Permits and Inspections

Please direct questions to the Development Services Center at 757-664-6565.
The Development Services Center is no longer providing in-person processing of permits and payments.

Building, Fire, Sign, Elevator permits, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Zoning permits are applied for and issued online using our E-Permit Portal at norfolkvapermits.force.com. The online portal accepts only Visa and Mastercard.  You will need to submit a complete building permit application and forms as well as apply in the portal.  Please see the information needed on plans by project type to assist with the requirements for plan review. This should help minimize delays during the plan review process.

Site plans and planning applications must be bundled together in a single PDF to planning@norfolk.gov. 

Inspections will be performed live and in person on site.

Development Services Center logo

  • Building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, elevator, and sign permits
  • Residential and commercial plan review
  • Water and sewer taps
  • Business license zoning review 
  • Answers to additional zoning, right-of-way, and environmental services questions and more!

All Permits will be filed electronically through the E-Permitting Portal.

What do I need to have to obtain a building permit?

To apply for a building permit, you will need:

  1. Go to the online E-Permitting Portal
  2. All pertinent plans and permit applications completed;
  3. Your contractor’s license;
  4. Your contractor authorization form that lists the people allowed to pull permits for your company; and
  5.  Contact email address for your company and authorized personnel.
  6. All of this will be required to be in a digital format.  This will be emailed to with your plans to  planreviewpermits@norfolk.gov.

The fee schedule can be found here.

How do I apply for a trade (Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing) permit?

To apply for trade (electrical, mechanical, & plumbing) permits, you will need:

  1. Go to the online E-Permitting Portal  
  2. You will need to sign in (if you have an account), if not create one;
  3. This will require your contractor's license information just as it is shown in DPOR.  
  4.  Once you have created an account, you will choose which trade application you would like to complete.
  5. You will follow the steps and complete the information requested and attach any documents necessary for the application.
  6. Once completed, you will submit the application for review.

How do I request inspections for my permit?

Inspections can be requested using the online portal, with a computer or smart device, at https://www.norfolk.gov/4983/Schedule-Inspection. Enter your permit number and PIN to find inspections that are available to request. Permit Number (ex. B12-3456) PIN Number (ex. IR-12345)

How do I get inspection results?

Inspection results are emailed to up to three registered email addresses, designated by the permit applicant.  

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please call 757-664-6565 for assistance. Questions can also be sent to planreviewpermits@norfolk.gov.