Building permits in Richmond — Virginia's capital city — are issued by the Permits & Inspections Division under the Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR). Richmond enforces the 2021 VUSBC.
This Richmond guide covers what requires a permit, the Online Permit Portal, fees, trade permits, and inspections.
Richmond is an independent city — the state capital is separate from surrounding Henrico and Chesterfield counties. The PDR Department handles all permitting within city limits. Old and Historic District permits require Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) approval.
What requires a building permit in Richmond?
Under the 2021 VUSBC, a permit is required for most construction activity. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and alterations
- Structural and load-bearing modifications
- Reroofing, windows, siding changes
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Decks, pools, fences, and accessory structures
- Change of occupancy
- Demolition of structures
- Signs and fire alarm systems
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, and cosmetic finishes
- Detached accessory structure ≤ 256 sq ft
- Retaining walls ≤ 4 ft
- Same-type fixture replacements
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. Note that exemption from a building permit does not exempt a project from zoning requirements — confirm edge cases with the building department.
Who handles permitting in Richmond?
The Permits & Inspections Division under the Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR) handles building permits, plan review, and construction inspections for the City of Richmond.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Permits & Inspections — 900 E. Broad St, Room 108, Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Phone | (804) 646-4169 |
| PDRPermitsAndInspections@rva.gov | |
| Permit Center hours | Walk-in: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 1 PM; Phone: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Online portal | RVA Online Permit Portal |
| Inspections | Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 3:30 PM; scheduled by day, not time |
Apply through the Online Permit Portal at rva.gov. The permit center also accepts walk-in applications Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 1 PM. For portal help, contact CSSHelp@rva.gov or call (804) 646-1628.
Richmond building permit cost
Richmond permit fees are valuation-based. A mandatory 2% state levy applies to all permit fees.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Residential building permit | Valuation-based (see Richmond fee schedule) |
| Commercial building permit | Valuation-based |
| Plan review fee | Percentage of permit fee |
| Trade permits | Separate fees per trade |
| State levy | 2% on all permit fees |
| Work-without-permit | Double fees + enforcement actions |
Want a precise number for a specific Richmond project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Richmond trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are filed separately through PDR Permits & Inspections.
Electrical permits
Required for service upgrades, panel work, solar PV, and wiring — DPOR-licensed electrical contractor required.
Plumbing permits
Required for plumbing, repipes, water heaters, and gas work — DPOR-licensed plumber required.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC installations, changeouts, and ductwork — DPOR-licensed mechanical contractor required.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Sign permits, demolition permits, and land disturbance permits follow separate processes. Projects in the Old and Historic Districts require Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) approval.
Verify your contractor's license. Virginia requires a state contractor license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for any project valued over $1,000. Licenses are classed by project value: Class A ($120,000+ per project), Class B ($10,000–$120,000), and Class C ($1,000–$10,000). Each class requires specific experience, education, and financial qualifications. Homeowners may perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license, but all permits and inspections still apply. Verify licensure at dpor.virginia.gov.
How to get a building permit in Richmond
Confirm zoning & historic district status
Check if the property is in an Old and Historic District or CAR-regulated area — additional design review may be required.
Apply online or at Permit Center
Submit through the Online Permit Portal or walk in Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 1 PM at 900 E. Broad St, Room 108.
Submit plans for review
Upload or deliver construction documents for plan review by the Permits & Inspections Division.
Plan review & corrections
Staff reviews against 2021 VUSBC. Respond to comments and resubmit corrections as needed.
Pay fees & receive permit
Pay all fees including 2% state levy. Permit issued upon approval and payment.
Schedule inspections through CO
Inspections conducted Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 3:30 PM. Scheduled by day (not specific time). Request a 30-minute call-ahead if needed.
Inspections in Richmond
Inspections are conducted Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM. They are scheduled by day, not a specific time — if you need a 30-minute call ahead, indicate this when scheduling. Standard checkpoints include footing/foundation, framing, rough-in MEP, insulation, and final.
Address correction notices before requesting a re-inspection; a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before legal occupancy or use.
Official Richmond permitting resources
- 🏛️ Richmond Online Permit Portal
- 📋 PDR Department
- 🪪 VA DPOR — verify licenses
- 📘 VA DHCD — building codes
- 🏛️ Commission of Architectural Review
- 🗺️ City of Richmond
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
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More Virginia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Richmond Permits & Inspections Division (PDR) before filing. This is not legal advice.