Unincorporated Richmond County

A permit is required when constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure; changing the use of a building when the new use requires greater code protection; installing or altering code-regulated equipment; or removing or disturbing asbestos-containing material during demolition, alteration, renovation, or additions.

Note: Richmond County has not published a county-specific permit exemption chart. State-level Virginia USBC exemptions may apply, but local zoning, land-disturbance, Chesapeake Bay, wetlands, floodplain, septic, and similar approvals can still be required even for work that is exempt from a building permit. Contact Richmond County Building Inspections at 804-333-5460 to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit before starting work.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The statewide current cycle is the 2021 Virginia Codes, effective January 18, 2024. Confirm the currently enforced edition directly with the Building Official, as the county website references the 2018 edition and may be stale.

Permit validity

Permits become invalid if work is not commenced within 6 months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after commencement. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits remain effective while the related building permit remains in effect. County land-disturbance permits are valid for 1 year from issuance.

Owner-builder

If the owner is acting as the builder, the owner must appear in the office and sign an owner-builder affidavit in lieu of submitting contractor license documentation.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a current Virginia contractor license issued by the Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas fitting, and other trade work requires both a contractor business license and a master tradesman card issued by the Virginia DPOR Board for Tradesmen. Copies of all applicable licenses and tradesman cards must be submitted with the permit application.

Source: Richmond County Building Inspections ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether the project requires prerequisite approvals beyond the building permit — zoning, land-disturbance, stormwater, Chesapeake Bay, wetlands, Health Department septic or well permits, or utility connections. County policy requires zoning and land-disturbance permits to be issued before a building permit is released.
2. 02
   Review the county permit guidance and single-family permit process materials. Prepare your application package including two sets of drawings, a site plan, and required supporting documentation.
3. 03
   Submit the completed application package through the county's online OpenGov portal or deliver completed materials in person to the Building and Zoning office at 101 Court Circle. All fees are calculated and collected at the time of submission.
4. 04
   County zoning review occurs first. The Zoning Administrator verifies that the proposed use is permitted and that all required prerequisite permits have been applied for.
5. 05
   After zoning approval, building and site plans are reviewed simultaneously. Routine permits are typically released within 1 to 3 working days; single-family new construction coordinated zoning and building review typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
6. 06
   For single-family new construction, before the building permit is released the county requires a temporary toilet, dumpster, stone construction entrance or other erosion controls, and an initial erosion and sediment control inspection within 24 hours of implementing the controls.
7. 07
   Receive and post the issued permit. Obtain separate permits for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and gas installations before those trades begin work.
8. 08
   Schedule and pass all required inspections as work progresses. Obtain final inspection approval and a certificate of occupancy before occupying any dwelling or structure.

Typical processing time: 1 to 3 working days for routine permits; 1 to 2 weeks for single-family new construction where coordinated zoning and building review is required.

Source: Richmond County Building Inspections ↗

All building, zoning, and land-disturbance permit fees are calculated and collected when the completed application is submitted. A 2% state levy applies to county building fees.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• 804-333-5460 (Building Official; voicemail accepted after hours) (phone)
• 804-333-3415 (Development Services) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections generally must be requested 24 hours in advance. Exception: footing, water and sewer line, and electrical-upgrade inspections may be scheduled the same day if requested by 10:00 a.m.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing; slab; foundation; basement drainage and waterproofing if applicable; poured walls; framing; electrical rough-in; electrical service; plumbing rough-in; mechanical rough-in; gas rough-in inside and outside; gas final; fireplace throat; insulation; underground water and sewer lines; final inspection; certificate of occupancy. Final inspection for a dwelling also requires a sewage disposal operational permit from the Richmond County Health Department and the assigned address number must be displayed before the certificate of occupancy will be issued.

Source: Richmond County Building Inspections ↗