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

Richmond allows 4-foot front yard fences and 7-foot side and rear yard fences in residential districts. Corner lot visibility triangles require 3-foot maximum height.

Virginia has no shared fence cost statute. Each Richmond property owner is responsible for fences on their own property. Neighbors are not legally required to share costs of a boundary fence.

Richmond requires a zoning permit for all new fences and a building permit for fences over 6 feet. Historic district fences need Commission of Architectural Review certificate of appropriateness.

Richmond requires 4-foot minimum barrier around all residential pools with self-closing and self-latching gates, per the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Gate latches must be 54 inches above grade.

Hot tubs and spas with a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from the 48-inch barrier rule under Virginia USBC IRC G305.2. An electrical permit is still required for 240V hardwired units. Portable 120V plug-in spas under 24 inches of water depth typically do not need a building permit.

Pools deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high under Virginia USBC and IRC Appendix G. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, with latches at least 54 inches above grade. Openings may not exceed 4 inches.

Richmond requires a building permit for all in-ground pools and for above-ground pools over 24 inches deep under Virginia USBC §305.2.1. Permits issued by the Department of Planning and Development Review with plan review, plumbing, and electrical sub-permits.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a Richmond building permit and must meet the same 48-inch barrier rule. Pool walls at least 48 inches high can serve as the barrier if access ladders are removable or lockable when the pool is not in use.

Richmond residential pools must comply with Virginia USBC safety rules: VGB-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI-protected electrical, and barrier requirements. Public and semi-public pools (HOA, apartment) also fall under 12 VAC 5-460 Virginia Department of Health regulations.

Richmond allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zones under recent zoning updates. ADUs can be attached or detached, must meet setback and size limits typically 800 to 1,000 sq ft or 30 percent of main house, and require a building permit. Short-term rental of ADUs requires a separate STR permit.

Converting a garage to habitable space in Richmond requires building permits, zoning review, and compliance with Virginia USBC for ceiling height, egress, insulation, and HVAC. Conversions creating a separate dwelling unit must follow ADU rules. Required off-street parking must be replaced if zoning mandates it.

Sheds up to 256 square feet and under 12 feet in height generally do not require a building permit in Richmond under Virginia USBC exemptions, but must meet zoning setbacks typically 3 to 5 feet from side and rear lot lines. Zoning permits may still be required.

Carports in Richmond are accessory structures requiring a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks. Carports count toward lot coverage limits and generally cannot be placed in front yards. Minimum side yard setbacks typically 3 to 5 feet apply depending on zoning district.

Permanent tiny homes on foundations in Richmond must meet the Virginia USBC and zoning rules including minimum dwelling size in some districts. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. Tiny homes as detached ADUs may be allowed under the ADU ordinance.

Open burning is heavily restricted in Richmond. The Virginia 4 PM Burning Law (VA Code 10.1-1142) applies Feb 15 to April 30, prohibiting burning before 4 PM within 300 feet of woodland. Richmond additionally bans burning of yard waste and debris within city limits year-round.

Richmond allows residential fire pits subject to Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Recreational fires must be under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, burn only clean seasoned wood, and stay 25 feet from any structure or combustible material.

Removal of street trees and trees in the public right-of-way in Richmond requires a permit from the Urban Forestry Division. Private tree removal is generally allowed without a permit, though heritage trees and trees in RPA riparian zones along the James River may have additional restrictions.

Richmond draws water from the James River and generally has adequate supply. During drought watches or warnings declared by Virginia DEQ or the city, voluntary and mandatory restrictions may apply. Richmond Department of Public Utilities activates drought response plans including outdoor watering schedules when needed.

Richmond regulates tree trimming for street trees and trees in public rights-of-way. Homeowners may trim branches overhanging their property under Virginia common law self-help rule but cannot harm the tree. Trimming of street trees requires a permit from the Department of Public Works Urban Forestry Division.