.
If a permit was issued and work was performed, expiration of the permit without completing the required inspections is a violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Refunds
Refunds are granted if requested in writing, provided no inspections have been performed. The refund amount will be the permit fee paid, minus 25% of the permit fee or $119, whichever is greater. If the permit fee paid was less than the minimum of $119, a refund will not be granted.