Albemarle County, Virginia - County Development Fees
Albemarle County | County | Central Virginia / Piedmont / Charlottesville Metro | Charlottesville, VA MSA | County seat: Charlottesville (independent city, not within county) | FIPS 51003
Albemarle County sits in the Central Virginia Piedmont surrounding the independent City of Charlottesville. The Albemarle County Department of Community Development administers developer-side fees through the Community Development Fees page (Granicus OpenCities). Coverage spans Building Permit, Engineering Applications, Homestay Clearances, Home Occupations, Planning / Subdivision / Site Development (SDP, SP, SUB, ZMA), Sign Permits, Special Exceptions / Variations / Waivers, Zoning Clearances and Certification, and Zoning Determinations / Appeals / Variances. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) administers Entrance Corridor reviews. The Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) administers water and sewer service as a separate authority. A Technology Surcharge of 4% applies to most fees (excluding required notices in Chapters 14 and 18, State Permit Issuance Fee, and Dam Break Inundation Zone). Department address: 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville VA 22902; main line 434-296-5822.
Recent Fee Changes
Albemarle County Community Development Fees - current operative schedule (CMS HTTP page last-published May 6, 2026). Captured line items include new SF Residential building tiered by floor area ($500 less than 1,500 sf; up to $4,000 over 7,500 sf); New Commercial $0.24 up to 5,000 sq ft plus $0.17 per sq ft over 5,000 (Minimum $90); Subdivision Preliminary or Final (3+ lots) at $1,300; Site Development Plan Initial/Final/Major Amendment at $1,775; Special Use Permit All Other / SUP Amendment at $2,365; Special Use Permit - Telecommunications / Solar at $2,365; Tier II Personal Wireless Service Facility at $2,155; Zoning Map Amendment full application at $2,960; ZMA Amendment Pertaining to Proffers (not affecting use or density) at $505 application fee plus $235 notice; VESMP Plan Review tiered $2,205 to $7,835 by disturbed area; ARB Major Board Review $1,185; BZA Variance/Special Use Permit $590. A 4% Technology Surcharge applies to most fees.
On this page
Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Status | Top-Line Figure | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Single Family Residential Building Permit (by floor area) | Confirmed | $500 (less than 1,500 sf) up to $4,000 (over 7,500 sf), tiered in 6 brackets | May 6, 2026 |
| New Commercial Building Permit | Confirmed | $0.24 up to 5,000 sq ft + $0.17 per sq ft over 5,000 (Min $90) | May 6, 2026 |
| Subdivision (3+ lots) Preliminary or Final | Confirmed | $1,300 | May 6, 2026 |
| Site Development Plan - Initial/Final/Major Amendment | Confirmed | $1,775 | May 6, 2026 |
| Special Use Permit (All Other / Amendment) | Confirmed | $2,365 | May 6, 2026 |
| Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) - Full Application | Confirmed | $2,960 (incl. initial application + first resubmittal); ZMA Proffer Amendment $505 base | May 6, 2026 |
| VESMP - tiered by disturbed area | Confirmed | $240 (less than 1 acre) up to $7,835 (over 100 acres) Plan Review/Permit | May 6, 2026 |
| Cash Proffers (VA Code 15.2-2303) | Application fee confirmed; amount negotiated | Proffer amount negotiated per-rezoning; ZMA application fees captured ($505 base / $2,960 full) | May 6, 2026 |
| Technology Surcharge | Confirmed | 4% additional on each fee (excluding required notices, State Permit, Dam Break) | May 6, 2026 |
| Impact Fees (Chapter 395-style) | Not Virginia framework | Virginia uses cash proffers + VESMP rather than Texas Chapter 395 impact fees | - |
| Utility Tap Fees | Administered by separate authority | Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) administers water and sewer connection charges separately | - |
| Special District Fees | Not administered by this jurisdiction | No consolidated CDA / TIF / BID / Service District development-side fee schedule on the Community Development fee surface | - |
Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Inspections - Effective May 6, 2026
Source: Albemarle County Community Development Fees - current operative schedule (page SHA-256 37dde4c2...). A 4% Technology Surcharge applies to most fees (excluded: required notices in Chapters 14 and 18, State Permit Issuance Fee, and Dam Break Inundation Zone).
