Before You Build in Newport News, VA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)
Everything you need to know before starting a home improvement project
Building a fence, installing a pool, or adding a shed? Each project has its own set of local permits and rules in Newport News. This guide consolidates fence, pool, ADU, shed, fire pit, and landscaping regulations into one checklist so you know what to expect before you start.
Quick Permit Checklist
At-a-glance overview of permit categories in Newport News. Click any card for details.
Fences & Walls
3 rules on file
Swimming Pools
2 rules on file
ADUs & Granny Flats
1 rule on file
Sheds & Outbuildings
1 rule on file
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
1 rule on file
Landscaping & Tree Removal
3 rules on file
Fences & Walls
Some RestrictionsHeight limits, materials, permits, and shared fence rules.
Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNewport News requires a permit to build a fence and sets the fee at a flat $40.00 under the city's building permit fee schedule.
Retaining Walls
Few RestrictionsNewport News zoning exempts necessary retaining walls from yard setback requirements, so a retaining wall can sit anywhere on the lot without a setback variance -- unlike fences, which must still meet other city ordinances.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsNewport News allows tall solid security fences up to twenty feet in nonresidential zones only if set back 100 feet from public rights-of-way and attached to the main building.
Swimming Pools
Some RestrictionsPool permits, safety fencing, and drainage requirements.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Light RestrictionsNewport News adopts, by reference, the federal CDC's 1981 health and safety guidelines for public spas and hot tubs, covering commercial and shared units rather than a private backyard hot tub.
Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsBefore building, remodeling, or majorly altering any swimming pool, residential or public, Newport News requires a building permit from the department of codes compliance.
ADUs & Granny Flats
Some RestrictionsAccessory dwelling unit rules and garage conversion permits.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsNewport News caps accessory dwelling units at 800 square feet, one per lot, under Zoning Code § 45-518.1, requiring the owner to occupy the main house or the ADU as a primary residence.
Sheds & Outbuildings
Some RestrictionsShed permits, setback limits, and outbuilding size rules.
Shed & Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsNewport News limits accessory buildings and sheds to 1.5 stories or the main house's height, caps rear-yard coverage at 30 percent, and generally bars them from front yards.
Fire Pits & Outdoor Structures
Some RestrictionsFire pit placement, outdoor burning restrictions, and permits.
Outdoor Burning
Some RestrictionsNewport News regulates open burning under Chapter 16 of the City Code (Fire Prevention). Open burning of trash is prohibited. Recreational fires and yard waste burning may be allowed under specific conditions with a burn permit from the fire department.
Landscaping & Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsTree removal permits, heritage tree protections, and water rules.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Some RestrictionsRemoving, cutting, girdling or otherwise destroying a tree, shrub or other planting on Newport News city property takes a written permit from the parks and recreation director, or from the department of engineering when the work is inside a city right-of-way. City Code Sec. 40-3.3 sets the rule; skip the permit and the removal is a Class 1 misdemeanor, charged separately for every tree involved.
Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsAny utility company trimming a tree, shrub or other planting on Newport News city property, including street trees and rights-of-way, needs a written permit from the parks and recreation director first. City Code Sec. 40.3-4 covers electric, telephone, telegraph and cable TV companies specifically; trimming without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with each tree counted as a separate offense.
Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsOnce Newport News declares a Stage 2 drought warning, watering lawns, shrubbery, trees, or other vegetation with city water is restricted to the hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., unless you use recycled water, an alternate source, or a hand-held container of three gallons or less.
General Permit Tips
When do you typically need a permit?
Most cities require permits for structural work, including fences over a certain height, pools, ADUs, and sheds above a size threshold. Even projects that seem minor can trigger permit requirements, so it is always best to check first.
How to apply for a building permit
Visit your local building department or their website. Most jurisdictions accept online applications. You will typically need a site plan, project description, and may need contractor information. Processing times vary from same-day for simple projects to several weeks for larger builds.
Common permit violations to avoid
Building without a permit, exceeding approved dimensions, and ignoring setback requirements are the most common violations. Penalties can include fines, required removal of the structure, and complications when selling your home.
Looking for rules beyond permits? View all ordinances we track for Newport News.