Commercial Construction

Application & Fee Schedules

New Construction / Additions

The following information is required for all building permit applications for new non-residential construction:

  • Complete application listing all contractors including all licensing information.
  • Approved site plan.
  • Estimated value of construction (materials and labor) for the work covered by this permit.
  • Name and address of any Mechanics Lien Agent involved with this project.
  • Four sets of complete building plans showing:
    • The "Use Group(s)" classification of this building.
    • The "Type of Construction" to be used in this building.
    • The total height of the building and the size (square feet) of each floor.
    • The proposed occupant loads for each area of this building, and the total proposed occupant load per floor.
    • Indicate if the building will be equipped with a full fire suppression system and or fire alarm and detection system.
    • The location and size of all exits.
    • All design load information including the snow, wind, live, and dead loads used in the design.
    • The size, (thickness and width), depth, and locations of all footings.
    • The amount of unbalanced fill around the foundation walls.
    • If a crawlspace is to be used, show locations of all vents, access doors, and the height of the crawl space.
    • Wall construction details including stud size and spacing, window and door header details, and exterior wall covering.
    • Provide design numbers and fire resistance ratings of all tenant separation walls, fire walls, exit enclosures, floor / ceiling assemblies, and other assemblies required to be fire rated by the code.
    • Floor construction details including size, span, spacing, and wood species of all floor girders, floor joist, and subfloor. Details of slabs on grade if applicable.
    • Roofing details, including the size, span, spacing, slop, and wood species of all rafters. If engineered roof trusses are to be used, indicate this and the plans.
    • Provide sealed design information for all engineered structural components
    • Riser height, tread depth, and handrail information for all stairs.
    • Locations and number of plumbing fixtures for all bathrooms.
    • Location of all fuel burning appliances and electric panels.
    • Structural details of all decks and accessory buildings.
    • Accessibility details (All structures shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the current codes).
    • All plans must include the name, address, and occupation of the person who prepared the plans.

Some plans may be required to be sealed by a Virginia licensed architect or engineer.

Alterations / Remodeling

The following information is required for all building permit applications for non-residential remodeling:

  • A complete application listing all contractors including all licensing information.
  • The estimated value of construction (materials and labor) for the work covered by this permit.
  • The name and address of any Mechanics Lien Agent involved with this project.
  • Four sets of complete building plans showing:
    • Show the layout of the area to be renovated as it is before the renovation.
    • Show the layout of the area to be renovated after the renovation.
    • Identify the "Use Group" of the structure.
    • Identify the "Type of Construction".
    • Show the locations of all load bearing structural members, including girders, piers and columns, bearing walls, and headers that will be altered.
    • If structural members (above) are to be altered, show how the structural integrity will be maintained.
    • Show details of any new stairs, ramps, or doors.
    • Provide design numbers and fire resistance ratings of all tenant separation walls, fire walls, exit enclosures, floor / ceiling assemblies, and other assemblies required to be fire rated by the code
    • Provide accessibility details (All structures shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the current codes.)
    • A completed Asbestos Regulations Compliance Form (PDF) supplied by the City of Fredericksburg Building and Development Services Department must accompany all non-residential renovation and demolition permit applications.
    • All plans must include the name, address, and occupation of the person who prepared the plans. Some plans may be required to be sealed by a Virginia licensed architect or engineer.

Disclaimer

Because of the wide variety of remodeling work performed within commercial structures, it is difficult to have an "all inclusive list" of information needed to apply for a permit. Plans need to be complete enough to allow for a complete review.

Tax Credit

Learn how to qualify for a tax credit for improving commercial property in the city.

Irrigation Meter

To see if an irrigation meter is right for you, click here.