Building Permits
| Scope | Fee |
|---|---|
| Building - Alterations/Additions/Repairs (All Use Groups) | $0.20 per sq ft (Min $90) |
| Building - Commercial Plan Review | $0.04 up to 5,000 sq ft + $0.03 per sq ft over 5,000 (Min $15) |
| Building - Commercial Swimming Pool | $360 |
| Building - Commercial Temporary CofO (each 30 Days) | $150 |
| Building - Elevators/Escalators/Lifts | $285 |
| Building - Mobile/Prefabricated Homes | $55 |
| Building - New Commercial (incl. additions) | $0.24 up to 5,000 sq ft + $0.17 per sq ft over 5,000 (Min $90) |
| Building - New SF Residential (less than 1,500 sq ft) | $500 |
| Building - New SF Residential (1,501-2,500 sq ft) | $1,000 |
| Building - New SF Residential (2,501-3,500 sq ft) | $1,500 |
| Building - New SF Residential (3,501-4,500 sq ft) | $2,000 |
| Building - New SF Residential (4,501-7,500 sq ft) | $3,000 |
| Building - New SF Residential (over 7,500 sq ft) | $4,000 |
| Building - Residential Accessory Structure (10 sq ft or larger) | $0.18 per sq ft on gross finished sq ft (Min $35) |
| Building - Residential Plan Review | $0.05 per sq ft (Min $10) |
| Building - Tents and Residential Swimming Pools/Hot Tubs/Spas | $60 |
| Building - Demolition Permit | $110 |
Electric Permits
| Scope | Fee |
|---|---|
| Electric - Alarm Systems | $0.04 per sq ft (Min $90) |
| Electric - Commercial Plan Review | $0.01 per sq ft (Min $15) |
| Electric - Residential Plan Review | $0.05 per sq ft (Min $10) |
| Electric - Additions/Alterations/Repairs | $0.04 per sq ft (Min $90) |
| Electric - Signs | $55 |
| Electric - Mobile/Prefab/Fuel Pumps/Residential Accessory/Service Change/Pool/Spa | $35 |
| Electric - Early Service | $70 |
| Electric - Temporary Service | $110 |
Mechanical and Plumbing
| Scope | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mechanical - Above Ground Tanks | $120 |
| Mechanical - Underground Tanks | $200 |
| Mechanical - Additions/Alterations/Repairs | $0.04 per sq ft (Min $90) |
| Mechanical - Commercial Plan Review | $0.01 per sq ft (Min $15) |
| Mechanical - Residential Plan Review | $0.05 per sq ft (Min $10) |
| Mechanical - Furnace/Woodstove/Gas Log System | $75 |
| Mechanical - Gas/Oil Lines | $40 |
| Mechanical - Range Hoods | $30 |
| Mechanical - Hood Suppression/Mobile/Prefab | $35 |
| Mechanical - New Commercial | $0.04 per sq ft (Min $90) |
| Plumbing - Commercial (incl. additions) / Additions/Alteration/Repairs | $10.00 per fixture (Min $90) |
| Plumbing - Commercial Plan Review | $1.80 per fixture (Min $15) |
| Plumbing - Residential Plan Review | $0.05 per sq ft (Min $10) |
| Plumbing - Mobile/Prefab + Residential Accessory | $35 |
| Plumbing - Sewer Laterals (separate) | $30 |
| Plumbing - Water Lines (separate) | $30 |
| Plumbing - Fire Suppression Sprinkler | $0.95 per head (Min $90) + plan review $0.02 per sq ft (Min $75) |
Inspections, Bonds, Easements
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspections - Building Regular Re-inspection (after 2nd) | $100 |
| Inspections - Building Special (unique structures) | $100 per hour |
| Zoning Inspection (preliminary or final) | $25 |
| Bond Agreement with Surety | $285 |
| Easement Plat (required with site plan or plat amendment) | $235 |
| Easements - Plat(s) With A Deed | $900 |
| Easements - Plat(s) Without A Deed | $580 |
| Required Notice (per notice) | $235 base + actual cost of first-class postage + advertisement |
Subdivision, Site Plans, Streets, VESMP, and Architectural Review
Streets and Subdivision
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Streets - Authorization for Private Streets in Subdivision | $790 |
| Private Road Plans | $475 |
| Public Road Plans | $295 |
| Streets - Waiver or Variation | $640 |
| Subdivision - 1+ Special Lots, Boundary Line Adjustment | $235 |
| Subdivision - Dam Break Inundation Zone (additional) | 1% of payment required or $1,000 whichever is less |
| Subdivision - Extension of Plat Approval | $140 |
| Subdivision - 2 Lots / Family Subdivision | $815 |
| Subdivision - Preliminary or Final (3+ lots) | $1,300 |
| Subdivision - Plat Vacation | $285 |
| Subdivision - Variation or Exception | $980 |
VESMP - Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (tiered by disturbed area)
| Project Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| VESMP - less than 1 acre disturbed - Plan Review/Permit | $240 |
| VESMP - less than 1 acre disturbed - Annual Maintenance | $230 |
| VESMP - 1-5 acre disturbed - Plan Review/Permit | $565 |
