Although Richmond is inland, the James River floodplain and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act drive strict development limits along the river corridor, including Resource Protection Area buffers and stormwater quality requirements.
Richmond falls under Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Va. Code §62.1-44.15:67 et seq.), which mandates 100-foot Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffers along the James River and its tributaries. Within RPAs, new impervious surfaces, septic systems, and tree clearing are heavily restricted. The Department of Public Utilities enforces local Chesapeake Bay ordinance provisions in Chapter 28 alongside FEMA floodplain rules in Chapter 5. Properties along the fall-line section of the James, including Belle Isle and Brown's Island, face additional historic and recreational overlay constraints. Variances require Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board review.
Unauthorized RPA encroachment, tree removal, or grading triggers stop-work orders and civil penalties up to $32,500 per day under Va. Code §62.1-44.15:74; restoration of disturbed buffer is typically required.
Richmond, VA
Richmond's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politica...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no specific city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants under Virginia's P...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Real restrictions arise from HOA and condo covenants under ...
Richmond, VA
Outdoor kitchens in Richmond require separate trade permits from PDR Building Permits: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lin...
Richmond, VA
Richmond has no specific city ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit re...
Richmond, VA
Richmond enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), which adopts the 2018 International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooki...
See how Richmond's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.