Siding permits, HOA and historic-district rules in Chesapeake

What the city's permit guide says

The City of Chesapeake's Homeowner's Permit Guide (revised 5 September 2023) lists "exterior siding installation" and "gutter installation" as needing no permit and no plans. It says ordinary repairs, in most cases, do not need a permit, giving painting and replacing trim as examples, but that some repairs may need permits and inspections depending on their extent.

The same guide lists insulation installation, removal or replacement, dormers and carport enclosures as needing a building permit. Permits are issued in the name of whoever does the work.

Questions go to the Department of Development and Permits at City Hall, 306 Cedar Road, second floor, by phone on (757) 382-6018 or by email to permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sources: City of Chesapeake, Homeowner's Permit Guide (rev. 5 Sep 2023, PDF); City of Chesapeake, Building Permits, Plan Review and Inspections.

The state code behind it

Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code (section 108.2) exempts the replacement of any amount of siding on one- and two-family houses and townhouses from permit applications, with conditions: the exemption is limited where the nominal design wind speed exceeds 100 mph, and the building official may still require a permit for replacement siding in a locally designated historic district or for exempt work in a special flood hazard area.

The code still applies to exempt work, so the job must be done to it whether or not a permit is pulled. If your house is near water or in a flood zone, ask the city before work begins.

Sources: Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 (section 108.2).

South Norfolk historic district

Chesapeake's Historic and Cultural Preservation District includes the South Norfolk Local Historic District. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for alterations, repairs and other work visible from a paved public street, and the city lists porch, foundation and siding repairs and replacements among the work that may need one. Minor actions are reviewed by planning staff; major ones go to the Historic and Architectural Review Board.

The district's 2016 design guidelines say to retain and maintain historic siding, nail warped or loose shingles back in place, repair with matching materials and replace only as required. If synthetic siding is considered, they prefer hardboard products such as cement-wood boards to vinyl or aluminum, in a 4- or 5-inch lap, and say masonry should not be covered with siding.

Sources: City of Chesapeake, Certificate of Appropriateness; South Norfolk Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District Design Guidelines, 2016 (PDF).

Homeowners' associations

Many Chesapeake subdivisions and townhome communities have an association with rules on exterior color, material and profile, and an approval form to file before work starts. The city's permit FAQ explains that covenants and deed restrictions are private contracts between the homeowner and the association, not enforced by the city, and asks homeowners to check with their association first. Get the approval in writing and give a copy to the contractor.

Sources: City of Chesapeake, FAQ: What do I need to do before applying for a permit?.

Portsmouth and Virginia Beach are different

Each neighboring city runs its own permit office. Virginia Beach's residential permit page lists "roofing or siding replacements" among the alterations that need a building permit. Portsmouth's Permits and Inspections office can tell you what applies there.

Sources: City of Virginia Beach, Residential Building Permits; City of Portsmouth, Permits and Inspections.