New Commercial Building

Pre-Application Requirements

Almost all new commercial construction will require a Comprehensive Development Plan.  A pre-application conference to review the general site plan is required. This conference is an opportunity to determine applicable requirements for zoning, fire protection, utilities, erosion and sediment control, and transportation considerations.  Stormwater management approaches, if the project will disturb 10,000 s.f. of land or more, is also discussed.  While the pre-application conference is an extra step, it usually saves time downstream because it helps address issues early and therefore shortens review times.

Application Requirements

• Comprehensive Development Plan with Erosion & Sediment Control and Stormwater Management components.
• Completed Commercial Building and Zoning Permit Application.
• Building plans and supporting documents (1 copy).
• Water/sewer availability letter from Western Virginia Water Authority.
• Floodplain Elevation Certificate, if in Special Flood Hazard Area.
• Certificate of Appropriateness, if located in an H-1 or H-2 historic district.

Other Permits That May Be Required

A right-of-way excavation permit may be required for driveway connections to the right-of-way, installation of public sidewalks, and utility connections.

Review Process

The Comprehensive Development Plan should be reviewed and deemed substantially complete before the Building and Zoning Permit Application is submitted with building plans. 

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

• Chapter 36.2, Zoning Code, City of Roanoke
• 2015 Uniform Statewide Building Code

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