Roofing permits in Virginia Beach, VA
What the city asks for, the narrow statewide exemptions, and who can legally take on the work. Reviewed against the city’s permitting page in October 2026.
How do I submit a roofing permit in Virginia Beach?
The City of Virginia Beach takes building permit applications through its online Permits & Inspections system, available at any time. Roofing and siding replacement is listed among the alterations work that needs a permit. Inspections can be scheduled up to five working days in advance, and a final inspection is required before the permit closes. Questions go to Permits & Inspections at (757) 385-4211 or perminsp@vbgov.com.
When does Virginia's statewide code exempt roof work from a permit?
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code sets two narrow exemptions. Replacing 100 square feet or less of roof covering does not need a permit anywhere in the state, in any wind zone. Replacing an unlimited amount of roof covering on a one, two, three or four family home is also exempt, but only where the nominal design wind speed is 100 miles per hour or less. Virginia Beach is a coastal city, and the City itself lists roofing and siding replacement as work that needs a permit, so do not assume a full reroof here qualifies for that second exemption. Confirm with Permits & Inspections before you start.
Who can legally pull a roofing permit in Virginia Beach?
Virginia law defines a contractor as anyone who, for a fee, bids on or accepts orders or contracts for construction, removal, repair or improvement of a building. Taking on roofing work that way requires a Class A, B or C license from the Board for Contractors, with the Roofing Contracting (ROC) specialty, which the state’s own regulations list as a specialty service under both the Residential Building Contractor and Commercial Building Contractor classifications. Look up any contractor’s license on the DPOR License Lookup before you sign anything.
Not in Virginia Beach proper?
Chesapeake and Norfolk each draw their own, different line on when a reroof needs a permit. Confirm the jurisdiction for your address before anything else.
Sources
- Residential Building Permits (City of Virginia Beach Planning Department)
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 13VAC5-63-80, Section 108 permit exemptions
- Code of Virginia, section 54.1-1100, Definitions (contractor, Class A/B/C)
- 18VAC50-22-20, Board for Contractors classifications (roofing contracting specialty under RBC and CBC)
- DPOR License Lookup
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How the permit step works in Virginia Beach
Questions homeowners ask
Does every roof replacement in Virginia Beach need a permit?
The city lists roofing and siding replacement among the work that needs one. Statewide code only exempts patches of 100 square feet or less everywhere, and unlimited residential reroofing only where the nominal design wind speed is 100 miles per hour or less. Confirm with Permits & Inspections for your specific job.
Who can pull a Virginia Beach roofing permit?
A contractor holding a Virginia Class A, B or C license with the Roofing Contracting (ROC) specialty from the Board for Contractors.
How do I check a contractor’s Virginia license?
Look them up on the DPOR License Lookup by name, business name or license number.
Sources
- Residential Building Permits (City of Virginia Beach Planning Department)
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 13VAC5-63-80, Section 108 permit exemptions
- Code of Virginia, section 54.1-1100, Definitions (contractor, Class A/B/C)
- 18VAC50-22-20, Board for Contractors classifications (roofing contracting specialty under RBC and CBC)
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