====== Charlottesville, Virginia — Regulatory Process Guide ====== This wiki documents civic processes for residents, property owners, and businesses operating in the City of Charlottesville, Virginia. Each section maps a workflow from the [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances|Charlottesville City Code of Ordinances]] as an interactive BPMN process diagram. Use this as a starting point to understand what steps are required, which city departments are involved, and where to find official forms. **Primary contact:** Neighborhood Development Services (NDS), City Hall, 605 E Main St · (434) 970-3182 ---- ===== I. Business & Licensing ===== ==== Starting a Business in Charlottesville ==== Governed by **Chapter 14 (Licenses)** and **Chapter 34 (Zoning)**. All businesses operating in Charlottesville must obtain a Business License from the Commissioner of Revenue. Additional steps apply depending on business type, location, and whether signage is needed. Flow_099t1uq Flow_18f5u8i Flow_099t1uq Flow_06hxtb3 Flow_1qfoj5n Flow_10dyx8z Flow_07gdj65 isHome Check here for <a href="https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/282/Home-Occupation-Permit-PDF?bidId=" target="_blank" >Home Occupation Provisional Use Permit</a>. Flow_10dyx8z Flow_1wcf12f Flow_1wcf12f Flow_19b4x60 Flow_0iglxtm Check here for <a href="https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/281/General-Certificate-of-Occupancy-InformationPDF?bidId=" target="_blank" >general Certificate of Occupandy (CO)</a>. Flow_07gdj65 Flow_19b4x60 Flow_0iglxtm Flow_1g23ecq Flow_0vy9mq9 isSign This link is broken. Call 970-3182. Flow_1g23ecq Flow_1xlwx3y Flow_1xlwx3y Flow_0vy9mq9 Flow_18f5u8i Check here for <a href="https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4733/Business-License-Application-PDF-CY-2023?bidId=" target="_blank" >Business License application</a>. Flow_06hxtb3 Flow_1qfoj5n **Key links:** * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4733/Business-License-Application-PDF-CY-2023?bidId=|Business License Application]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/281/General-Certificate-of-Occupancy-InformationPDF?bidId=|Certificate of Occupancy Information]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/282/Home-Occupation-Permit-PDF?bidId=|Home Occupation Provisional Use Permit]] * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH14LI|Chapter 14 — Licenses (Municode)]] ---- ===== II. Building & Construction ===== ==== Building Permit Process ==== Governed by **Chapter 5 (Building Regulations; Property Maintenance)**. Any new construction, addition, structural repair, or change of occupancy requires a building permit reviewed by the Building Inspections Division of NDS. Projects in historic districts additionally require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) before a permit can be issued. Flow_bp1 Flow_bp1Flow_bp2 Flow_bp2Flow_bp_historicFlow_bp_not_historic isHistoric Flow_bp_historicFlow_bp_bar_done Flow_bp_not_historicFlow_bp_bar_doneFlow_bp3 Flow_bp3Flow_bp4 Flow_bp4Flow_bp_permit_issuedFlow_bp_corrections isApproved Flow_bp_correctionsFlow_bp_resubmit Flow_bp_permit_issuedFlow_bp5 Flow_bp5Flow_bp6 Flow_bp6 **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH5BUREPRMA|Chapter 5 — Building Regulations (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/161/Building-Inspections|Building Inspections Division]] ==== Electrical Permit & Lamp / Fixture Installation ==== Governed by **Chapter 5** (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code / NEC) and **Chapter 28 (Streets and Sidewalks)** for public right-of-way work. Fixtures in Historic Overlay Districts require BAR review. All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and pass final inspection before energizing. Flow_e1 Flow_e1Flow_e2 Flow_e2Flow_e_publicFlow_e_private isPublic Flow_e_publicFlow_e_pw_done Flow_e_pw_doneFlow_e_histFlow_e_not_hist isHistoric Flow_e_histFlow_e_bar_done Flow_e_privateFlow_e_not_histFlow_e_bar_doneFlow_e3 Flow_e3Flow_e4 Flow_e4Flow_e5 Flow_e5Flow_e6 Flow_e6 **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH5BUREPRMA|Chapter 5 — Building Regulations (Municode)]] * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH28STSI|Chapter 28 — Streets and Sidewalks (Municode)]] ---- ===== III. Zoning & Land Use ===== ==== Zoning Variance & Special Use Permit ==== Governed by **Chapter 34 (Zoning)**. A **variance** is heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) under § 34-156 when strict application of zoning regulations