Henrico County, VA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Henrico County Code § 18-39 makes it unlawful to do any work in a public street, right-of-way, easement or other area dedicated to public use before submitting a plan and specifications and receiving a permit from the director of public works or the director's designee. The county's authority to require the permit traces to Code of Virginia § 56-15. Section 18-40 sets inspection fees keyed to the specific activity: a bore under a two-lane road runs $1,000, a three-lane road $1,500, a four-lane road $2,000 (plus $500 for each additional lane), parallel overhead or underground utility work costs $10 per 100 linear feet, a utility pole installation is $1,000, and a commercial entrance or street connection is $150 for the first entrance and $50 for each additional one.

Section 18-41 lets routine, limited-scope work skip the full application in favor of a letter describing the work with a sketch showing its location and extent. Section 18-42 requires anyone doing this work who has not already filed a performance bond of at least $1,000 to furnish one in an amount the director sets. Section 18-43 requires all construction or repair work to conform to the approved plans, specifications and the director's written instructions, though the director may waive formal plans for routine work, and the permit holder must notify the director immediately when the work is ready for inspection.