Commercial Construction

Commercial Construction Preparation

View commercial construction permit requirements, learn more about commercial inspections and certificates of occupancy, and review how to submit commercial amendments and revisions. Download and print forms and applications.

For commercial projects, property owners, licensed contractors, the tenant of a building or a unit, and the owner’s agent (with written permission from the owner) may apply for permits.

  1. Building and Statewide Codes

Building Codes

Chesterfield County is required to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). Both codes are administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and reference the 2018 International Codes as published by the International Code Council.

Statewide Codes

Chesterfield County is currently enforcing the 2018 code edition of the Virginia Library of Building Codes.

  1. Local Design Load Criteria and Ultimate Wind Speed
  1. Registered Design Professional Requirements
  1. Commercial Project Checklists

Ways to Submit a Commercial Permit Application

 Commercial permit applications can be submitted:

  • Online: Chesterfield Community Development ELM Portal
  • Deliver to our Office: Commercial permit applications, plans and associated forms are accepted from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the offices of the Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection, 9800 Government Center Parkway), Chesterfield, Virginia, except on scheduled holidays
  • Mail residential and commercial permit applications, plans and associated forms, with a check, to Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection, P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832-0040.

Commercial Permit Application Package

Commercial permit application package should include:

  • Application - A customer-service representative reviews the permit application, processes the permit data, calculates and collects permit fees, and provides the applicant with a receipt. 
  • Plans - Five sets of construction plans, unless otherwise noted.
  • Plot Plans - Plot plans must contain: Entire property, showing all property line dimensions, existing dwelling, any other existing structures and location of proposed structure. Clearly indicate all dimensions of proposed structure. Setbacks from the closest point of the proposed structure to property lines in each direction. Label the measurements from each property line to the closest point on the structure as exactly as possible. Clearly label the name of the road. All buffers, easements or floodplains located on the property (no structure may be located in these areas).
  • Permit Fees - All fees are paid in Building Inspection and are payable at the time of application. Checks, cash, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa are accepted. Checks are payable to “Treasurer, Chesterfield County.” Fees are subject to change. Please consult the commercial fee schedule (PDF) for the most current information.

Commercial Plan Review

Plan reviewers from all applicable departments review the submitted plans and documents for code and ordinance compliance.

Commercial Permit Issuance

Upon approval of all reviews, the Building Inspection Department issues the permit to the applicant, along with the plans. The approved building permit must be visible on the job site and construction plans must be available to the county inspectors on the job site. Any change from the plan or to the permit requires an amendment or revision.