Remodel/Repair

The process outlined below is for a combination building permit when there is building work and at least one other type of trade work will be performed (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) on any one project. Separate permits will not be issued and a general contractor is required to obtain the permit and list all subcontractors working on the project.

Submission Requirements

• Completed Residential Building and Zoning Permit Application or Commercial Building and Zoning Permit Application. 
• 1 set of building plans drawn to scale with sufficient detail and clarity to indicate the nature and extent of work proposed, if applicable.
• Owner/Builder Affidavit, if applying for an exemption from state contractor licensing.
• Water/sewer availability letter from Western Virginia Water Authority, if applicable.
• Floodplain Elevation Certificate, if in Special Flood Hazard Area.
• Asbestos Survey for commercial projects where the the building was initially built prior to January 1, 1985.
• Certificate of Appropriateness, if located in a historic district and work conducted on the exterior.
• Submission of a Neighborhood Design District Affidavit, if work conducted on the exterior of dwelling unit(s) located in the Neighborhood Design District.

Review Process

Once your permit application has been deemed complete and initialized in our system (you will receive a Permit Submission Confirmation Letter), City staff has 5 business days for single- and two-family residential review and 10 business days for all other building types. You may receive comments from City staff if additional information is needed to complete a thorough review. An Additional Submissions Form must accompany any resubmission of plans or information.

Building and zoning permits are reviewed for compliance with the following codes:

• Chapter 36.2, Zoning Code, City of Roanoke
• Virginia Statewide Uniform Building Code

Visit the City of Roanoke's Real Estate GIS page to determine your property's zoning designation.

Fees

Fees are due at time of permit issuance. The fees for a Plumbing Permit are as follows:
Building Permit Fee

Valuation of Work	Building Permit Fee
$0.01 to $1,000	$45
$1,000.01 to $50,000	$45 for the first $1,000.01 plus $5 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to an including $50,000.
$50,000.01 to $100,000	$290 for the first $50,000.01 plus $4 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to an including $100,000.
$100,000.01 to $250,000	$490 for the first 100,000.01 plus $3.50 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $250,000.
$250,000.01 to $500,000	$1,015 for the first $250,000.01 plus $3.25 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.
$500,000 and up	$1,827.50 for the first $500,000.01 plus $3.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof.

•     Plan Review Fee (for applications requiring building plans only): 10% of the building permit fee.
•     2% state levy of total fee.

Expiration

Building and Zoning Permits are valid as long as work is proceeding and an inspection has been performed within the last 6 months. If work has halted or been abandoned and no inspection has been conducted within the last 6 months, the permit may be suspended. Extensions may be granted by the Building Commissioner through written request by the permit holder. Extensions are not guaranteed.