Building Inspection COVID-19 Related Information

Information on Reopening Your Business in Chesterfield

Occupant Load Determination for compliance with the governor’s Executive Order 65

EO65 sets occupancy limits based on a percentage of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy for numerous types of businesses and facilities. In most cases the occupancy load is not provided on the certificate of occupancy (CO) because state law does not require the occupant load to be printed on the CO.

To determine the occupant load of your facility for application of EO65

For all facilities- If there is an existing posted occupant load in the facility or one provided on the CO, that occupant load is acceptable to use. There is no need to confirm the value with our department.

To determine the occupant load if it is not known or documented

Restaurants, Dining Establishments, Food Courts, Breweries, Microbreweries, Distilleries, Wineries, and Tasting Rooms:

For the dining areas use the number of chairs provided within the facility where the patrons are served. For booth seating take the length of booth seating provided and divide by 24” to calculate the occupant load for booth seating. If there is a mix of chairs and booth seating add the two values to calculate the total dining area occupant load.

Fitness and Exercise Facilities, and Recreational Sports

Determine the floor area of the building or tenant space and divide the area by 50. For swimming pools the occupant load of the swimming pool is the area of the swimming pool divided by 50; for the deck area around the pool divide the deck area by 15.

Example: The gym is in a tenant space that is 20 feet by 50 feet. 20ft. x 50ft. = 1000 sq.ft.

1000 sq. ft. / 50 = 20. The occupant load is 20.

Brick and Mortar Retail Businesses

Determine the floor area of the building or tenant space open to customers and divide the area by 60.

Example: The retail sales floor area is 20 feet by 50 feet. 20ft. x 50ft. = 1000 sq.ft.

1000 sq. ft. / 60 = 16.67 round up to 17. The occupant load is 17.

Personal Care and Personal Grooming Services

Determine the total floor area of the building or tenant space use to provide the services and divide the area by 100.

Example: The tenant space for the salon is 20 feet by 50 feet. 20ft. x 50ft. = 1000 sq.ft.

1000 sq. ft. / 100 = 10 (round up for fractions). The occupant load is 10.

Indoor Shooting Ranges

Determine the total floor area of the building or tenant space use for shooting stations, training and staging and divide the area by 100.

Example: The area for shooters to assemble, receive instruction and shoot from is 20 feet by 50 feet. 20ft. x 50ft. = 1000 sq.ft.

1000 sq. ft. / 100 = 10 (round up for fractions). The occupant load is 10.

If the shooting range has an associated retail sales area apply the brick and mortar retail business calculation above and add the two occupant load values together to determine the total occupant load for the facility.

Religious services

Chair seating or fixed seating with dividing arms between seats: Use the number of chairs or seats provided within the facility where services are conducted.

Pew seating: For pew seating take the length of pew seating provided and divide by 18” to get the occupant load for pew seating. If there is a mix of chairs and pew seating add the two values to calculate the total occupant load.

Please Note: Cash Proffers

Due to the evolving nature of circumstances related to COVID-19, the following information is subject to change at any time pending recommendations by health officials who are continually monitoring the situation. Check back often for updates.

Call the Department of Budget and Management at 804-748-1548 or email Kae Longnaker to schedule an appointment for payment. All calls and emails will be returned within 24 hours.

Cash proffer payments can also be mailed to Department of Budget and Management, 9901 Lori Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832 or deposited in the Treasurer’s Drop box located outside of the Lane B. Ramsey Administration Building.

Be sure the building permit number, property address, and customer’s return address are included with all payments.