Before You Build in Norfolk, VA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Norfolk permits fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards without special approval. Heights above 6 feet require a zoning permit. Coastal flood-prone neighborhoods may require wind-rated fencing.

Norfolk requires a zoning permit for fences over 6 feet, fences in historic districts, and any fence on a corner lot within the sight triangle. Fences under 6 feet on interior residential lots generally need no permit.

Virginia has no statutory shared-fence cost law. Norfolk property owners are individually responsible for fences on their own land. Boundary-line fences require neighbor consent. Good neighbor (finished-side-out) is custom but not mandated by code.

Norfolk requires 48-inch minimum barrier around residential pools under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Self-closing and self-latching gates mandatory. Fence applies to pools deeper than 24 inches including above-ground and inflatable.

Norfolk residential pools must meet Virginia USBC anti-entrapment, barrier, and electrical safety rules. Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain cover standards apply to all pools.

Norfolk hot tubs and spas require building and electrical permits. Lockable safety covers compliant with ASTM F1346 can substitute for a 48-inch barrier under the Virginia USBC.

Norfolk requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around all residential pools with self-closing, self-latching gates under the Virginia USBC. Openings cannot exceed 4 inches to prevent child access.

Norfolk requires a building permit for all in-ground and most above-ground swimming pools under the Virginia USBC. Electrical and plumbing permits are also required, and final inspection is mandatory before use.

Norfolk above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches require building permits and USBC-compliant barriers. Pool walls 48 inches tall can serve as the barrier with ladder removal or lockable steps.

Norfolk allows Accessory Dwelling Units in most residential zones under the 2018 zoning ordinance rewrite. ADUs up to 900 square feet allowed with owner occupancy, off-street parking, and building permit. No rental cap.

Garage conversions to living space in Norfolk require building permits, zoning review, and replacement off-street parking. If the conversion creates a second dwelling unit, ADU rules apply. Historic districts need ARB approval.

Norfolk allows sheds under 256 square feet without a building permit under Virginia USBC Section 102.3. Setback requirements apply: typically 3 feet from side/rear lot lines. Sheds over 256 square feet require full permitting.

Norfolk allows carports in most residential zones subject to setback rules and building permits for permanent structures. Temporary fabric carports face restrictions in front yards and historic districts. Coverage rules apply.

Tiny homes on foundations are treated as dwellings in Norfolk and must meet Virginia USBC minimum standards (typically 120 sq ft minimum habitable room, full kitchen/bath). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences.

Norfolk prohibits most open burning within city limits under City Code Chapter 16 and the Virginia Statewide Air Pollution Control Regulations. The Virginia 4 PM Burn Law (Feb 15 to April 30) applies but is largely superseded by the urban burn ban.

Norfolk allows residential fire pits under Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Section 307. Recreational fires must be under 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet tall, and at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material per IFC 307.4.2.

Norfolk regulates public tree trimming through the Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space. Street trees and trees in the right-of-way require a permit to prune. Private property trees generally require no permit except in Chesapeake Bay buffers.

Norfolk requires permits to remove any tree in the public right-of-way, Chesapeake Bay buffer, or protected canopy area. Private trees outside these zones can generally be removed, but replacement rules apply for site plan properties.

Norfolk is served by the Norfolk Department of Utilities, which can impose water use restrictions during drought under the City Drought Management Plan. The city draws from Lake Prince, Lake Smith, and other reservoirs. Voluntary conservation is promoted year-round.