Print My Plans
Chesapeake Plan Printing for Residential Permit Sets
By Eli Gewirtzman, Owner · Last checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices and City of Chesapeake Department of Development & Permits sources)
Chesapeake’s residential plan requirements open with a number: a “Complete set of plans in duplicate.” The same sheet adds that “Digital plans are preferred and may be submitted through eBuild,” so a paper filing is the route for those who don’t use eBuild. If you go on paper, the sheets have a ceiling. The City caps residential drawings at 2 x 3 feet, which is 24×36, with a floor of letter size. We print two matching sets at $1.95 a sheet in black and white, or $3.75 for color sheets. Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day.
Prices (flat, 17×22 to 36×48)
| Per sheet | |
|---|---|
| Black & white | $1.95 |
| Color | $3.75 |
Chesapeake’s residential plan requirements
From the City of Chesapeake’s Residential Plan Requirements sheet:
| Rule | What Chesapeake says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Two sets | “Complete set of plans in duplicate” | Residential Plan Requirements (PDF) |
| Digital option | “Digital plans are preferred and may be submitted through eBuild.” | Same |
| Sheet limits | “Minimum sheet size is 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Maximum size is 2×3 feet.” | Same |
| Scale | “Minimum scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot for plan and elevations” and 3/4 inch to the foot for details | Same |
| Site plan | “One copy of your site or plot plan.” | Same |
| Trusses | Truss engineering sheets “signed and sealed by a Virginia engineer” | Same |
| Square footage | “List the square footage of the structure on the plans.” | Same |
| Code | “List the 2021 Virginia Residential Code as the building code.” | Same |
Before you print a Chesapeake set
- Stay at or under 24×36. The 2 x 3 foot maximum rules out our 30×42 and 36×48 sizes for this set. 17×22, 18×24, 22×34 and 24×36 all fit.
- Order two copies. For a paper filing, set the quantity to 2 at checkout so both sets match sheet for sheet.
- Include the truss sheets. Sealed truss engineering often comes as its own PDF. Add it to the upload so it’s in both sets. Our guide to preparing a PDF plan set shows how to combine files.
- Print at true scale. At 1/8 inch to the foot, a sheet printed at 90% throws off every dimension. Print at 100% of the PDF size; the blueprint scale guide explains why.
The City’s Department of Development & Permits and your designer decide what the approved set contains. We print the PDF you send and don’t file anything with the City, so confirm details with the permit office.
Chesapeake projects we print for
- New homes and additions in Great Bridge, Hickory and Western Branch.
- Decks, garages and sunrooms in Greenbrier and Deep Creek.
- Builders who also work across the line in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth or Suffolk, which each run their own permits. See blueprint printing in Virginia Beach.
What a Chesapeake order costs (prints only; shipping chosen at checkout)
| Job | Sheets | Print total |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bridge new home, 2 sets × 14 sheets, 24×36 B&W | 28 | $54.60 |
| Room addition, 2 sets × 6 sheets, 18×24 B&W | 12 | $23.40 |
| Truss package added to both sets | 8 | $15.60 |
| Color elevations, one set | 3 | $11.25 |
Frequently asked questions
How many sets of plans does Chesapeake require for a house?
The City’s residential plan requirements call for a complete set of plans in duplicate. Digital plans are preferred and can be filed through eBuild.
What is the largest sheet Chesapeake accepts for residential plans?
The maximum is 2 x 3 feet, which is 24 x 36 inches. The minimum is 8-1/2 x 11 inches.
What scale does Chesapeake require?
At least 1/8 inch to the foot for plans and elevations and 3/4 inch to the foot for details.
Do truss drawings need a seal in Chesapeake?
Yes. The City asks for individual truss engineering sheets signed and sealed by a Virginia engineer.
Which code goes on Chesapeake residential plans?
The City says to list the 2021 Virginia Residential Code as the building code.
When does a Chesapeake order ship?
Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day.