would cause undue hardship. A **Special Use Permit (SUP)** goes to the Planning Commission for recommendation, then City Council for final approval under § 34-41 and § 34-42. Denials of BZA decisions may be appealed to the Circuit Court under Virginia Code § 15.2-2314. Flow_zv1 Flow_zv1Flow_zv_varianceFlow_zv_sup isVariance Flow_zv_varianceFlow_zv2 Flow_zv_supFlow_zv3 Flow_zv3Flow_zv4 Flow_zv2Flow_zv4Flow_zv_grantedFlow_zv_denied isApproved Flow_zv_granted Flow_zv_deniedFlow_zv5 Flow_zv5 **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH34ZO|Chapter 34 — Zoning (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/165/Board-of-Zoning-Appeals|Board of Zoning Appeals]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/159/Planning-Commission|Planning Commission]] ==== Subdivision of Land ==== Governed by **Chapter 29 (Subdivision of Land)**. Subdivisions require plat review by NDS, coordination with utility providers, and in some cases public hearing before the Planning Commission. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH29SULA|Chapter 29 — Subdivision of Land (Municode)]] ---- ===== IV. Signs ===== ==== Sign Permit Process ==== Governed by **Chapter 34, Article XI (Signs)**, §§ 34-1040 et seq. All permanent exterior signs require a Sign Permit from NDS. Signs in Historic Overlay Districts also require BAR review. Regulations cover maximum size, illumination, placement, and number of signs by zoning district. Flow_sp1 Flow_sp1Flow_sp2 Flow_sp2Flow_sp_histFlow_sp_not_hist isHistoric Flow_sp_histFlow_sp_bar_done Flow_sp_not_histFlow_sp_bar_doneFlow_sp3 Flow_sp3Flow_sp_yesFlow_sp_denied isApproved Flow_sp_yesFlow_sp4 Flow_sp_deniedFlow_sp_resubmit Flow_sp4 **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH34ZO|Chapter 34 — Zoning / Signs Article (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/162/Zoning|NDS Zoning Division]] ---- ===== V. Historic Preservation ===== ==== Board of Architectural Review (BAR) — Certificate of Appropriateness ==== Governed by **Chapter 34, Article IV (Historic Preservation)**, §§ 34-278 et seq. Any exterior change to a structure or site in a Historic Overlay District — including new construction, demolition, alterations, and signage — requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the BAR before any building permit can be issued. The BAR meets monthly; applications are due 10 business days before the meeting. Flow_bar1 Flow_bar1 Flow_bar2 Flow_bar2 Flow_bar_yes Flow_bar_incomplete isComplete Flow_bar_incomplete Flow_bar_resubmit Flow_bar_yes Flow_bar3 Flow_bar3 Flow_bar4 Flow_bar4 Flow_bar_approved Flow_bar_denied isApproved Flow_bar_approved Flow_bar5 Flow_bar_denied Flow_bar6 Flow_bar5 Flow_bar6 **Historic Districts in Charlottesville:** * Downtown Extended Corridor * Individually Protected Properties listed in § 34-278 Appendix **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH34ZO|Chapter 34 Art. IV — Historic Preservation (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/163/Board-of-Architectural-Review|Board of Architectural Review]] ---- ===== VI. Environmental & Utilities ===== ==== Water Protection / Stormwater ==== Governed by **Chapter 10 (Water Protection)** and **Chapter 31 (Utilities)**. Land-disturbing activities over 2,500 sq ft require a Stormwater Management Plan review. Connection to city water and sewer requires permits from the Utilities Department. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH10WAPR|Chapter 10 — Water Protection (Municode)]] * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH31UT|Chapter 31 — Utilities (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/197/Utilities|City Utilities]] ==== Solid Waste & Recycling ==== Governed by **Chapter 26 (Solid Waste)**. Rules apply to refuse collection schedules, illegal dumping, containers, and commercial hauler licensing. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH26SOWA|Chapter 26 — Solid Waste (Municode)]] ---- ===== VII. Special Activities & Public Space ===== ==== Amusements & Special Events ==== Governed by **Chapter 3 (Amusements)**. Temporary events on public property, outdoor concerts, and commercial amusements require permits from the City. Contact the City Manager's Office for large event coordination. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH3AM|Chapter 3 — Amusements (Municode)]] ==== City Market Vendors ==== Governed by **Chapter 8 (City Market)**. Vendors at the City Market (Water Street) must obtain a vendor license and comply with the Market's product and display rules. