Changing Occupancy / Use of a Building

•    The owner of the building.

•    The engineer handling the Change of Use for the owner may apply as the agent.

•    Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Completion Request

•    Commercial Application (Needed if alterations are being performed)

•    Owner Affidavit (Complete if you are an owner, doing work for your own use)

**If grading is required please contact the Development Review staff for land disturbance requirements. Land Disturbance permits may be needed.**

•    Call Roanoke County Zoning at 540-772-2065 or Town of Vinton Zoning at 540-983-0605 to verify new use is allowed in the existing zone.

•    Verify adequate water for fire protection for firefighting purposes is available to the site by calling the Roanoke County Fire Marshall at 540-777-8721.

Alternatives when adequate flow is not available …

o    Upgrade Infrastructure,

o    Install Sprinkler System,

o    Onsite Water Storage,

o    Modification based on recognized standards.

•    Determine if a detailed site plan is required Call Roanoke County Development Review 540-772-2190 or Town of Vinton Planning and Zoning 540-983-0605.

If a detailed site plan is required, prepare and submit for review following the Development Review Submittal Checklist.

For minor projects a detailed site plan may be waived. If a detailed plan is waived, submit a basic site plan with the following information …

o    The building and any additional structures, i.e. ramp, stoops, etc., planned with dimensions given from lot lines to all identified structures,

o    All other existing structures on the lot,

o    If provided, accessible parking and loading zone with proper signage. Accessible route from parking spaces, loading zones, or a public way to the accessible entrance.

•    Have a structural evaluation performed by an architect or engineer

•    Prepare a building plan (if necessary) to indicate proposed construction or modifications.

Building Plans shall include …

o    Total area (square footage) of building and occupant load (area/100),

o    Floor plans showing the size and use of each room, location of hallways and all doors,

o    Any renovations such as removing or adding walls, enlarging openings should be shown,

o    Indicate existing construction from new construction,

o    Location of all interior and exterior stairs,

o    The intended type of business,

o    Ramp construction details, if needed,

o    All signage necessary to identify accessible parking, route, entrance, etc.,

o    Structural evaluation performed by a professional engineer. This is necessary to ensure the structure is suitable for the loads associated with the commercial use.

•    Submit completed permit application and plans as needed for any alterations to the existing space.

•    Once plans are approved, obtain any permits necessary to complete conversion.

•    Once the project is complete and approved, obtain New Certificate of Occupancy and Business License.

•    Open for Business / Occupy Structure.

Accepted payment methods

•    Cash

•    Check (made out to the County of Roanoke)

•    Credit card (MasterCard, Visa)

The Change of Use or Occupancy Permit is $35.00.

For alterations, the Construction Permit cost is based on the Cost Estimate of the work (see Commercial Alterations).

All Permits are also subject to a Technology Fee of 5% 

Call 540-772-2065 when ready for Inspections.

Information needed to request for an Inspection … 

•    Application Number (Found on the Issued Permit).

•    Address of the job.

**Inspections may vary due to type of project.**

Typical Inspections for Change of Use …

• Inspections will depend on the Use Change and alteration work done.
• If alterations were done for the Change of Use, please reference the Typical Inspections section for Commercial Alterations. 

After the Request for the Change of Use is received and all alterations inspections are completed, an email will go to the following departments: Zoning, Building Safety, and Fire Marshall. They will have 5 days from the receipt of your request to do any inspections that may be necessary.

**Inspections may vary due to type of project.**