| VESMP - 1-5 acre disturbed - Annual Maintenance | $340 |
| VESMP - Single Family less than 5 acres - Plan Review/Permit + 1st Yr Maintenance | $235 |
| VESMP - Single Family - Annual Maintenance (starting Year 2) | $235 |
| VESMP - Small construction less than 10,000 sf in common plan / less than 1 acre - Plan Review | $235 |
| VESMP - 1-5 acres - Plan Review | $2,205 |
| VESMP - 5-10 acres - Plan Review | $2,775 |
| VESMP - 10-50 acres - Plan Review | $3,675 |
| VESMP - 50-100 acres - Plan Review | $4,980 |
| VESMP - over 100 acres - Plan Review | $7,835 |
Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Entrance Corridor
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| ARB - Minor Board Review | $700 |
| ARB - Minor Staff Review of CWCA | $265 |
| ARB - Major Staff Review of CWCA | $540 |
| ARB - Major Board Review | $1,185 |
| Entrance Corridor - Review of Any Sign | $130 |
| Entrance Corridor - Resubmittal Any Sign | $65 |
Site Development Plans, Special Exception, SUP, Floodplain, Groundwater
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Site Development Plan - Initial/Final Site Plan/Major Amendment | $1,775 |
| Site Development Plan - Preapplication + Minor Amendment | $590 |
| Site Development Plan - Letter of Revision | $120 |
| Site Development Plan - Variation/Exception (Sec 32.3.5) | $980 |
| Site Development Plan - Dam Break Inundation Zone (additional) | 1% of payment required or $1,000 whichever is less |
| Special Exception | $980 |
| Tier II PWSF (Personal Wireless Service Facility) | $2,155 |
| Special Use Permit Minor - Home Occupation Class B / Day Care Center | $1,185 |
| Special Use Permit - Farmer's Market | $130 |
| Special Use Permit - All Other / SUP Amendment (incl. first resubmittal) | $2,365 |
| Special Use Permit - Telecommunications/Solar | $2,365 |
| Special Use Permit - Each Resubmittal after First | $590 |
| BZA - Variance/Special Use Permit | $590 |
| Floodplain Impact Plan Review or LOMA | $355 |
| Floodplain - Letter of Map Change Review (topographic only) | $175 |
| Groundwater Assessment - Tier I | $60 |
| Groundwater Assessment - Tier II | $390 |
| Groundwater Assessment - Tier III | $605 |
| Groundwater Assessment - Tier IV | $1,300 |
| Zoning Determination | $220 |
| Sign Permits - ARB not required (Temporary) | $30 |
| Sign Permits - ARB required | $140 |
| Zoning Clearance - Home Occupations | $30 |
| Zoning Clearance - All Other Uses | $60 |
| Zoning Clearance - Homestay | $120 |
Cash Proffers and Zoning Map Amendment - Virginia Code 15.2-2303
Source: Albemarle County Community Development Fees - Zoning Map Amendment and Proffer Amendment line items (page SHA-256 37dde4c2...). Albemarle County operates within the Virginia cash proffers statutory framework codified at Virginia Code Section 15.2-2303. The application and review fees for proffer-bearing zoning map amendments are captured below; the cash proffer amount itself is negotiated per-rezoning and is not publicly schedule-posted. Post-HB770 (2016) limits on cash proffers apply across Virginia, and jurisdiction-specific practice varies.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Zoning Map Amendment - Amendment Pertaining to Proffers Which Do Not Affect Use or Density | $505 application fee + $235 notice base fee + actual cost of first-class postage and advertisement |
| Zoning Map Amendment - Full Amendment (incl. proffer-bearing rezoning; first resubmittal included) | $2,960 |
| Zoning Map Amendment - Resubmittal/Reapplication of Withdrawn | $1,480 |
| Zoning Map Amendment - Deferral of Scheduled Public Hearing at Applicant's Request | Actual cost of first-class postage and advertisement, as applicable |
Appeals, Service Authority Boundary, and Miscellaneous
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Appeal - Board of Building Appeals | $350 |
| Appeal - Board of Supervisors | $350 |
| Appeal - Board of Zoning Appeals | $350 |
| Appeal - County Engineer Determination | $350 |
| ACSJA - Amend Service Authority Jurisdictional Area | $130 |
| Agricultural and Forest District - Withdrawal of Local or State District | $250 |
| Short Term Rental Registry | $30 |
| Technology Surcharge | 4% additional on each fee (excluding required notices, State Permit, Dam Break) |
Note: "ACSJA - Amend Service Authority Jurisdictional Area" is the cost of amending the Albemarle County Service Authority service-area boundary, not a tap fee. ACSA tap fees are administered separately by the ACSA.
