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How to Verify a Professional's License in Newport News?

The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates the activities of individuals and businesses that provide certain services in Newport News through 18 regulatory boards. These regulated professionals, including architects, home inspectors, interior designers, and contractors, require state-level licenses from the DPOR. Some professionals also require city-level registration in addition to state-issued licenses. For example, building contractors require registration with the city's Department of Code Compliance to accept jobs in the city. To verify that a professional possesses the required state license, utilize the DPOR license lookup or call (804) 367-8511. Likewise, you can confirm city-level contractor registration through the Department of Code Compliance by faxing (757) 926-8311, calling (757) 933-2311, or via email.

Also, note that Newport News requires residents to obtain construction permits when embarking on the demolition, construction, repair, alteration, or improvement of a building or structure. Depending on the particular project, you may require building, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical permits. You should always ensure that you contact the Department of Code Compliance to inquire about permits that may be needed for your construction project before commencing any work.

Do Newport News Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

Newport News comprises three council districts that have elected representatives on the city council. The council, on its part, is the city's primary legislative body and it has the power to enact or amend city ordinances, set tax rates, and determine the city's priorities. While the council does not usually issue construction permits, it nonetheless has the power to approve the issuance of a change of zone or conditional use permits. For example, the city council recently promulgated Ordinance 7732-21, granting a conditional use permit to Newport News Maritime Center to operate an automobile gasoline supply station and a convenience store on a parcel on Huntington Avenue. The council passed a similar resolution in September 2021, authorizing a change to the land use designation of properties located at 3700 and 3701 Marshall Avenue from industrial to community commercial. You can identify the council district your residence belongs to by using the city's council district map.

How Do You File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Newport News?

Residents of Newport News can file complaints against unethical professionals with the DPOR by submitting a completed complaint form either by email, via fax to (866) 282-3932, or mail-in to:

• Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Compliance and Investigations Division
• Complaint Analysis & Resolution
• 9960 Mayland Drive
• Suite 400
• Richmond, VA 23233-1485

Upon submission, the department will examine the complaint to ascertain whether there were any board rules or regulations violations. If the evidence suggests a probable violation, the DPOR would usually attempt to resolve the dispute informally. However, if the parties cannot resolve the conflict, the DPOR would take disciplinary actions against the professional. Although such an action may lead to fines, suspensions, and other punishments for a culpable professional, it cannot ensure that the professional or business in question will refund money, correct deficiencies, or provide other personal remedies to the complainant. As such, a legal action instituted under the Virginia Transaction Recovery Acts may be a more favorable recourse to resolve a matter and claim compensation. You can institute such an action before the Small Claims Division of the Newport News General District Court, which has jurisdiction over civil claims of up to $5,000 in value.

Finally, complaints containing crime allegations should also be reported to the Newport News Police Department by calling (757) 928-4100.