Charlottesville permits go through the city Permit Portal; call Building Inspections at 434-970-3008. The new Development Code took effect Feb. 19, 2024.
Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Charlottesville’s Neighborhood Development Services, Building Inspections, Zoning and Residential Zoning pages, the city’s boards and commissions site and the city’s open permit data.
Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas permits in Charlottesville all go through the city’s online Permit Portal. The portal takes applications and plans, collects every fee and books inspections; guests can track a permit without an account. Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) runs permits, inspections, zoning and historic review. Since Jan. 26, 2026, Building Inspections has been on the first floor of City Hall, 605 E. Main St.; go in the main entrance and staff will point you down the hallway on the left.
Who to call
- Building permits and inspections: 434-970-3008, inspections@charlottesville.gov or permits@charlottesville.gov
- Zoning questions: 434-970-3995
- Neighborhood Development Services main line: 434-970-3181, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; appointments recommended
Getting a building permit
- Check your zoning in the GIS Viewer.
- Log in to the Permit Portal, choose “Create New Application,” pick the permit type and subtype, add the address, your contacts and any contractor, and describe the work.
- Upload plans. The upload screen takes files up to 5 MB; larger files go in the Upload Documents window after you submit. Note your permit number.
- Pay fees in the portal. Check the Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF) or the city’s permit fee calculator.
- Book inspections in the portal or by phone. The city posts a map of the day’s scheduled inspections.
Since Jan. 18, 2025, new permits fall under the 2021 edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The Building Inspections page also has a residential plan checklist, typical deck details and the list of mandatory inspections.
Watch out for fake invoices. The city says scammers have emailed fake permit invoices made to look like they came from Charlottesville. The city does not email invoices unless you ask; pay only inside the Permit Portal.
How busy the permit office is
The city’s open data lists 3,962 applications filed from October 2025 through September 2026, counting every type the permit system handles. The largest groups were traffic and right-of-way permits (838), residential electrical (560), residential building (373), residential plumbing (340), zoning (336) and commercial building (228).
Zoning under the 2024 Development Code
City Council adopted a new Development Code (PDF) on Dec. 18, 2023, and it took effect Feb. 19, 2024. It sorts the city into residential, mixed-use and industrial districts and allows more than one home on most residential lots. The zoning map (PDF) shows the districts and overlay districts.
| District | Minimum lot | Homes per lot | With bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-A, low density | 6,000 square feet | up to 3 | up to 6 |
| RN-A, residential core neighborhood | 6,000 square feet | see the district rules | up to 6 |
| R-B, medium density | 2,500 square feet | up to 6 | up to 12 |
| R-C, high density | 2,500 square feet | up to 8 | up to 12 |
The city describes RN-A as protecting the character and affordability of the historic neighborhoods near downtown and UVA. Its own pages give different base counts for RN-A, so read the RN-A rules (PDF) or call zoning before you plan.
Historic districts
Work on the outside of a building in one of the city’s architectural design control or historic conservation districts needs review by the Board of Architectural Review before a permit is issued. See the city’s historic districts and design review page.
Public meetings
All meet at City Hall, 605 E. Main St. Agendas are on the boards and commissions site.
- Planning Commission: second Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers (hybrid). Next: Tuesday, Nov. 10, then Tuesday, Dec. 8. It advises City Council on the Comprehensive Plan, rezonings, subdivisions and the capital program.
- Board of Architectural Review: third Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., or Wednesday when Monday or Tuesday is a holiday. Next: Tuesday, Oct. 20, then Tuesday, Nov. 17.
- Board of Zoning Appeals: third Thursday, 4 p.m., only when an appeal has been filed.
What this means for you
- Apply and pay only in the Permit Portal, and ignore emailed invoices you did not ask for.
- Before you buy a lot or plan an addition, check the district and the unit limits.
- To speak on a rezoning, sign up for the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 10.
Related guides: Charlottesville home prices, property taxes and who to call at City Hall.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a building permit in Charlottesville?
Apply and pay on the city’s Permit Portal at permits.charlottesville.gov. Building Inspections, part of Neighborhood Development Services, answers questions at 434-970-3008 and is on the first floor of City Hall.
How do I find my zoning in Charlottesville?
Search your address in the city’s GIS Viewer, which shows the zoning district for every parcel, or call the zoning staff at 434-970-3995.
How many homes can I build on a lot in Charlottesville?
It depends on the district. Under the 2024 Development Code, R-A allows up to three units per lot (six with bonuses), R-B up to six (12 with bonuses) and R-C up to eight (12 with bonuses).
When does the Charlottesville Planning Commission meet?
The second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 605 E. Main St. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 10.
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