Coverage Notes - What This Page Does Not Cover
Per ZoneFee's Partial-Verified Publication Standard, the items below were not closed via confirmed fee amounts on this page. They are disclosed here rather than estimated or omitted silently.
Impact Fees (Texas Chapter 395 Style)
Virginia jurisdictions traditionally use the cash proffers framework (Virginia Code Section 15.2-2303) for growth-mitigation rather than Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395 impact fees. Albemarle County's developer-side growth contribution occurs through cash proffers (captured above) plus VESMP (Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program) tiered land-disturbance fees (captured above). Three substitute paths were probed (Community Development Fees page, Community Development root, Albemarle County Service Authority root); no traditional Chapter 395-style impact fee schedule was located on the Department of Community Development fee surface. Closed-search outcome: captured separately via the proffers framework.
Utility Tap Fees (Albemarle County Service Authority)
Albemarle County's water and wastewater service is administered by the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) as a separate political subdivision rather than by the County government's Department of Community Development. ACSA tap fees, connection charges, and rate schedules are published on the ACSA website (separate from the County's Community Development Fees page captured here). The Community Development Fees page does include the "ACSJA - Amend Service Authority Jurisdictional Area" item at $130 - this is the cost of amending the ACSA service-area boundary, not a tap fee. A future ZoneFee source review will capture the ACSA fee surface as a separate authority record. Closed-search outcome: administered by separate authority.
Negotiated Cash Proffer Amounts
The application and review fees for proffer-bearing zoning map amendments are captured under the Cash Proffers section above. The amount of the cash proffer itself is negotiated per-rezoning under Virginia Code Section 15.2-2303 and is not publicly schedule-posted. Post-HB770 (2016) limits on cash proffers apply across Virginia, and jurisdiction-specific practice varies. The County's adopted Comprehensive Plan and any standing proffer policy materials remain authoritative for the per-rezoning practice. Closed-search outcome: amounts negotiated; only application/review fees posted.
Special District Fees (CDA / TIF / BID / Service District)
The Community Development Fees page does not surface a consolidated Community Development Authority, Tax Increment Financing, Business Improvement District, or Service District development-side fee schedule. ACSA operates a Service Authority Jurisdictional Area but does not publish a CDA or TIF development-side fee schedule on the Community Development surface. Three substitute paths were probed (Community Development Fees page, Community Development root, Boards and Commissions list); no consolidated special-district development-side fee schedule administered by the County was located. Closed-search outcome: not administered by this jurisdiction.
Fee Authorities
| Authority | Fee Types | Official Website |
|---|---|---|
| Albemarle County Department of Community Development | Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, inspections, subdivision, site development, streets, VESMP, ARB, Entrance Corridor, BZA, floodplain, groundwater, sign, special exception, SUP, zoning clearance, ZMA, appeals, ACSJA boundary amendment, Agricultural and Forest District withdrawal, Short Term Rental Registry, 4% Technology Surcharge | albemarle.org/government/community-development |
| Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) | Water and sewer connection charges, tap fees, rate schedules - administered separately as a political subdivision; ACSA fee surface not enumerated on this page | acsawater.com |
Sources
| Document | Agency | Accessed |
|---|---|---|
| Community Development Fees - current operative schedule (CMS HTTP page last-published 2026-05-06; SHA-256 37dde4c2...) | Albemarle County, VA - Department of Community Development | 2026-05-14 |
| Department of Community Development landing | Albemarle County, VA - Department of Community Development | 2026-05-14 |
Last verified by ZoneFee: 2026-05-14. Fee schedules are subject to change. Verify current rates directly with the Albemarle County Department of Community Development before relying on this data for any financial decision.
This page reflects fee data sourced from the Albemarle County Community Development Fees page (current operative schedule; CMS HTTP page last-published 2026-05-06; SHA-256 37dde4c2...). ZoneFee does not guarantee that fee amounts are current at the time you read this page. Fee schedules change. A 4% Technology Surcharge applies to most fees (excluded: required notices in Chapters 14 and 18, State Permit Issuance Fee, and Dam Break Inundation Zone). Virginia jurisdictions use the cash proffers framework (Virginia Code Section 15.2-2303) for growth-mitigation rather than Texas Chapter 395 impact fees; the proffer amount itself is negotiated per-rezoning and is not publicly schedule-posted. Albemarle County's water and wastewater service is administered by the separate Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA); ACSA tap fees and connection charges are not captured on this page. No consolidated CDA, TIF, BID, or Service District development-side fee schedule is administered on the Community Development surface. Verify all current rates directly with the Albemarle County Department of Community Development and (for tap fees) the Albemarle County Service Authority before relying on this data for land acquisition, project budgeting, or any financial decision. This page is for research and due-diligence reference only - it is not legal or financial advice.