Richmond, VA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

The Richmond Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) was established by City Council in 1957. The CAR is the city's official historic preservation body and is charged with reviewing all exterior changes to structures within the city's Old and Historic Districts and issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for those projects that it deems to be appropriate. The CAR bases all its decisions generally on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and New Construction; and specifically on the Richmond Old & Historic Districts Handbook and Design Review Guidelines, adopted in 1999. [...] Administrative Approvals — In keeping with Sec. 30-930.6 of the Zoning Ordinance, the Secretary of the Commission of Architectural Review may approve certain types of projects. Examples of project types the Secretary can approve include: painting, replacement doors and porch decking, new handrails and porch rails, porch roof replacements, and exterior storm windows and doors. All staff approvals require an application and specifications about the project including: materials, colors, and photographs of the existing conditions and proposed plans (depending on the project types). The Secretary cannot approve projects that require public notice under the same section. Below are the Guidelines for administrative approvals: [...] Fences and Gates [...].