Any business utilizing a drive-thru service window for the sale of goods or the procurement of services must obtain a special exception. Special exception uses are those uses having some potential impact or uniqueness which require a careful review of their location, design, configuration, and impacts to determine, against fixed standards, the desirability of permitting their establishment on any given site. They are uses that may or may not be appropriate in a particular location depending on a weighing in each case, of the public need and benefit against the local impacts.

Location:
5^th Floor, Room 508, City Hall Building, Department of Planning and Community Development, 810 Union Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

Contact:
Bureau of Zoning Services
Telephone: (757) 664-4752
Facsimile: (757) 441-1569

Requirements:

• A completed special exception application (Application available on-line)
• A check or money order
• A complete description of the proposed use of the property
• A site plan drawn to scale

Procedure:

• Zoning Services staff reviews application and makes a recommendation
• City Planning Commission holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation
• City Council hears the request and if the application is approved, an Ordinance is adopted.

Time Frame:
2 to 2 ½ months

Fees:
$265.00

Return to Frequently Asked Questions