{ "meta": { "title": "US Plan Submission Requirements: 124 Large US Cities", "publisher": "Print My Plans, printmyplans.com", "license": "CC BY 4.0 (covers Print My Plans' compilation; quoted city text remains attributed to its source)", "attribution": "Print My Plans, printmyplans.com", "last_checked": "2026-10-19", "recheck": "All sources rechecked within 7 days of launch", "legend": "— = not published on the official pages we checked; ask the permit office.", "ids": "Stable; corrections keep the same ID. Gaps are rows held back (no substantive field published).", "not_stated": "In the JSON a missing value is \"not stated\"; in the CSV it is \"—\". Both mean not published on the official pages we checked, not that no rule exists.", "rows": 4, "state": "Virginia" }, "rows": [ { "id": "USPPR-043", "rank_2025": 43, "jurisdiction": "Virginia Beach", "census_place": "Virginia Beach city", "state": "VA", "state_name": "Virginia", "state_slug": "virginia", "population_2025": 453737, "permitting_agency": "City of Virginia Beach Planning Department, Permits & Inspections", "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)", "submission_mode_group": { "value": "C paper accepted only in limited cases", "quotes": [ { "text": "Permits & Inspections will accept submittals at the counter (Municipal Center, Building 3, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach) only for small plan sets meeting the requirements listed below.", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "All other items should be submitted online .", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "submission_mode_detail": { "value": "digital; paper only for small sets at the counter (5 pages or fewer)", "quotes": [ { "text": "Permits & Inspections will accept submittals at the counter (Municipal Center, Building 3, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach) only for small plan sets meeting the requirements listed below.", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "All other items should be submitted online .", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "e_portal": { "value": "Online submittal", "quotes": [ { "text": "All other items should be submitted online .", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "paper_rule": { "value": "Counter submittals only for small plan sets (5 pages or fewer, with size/use limits); all other items online", "quotes": [ { "text": "Permits & Inspections will accept submittals at the counter (Municipal Center, Building 3, 2403 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach) only for small plan sets meeting the requirements listed below.", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "All other items should be submitted online .", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "residential_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "commercial_copies": { "value": "2 copies of complete signed and sealed architectural and structural plans + material specifications", "quotes": [ { "text": "Two copies of the complete signed and sealed architectural and structural plans, as well as material specifications of all work.", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building/commercial-building-permits", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "stated_set_counts": { "value": "2 (medium not stated; commercial (signed & sealed arch/structural))", "quotes": [ { "text": "Two copies of the complete signed and sealed architectural and structural plans, as well as material specifications of all work.", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building/commercial-building-permits", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "jobsite_approved_set": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "sheet_sizes": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "min_scale": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "seal_signature_rule": { "value": "Commercial architectural and structural plans signed and sealed", "quotes": [ { "text": "Two copies of the complete signed and sealed architectural and structural plans", "source_url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building/commercial-building-permits", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "real_fields": [ "paper_rule", "stated_set_counts", "seal_signature_rule" ], "real_fields_from_current_sources": [ "paper_rule", "stated_set_counts", "seal_signature_rule" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Virginia Beach: Building Permits", "url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building", "date": "no date shown", "outdated": false }, { "title": "Virginia Beach: Commercial Building Permits", "url": "https://planning.virginiabeach.gov/permits/building/commercial-building-permits", "date": "no date shown", "outdated": false } ], "last_checked": "2026-10-19" }, { "id": "USPPR-091", "rank_2025": 92, "jurisdiction": "Chesapeake", "census_place": "Chesapeake city", "state": "VA", "state_name": "Virginia", "state_slug": "virginia", "population_2025": 255332, "permitting_agency": "City of Chesapeake Department of Development & Permits", "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)", "submission_mode_group": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "submission_mode_detail": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "e_portal": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "paper_rule": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "residential_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "commercial_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "stated_set_counts": { "value": "2 (medium not stated (digital preferred); residential (complete set in duplicate)); 1 (medium not stated; Plan Review Level 3)", "quotes": [ { "text": "Complete set of plans in duplicate:", "source_url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/DocumentCenter/View/1919/Residential-Plan-Requirements-PDF?bidId=", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-01-30", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "Digital plans are preferred", "source_url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/DocumentCenter/View/1919/Residential-Plan-Requirements-PDF?bidId=", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-01-30", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "One set of plans drawn to scale", "source_url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/375/Plan-Review-Level-3", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "jobsite_approved_set": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "sheet_sizes": { "value": "Residential: minimum 8.5 x 11 in., maximum 2 x 3 ft", "quotes": [ { "text": "Minimum sheet size is 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Maximum size is 2x3 feet.", "source_url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/DocumentCenter/View/1919/Residential-Plan-Requirements-PDF?bidId=", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-01-30", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "min_scale": { "value": "Residential: minimum 1/8\" = 1' for plans and elevations, 3/4\" = 1' for details", "quotes": [ { "text": "Minimum scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot for plan and elevations and ¾ inch = 1 foot for details.", "source_url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/DocumentCenter/View/1919/Residential-Plan-Requirements-PDF?bidId=", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-01-30", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "seal_signature_rule": { "value": "Level 3: plans designed and submitted with a Virginia-licensed architect/engineer seal and signature", "quotes": [ { "text": "This level requires plans to be designed by and submitted with an architectural / engineer seal and signature per State Code.", "source_url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/375/Plan-Review-Level-3", "source_date": "no date shown", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "real_fields": [ "stated_set_counts", "sheet_sizes", "min_scale", "seal_signature_rule" ], "real_fields_from_current_sources": [ "stated_set_counts", "sheet_sizes", "min_scale", "seal_signature_rule" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Chesapeake: Residential Plan Requirements (PDF)", "url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/DocumentCenter/View/1919/Residential-Plan-Requirements-PDF?bidId=", "date": "PDF modified 2025-01-30", "outdated": false }, { "title": "Chesapeake: Plan Review Level 3", "url": "https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/375/Plan-Review-Level-3", "date": "no date shown", "outdated": false } ], "last_checked": "2026-10-19" }, { "id": "USPPR-095", "rank_2025": 96, "jurisdiction": "Richmond", "census_place": "Richmond city", "state": "VA", "state_name": "Virginia", "state_slug": "virginia", "population_2025": 237257, "permitting_agency": "City of Richmond Department of Planning & Development Review, Permits and Inspections", "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)", "submission_mode_group": { "value": "A digital-only (stated)", "quotes": [ { "text": "All documents must be submitted as a single black and white pdf file.", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "submission_mode_detail": { "value": "Commercial: all documents as a single black-and-white PDF; other permit types not stated", "quotes": [ { "text": "All documents must be submitted as a single black and white pdf file.", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "e_portal": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "paper_rule": { "value": "Commercial: documents submitted as a single black-and-white PDF", "quotes": [ { "text": "All documents must be submitted as a single black and white pdf file.", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "residential_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "commercial_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "stated_set_counts": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "jobsite_approved_set": { "value": "Approved plans on the job site (framing inspection)", "quotes": [ { "text": "Approved plans must be on the job site.", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "sheet_sizes": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "min_scale": { "value": "Architectural plans minimum 1/8\" = 1'-0\"; civil and site plans may be smaller (e.g. 1\" = 30')", "quotes": [ { "text": "The minimum scale used on architectural plans shall be 1/8” = 1’-0”. Civil and site plans can be plotted at a smaller scale, such as 1”=30’.", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "seal_signature_rule": { "value": "Architectural and engineering plans sealed and signed by a Registered Design Professional responsible for the design in Virginia (exemptions per Code of Virginia 54.1-402); sealed drawings where required by Code of Virginia 54.1-402", "quotes": [ { "text": "All architectural and engineering plans shall be sealed and signed by a Registered Design Professional responsible for the design in the Commonwealth of Virginia except where, exempted by Section 54.1-402 of the Code of Virginia.", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "Provide sealed drawings where required by Title 54.1-402 of the Code of Virginia", "source_url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "source_date": "March 2025", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "real_fields": [ "paper_rule", "min_scale", "seal_signature_rule", "jobsite_approved_set" ], "real_fields_from_current_sources": [ "paper_rule", "min_scale", "seal_signature_rule", "jobsite_approved_set" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Richmond: Commercial Building Plan Review Requirements (March 2025)", "url": "https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Commercial%20Building%20Plan%20Submittal%20-%20March%202025.pdf", "date": "March 2025", "outdated": false } ], "last_checked": "2026-10-19" }, { "id": "USPPR-099", "rank_2025": 101, "jurisdiction": "Norfolk", "census_place": "Norfolk city", "state": "VA", "state_name": "Virginia", "state_slug": "virginia", "population_2025": 231013, "permitting_agency": "City of Norfolk Development Services Center", "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)", "submission_mode_group": { "value": "A digital-only (stated)", "quotes": [ { "text": "your documents must be submitted into one .pdf. at this email address: planreviewpermits@norfolk.gov", "source_url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72677/COMMERCIAL-Packet-redo-fillable", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-09-10", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "submission_mode_detail": { "value": "Commercial: documents must be submitted as one PDF by email after applying in the online portal (other permit types / paper route not stated)", "quotes": [ { "text": "your documents must be submitted into one .pdf. at this email address: planreviewpermits@norfolk.gov", "source_url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72677/COMMERCIAL-Packet-redo-fillable", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-09-10", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "e_portal": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "paper_rule": { "value": "Commercial: apply in the online portal, then email the application and complete construction plans combined into one PDF", "quotes": [ { "text": "your documents must be submitted into one .pdf. at this email address: planreviewpermits@norfolk.gov", "source_url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72677/COMMERCIAL-Packet-redo-fillable", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-09-10", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "residential_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "commercial_copies": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "stated_set_counts": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "jobsite_approved_set": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "sheet_sizes": { "value": "not stated", "quotes": [] }, "min_scale": { "value": "Plans to scale and legible (residential project types; no minimum stated)", "quotes": [ { "text": "Plans that are to scale and legible", "source_url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/71681/Information-Needed-On-Plans-For-Submission?bidId=", "source_date": "PDF created 2025-01-09", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "seal_signature_rule": { "value": "Sealed plans required where plans must be drawn by a registered design professional (Code of Virginia 54.1-402 charts)", "quotes": [ { "text": "Check the following page to see if you need to have plans drawn by a registered design professional, if so sealed plans are required.", "source_url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72677/COMMERCIAL-Packet-redo-fillable", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-09-10", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" }, { "text": "Charts A, B and C provide a quick reference to determine if Section 54.1-402 of the Code of Virginia requires an architect’s or engineer’s (A/E) seal on drawings for the proposed construction.", "source_url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72677/COMMERCIAL-Packet-redo-fillable", "source_date": "PDF modified 2025-09-10", "outdated_source": false, "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19" } ] }, "real_fields": [ "paper_rule", "min_scale", "seal_signature_rule" ], "real_fields_from_current_sources": [ "paper_rule", "min_scale", "seal_signature_rule" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Norfolk: Commercial permit packet (minimum requirements)", "url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72677/COMMERCIAL-Packet-redo-fillable", "date": "PDF modified 2025-09-10", "outdated": false }, { "title": "Norfolk: Information Needed for Plans by Project Type", "url": "https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/71681/Information-Needed-On-Plans-For-Submission?bidId=", "date": "PDF created 2025-01-09", "outdated": false } ], "last_checked": "2026-10-19" } ] }