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH8CIMA|Chapter 8 — City Market (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/citymarket|City Market]] ==== Special Sales (Yard Sales, Going-Out-of-Business) ==== Governed by **Chapter 27 (Special Sales)**. Yard sales and temporary sales events have notice and frequency requirements. Going-out-of-business sales require a license. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH27SPSA|Chapter 27 — Special Sales (Municode)]] ---- ===== VIII. Transportation ===== ==== Streets & Sidewalks — Encroachments & Right-of-Way Permits ==== Governed by **Chapter 28 (Streets and Sidewalks)**. Work in the public right-of-way — including utility cuts, sidewalk repairs, trees, and lamp/fixture installation — requires a Right-of-Way Permit from Public Works. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH28STSI|Chapter 28 — Streets and Sidewalks (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/186/Public-Works|Department of Public Works]] ==== Vehicles for Hire (Taxis, TNCs) ==== Governed by **Chapter 32 (Vehicles for Hire)**. Operators of taxis, rideshares, and limousines must obtain a City permit and meet insurance requirements. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH32VEHI|Chapter 32 — Vehicles for Hire (Municode)]] ---- ===== IX. Taxation ===== ==== Business & Property Taxes ==== Governed by **Chapter 30 (Taxation)**. Charlottesville levies a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax, real estate tax, personal property tax, and lodging tax. Returns are due by March 1 each year for the prior year's gross receipts. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH30TA|Chapter 30 — Taxation (Municode)]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/156/Commissioner-of-Revenue|Commissioner of Revenue]] * [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/155/City-Treasurer|City Treasurer]] ---- ===== X. Animals & Noise ===== ==== Animal Regulations ==== Governed by **Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl)**. All dogs and cats must be licensed annually. Rules apply to leash requirements, dangerous animals, livestock, and keeping of exotic animals. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH4ANFO|Chapter 4 — Animals and Fowl (Municode)]] * [[https://www.caspca.org|SPCA of Charlottesville / Albemarle]] ==== Noise Control ==== Governed by **Chapter 16 (Noise Control)**. Noise ordinance establishes daytime and nighttime decibel limits and quiet hours. Construction noise, amplified music, and mechanical equipment are all regulated. **Key links:** * [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH16NOCO|Chapter 16 — Noise Control (Municode)]] ---- ===== Quick Reference: City Departments ===== ^ Department ^ Primary Responsibilities ^ Contact ^ | Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) | Zoning, building permits, BAR, sign permits, subdivisions | (434) 970-3182 | | Commissioner of Revenue | Business licenses, BPOL tax, vehicle decals | (434) 970-3170 | | City Treasurer | Tax payments, real estate, personal property | (434) 970-3146 | | Public Works | ROW permits, streets, stormwater | (434) 970-3800 | | City Utilities | Water/sewer connections and permits | (434) 970-3500 | | City Market | Vendor licensing | (434) 970-3371 | ---- ---- ===== XI. FOIA — Freedom of Information Act ===== Virginia FOIA governs public access to government records and open meetings. See the dedicated deep-dive page for complete process flows, SpiffWorkflow implementation guidance, role mapping, and legal reference. **→ [[charlottesville:foia|FOIA Deep-Dive: Records Requests, Open Meetings, Enforcement & SpiffWorkflow Implementation]]** Key processes covered: * Citizen records request process with all response types (§ 2.2-3704) * Internal FOIA Officer workflow with deadline enforcement * Open meetings compliance for all city boards (§§ 2.2-3707 – 2.2-3712) * Court enforcement (§ 2.2-3713) and penalties (§ 2.2-3714) * SpiffWorkflow roles, service task connectors, form schemas, and DMN exemption table **Charlottesville FOIA Contact:** City Attorney's Office · 434-970-3131 · [[https://www.charlottesville.gov/774/Submit-a-FOIA-Request|Submit a Request Online]] ---- ===== Full Code of Ordinances ===== Browse the complete [[https://library.municode.com/va/charlottesville/codes/code_of_ordinances|Charlottesville Code of Ordinances on Municode]]. The code is organized into 34 chapters covering all areas of city regulation. The most recent supplement is Supplement 63 (updated February 2026).