Staff encourages future applicants to apply online, rather than in person, using Accela Citizen Access. The preferred submittal procedure is to submit all Planning Commission applications via Accela Citizen Access using the link provided Accela Citizen Access.

Those without access to the internet may drop off Planning Commission applications at 2875 Sabre Street, Suite 500, placing the entire submittal package including application, plans, disclosure statement and check (payable to the Virginia Beach City Treasurer) in a sealed envelope in the City Treasurer's Drop Box located outside of the building in front of the lobby.  Application fees are noted in the instructions attached to each application. Requests for a paper copy of an application can be made using the contact information below. Applicants will be notified by phone or email to confirm receipt and processing of all applications, regardless of submittal method.

​​​​​​​​​The Planning Commission is an 11-member body, appointed by the City Council, responsible for the review of land use and zoning matters for the City of Virginia Beach.​

The Planning Commission reviews applications submitted for changes to zoning districts, conditional use permits, street closures, zoning ordinance and plan amendments, and other land use and zoning matters. The Commission makes a recommendation on each item to City Council, who then makes the final determination on the recommended items during one of their regular meetings.

The Commission is supported by the Planning Director and the Planning Department staff. The Director and staff review each submitted item and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission as to whether or not the request is consistent with the policies, plans, and ordinances of the City of Virginia Beach.

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission Public Hearing is carried LIVE on VBTV, which is available on Cox Cable Channel 48, Verizon Cable Channel 45, and on the VBgov.com’s e~Stream page at http://www.vbgov.com/media  The meeting is recablecast on Cox Channel 48 the following morning at 9 a.m. and on Cox Channel 47 and Verizon Cable Channel 47 at 7 p.m. on the two consecutive Fridays following the live meeting.  The meeting will also be available on the e~Steam web page for two months beginning the Friday after the live hearing.