Building Permit - Residential
- Where and how do I get a residential building permit?
- What will I need to do in order to get a residential building permit?
- Do I need a permit to build a garage, a deck, a driveway, a swimming pool or a room on to my house?
- Do I need a permit to build a shed?
- When will my building permit be issued?
- How many sets of plans need to be submitted with a building permit application?
- Where and how do I get a plumbing, electrical or mechanical residential trade permit?
- How much are the application/letter request fees?
- I am getting a blow-up swimming pool from a local store; do I need a permit to install it or a fence around it?
- Do I need a permit for this construction work?
Where and how do I get a residential building permit?
You will need to contact The Permit Center located at l4301 East Parham Road and phone number is (804) 501-7280. The Permit Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for holidays observed by the county. E-mail: permitcenter@co.henrico.va.us . The mailing address is:
The Permit Center
Henrico County
P.O. Box 27032
Richmond, VA 23273-7032
Forms available online:
- Residential Building Permit Application Construction Document Requirements
- Residential Building Inspection Information
- Permit Applications and Forms
What will I need to do in order to get a residential building permit?
You will need to submit the permit application and the Chesapeake Bay Assistance form along with two copies of the building plans, site plan, soils report and the appropriate permit fees, in person or by mail to either The Permit Center or the Building Construction and Inspections Department (P.O. Box 27032, Richmond, VA 23273-7032). The Permit Center will help you obtain the GIS information.
Do I need a permit to build a garage, a deck, a driveway, a swimming pool or a room on to my house?
Yes. You need to contact The Permit Center, (804) 501-7280.
Do I need a
permit to build a shed?
Yes, if the structure
exceeds 200 square feet. If the structure is less than 200 square feet, you
will need to be aware of zoning regulations regarding setbacks, height
restrictions, landscape buffers and drainage easements.
When will my building permit be issued?
Permit issuance times vary based on the volume and complexity of all construction projects that are under review. The plan review and inspections status for any construction permit can be viewed at Building Inspections or you may call the Building Construction and Inspections Department at (804) 501-4360.
How many sets of
plans need to be submitted with a building permit application?
You will need to submit two sets of construction drawings and two plot plans.
Where and how do I get a plumbing, electrical or mechanical residential trade permit?
You will need to submit to either the Building Construction and Inspections Department (804-501-4360) or The Permit Center (804-501-7280), the appropriate permit application and the fee, either by mail (P.O. Box 27032, Richmond, VA 23273-7032) or in person (Administration Building, Government Center, 4301 East Parham Road or the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road).
How much are the application/letter request fees?
You will need to call The Permit Center at (804) 501-7280.
I am getting a blow-up swimming pool from a local store; do I need a permit to install it or a fence around it?
A permit is required for any swimming pool that is over 24 inches deep or over 13 feet in diameter. For more information please contact the Building Construction and Inspections Department at (804) 501-4360.
Do I need a permit for this construction work?
Permits are required for the construction or demolition of a building or structure (or any portions thereof), including the installation or alteration of any equipment within a building. There are numerous exemptions that exclude certain forms of work, such as:
- Detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and the structures are not accessory to a Group F or H occupancy.
- Tents or air-supported structures, or both, that cover an area of 900 square feet or less, including within that area all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance, provided such tents or structures have an occupant load of 50 or less persons.
- Fences and privacy walls not part of a building or structure or of the barrier for a swimming pool, provided such fences and privacy walls do not exceed six feet in height above the finished grade. If you are subject to a homeowners' association, you should also check the covenants to see what fence heights are permitted.
- Retaining walls supporting less than two feet of unbalanced fill. This exemption shall not apply to any wall impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids or supporting a surcharge other than ordinary unbalanced fill.
- Ordinary repairs not including (i) beams or load-bearing supports; (ii) the removal or change of any required means of egress; (iii) the rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; (iv) the addition to, alteration of, replacement of or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas or oil, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical work; or (v)any other work affecting public health or general safety. However, ordinary repairs shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The replacement of (i) either mechanical or plumbing equipment or appliances, or both, provided such equipment or appliances are not fueled by gas or oil; (ii) floor coverings or porch flooring, or both; and (iii) windows, doors, electrical switches, electrical outlets, light fixtures or ceiling fans in detached single-family dwelling units.
- The replacement of either roof coverings or siding or the installation of siding for residential dwelling units.
- The installation of cabinets, painting, replacement of interior floor finish or interior covering materials, or both, and repair of (i) plaster, (ii) interior tile, and (iii) any other interior wall covering.