Richmond Virginia Building Permit Guide

Richmond building permits cover construction, additions, alterations, accessory structures, decks, walls, fences, swimming pools, signs, and related trade work through the Online Permit Portal.

Permit takeaway

Richmond says a building permit is required before commencing any new construction or alterations to a building.

Zoning and placement

Building permits can be forwarded to Zoning, Planning and Preservation, Land Use Administration, Commission of Architectural Review, Public Works, Public Utilities, Water Resources, and Code Enforcement or Property Maintenance.

Building and trade review

A Richmond building permit covers building and structural work, while electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and residential gas piping work use separate trade permits.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the project includes additions, alterations, garages, decks, walls, fences, pools, signs, trade work, preservation review, utilities, or water resources issues.

Documents to prepare

• Online Permit Portal account
• Building permit application
• Construction documents
• Trade permit information if applicable

Inspection planning

• Apply through the Online Permit Portal
• Respond to multi-agency review
• Schedule inspections
• Use third-party inspection policy only when applicable
• Keep approval records

Official sources

• Richmond Permits and Inspections
• Richmond FAQ
• Richmond Online Permit Portal

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.