====== 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
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===== 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.
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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>.
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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>.
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This link is broken. Call 970-3182.
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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>.
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**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)]]
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===== 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.
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**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.
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**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)]]
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===== 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.
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**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)]]
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===== 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.
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**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]]
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===== 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.
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**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]]
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===== 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)]]
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===== 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)]]
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===== 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)]]
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===== 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]]
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===== 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)]]
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===== 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 |
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===== 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]]
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===== 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).