Who needs a zoning approval and certificate of occupancy in Virginia?

Issued by Your city or county zoning and building departments (Uniform Statewide Building Code), at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.

Every kind of business in Virginia

The Virginia table lists this for every kind of business.

Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use needs building permits and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes before the health permit and the ABC license.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 3 of 6: Approve the space

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city or county zoning and building departments (Uniform Statewide Building Code).

Sources and dates

Department of Housing and Community Development building code pages; locality ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.