When a Building Permit is Not Required

  • Installation of wiring and equipment that operates at less than 50 volts.
  • Detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 256 square feet and is not more than one story.
  • Tents or air-supported structures, or both, that cover an area of 900 square feet or less, including within that area all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance, provided such tents or structures have an occupant load of 50 or less persons.
  • Fences that do not serve as a barrier for a swimming pool.
  • Concrete or Masonry walls, provided they do not exceed 6 feet in height. Ornamental post caps shall not be considered to contribute to the height of the wall and shall be permitted to extend above the six feet height measurement.
  • Retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill.
  • Swimming pools that have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are less than 24 inches deep.
  • Replacement of above-ground existing gas containers of the same capacity in the same location and associated regulators when installed by the serving gas supplier.
  • Ordinary repairs that include the following:
    • Replacement of windows and doors in townhouses or in a detached single family dwelling.
    • Replacement of windows and doors that are not required to be fire rated in a condominium.
    • Replacement of plumbing fixtures without alteration of the water supply and distribution systems, sanitary drainage systems or vent systems.
    • Replacement of general use snap switches, dimmer and control switches, 125 volt-15 or 20 ampere receptacles, luminaries (lighting fixtures) and ceiling (paddle) fans in townhouses, detached single family dwellings or condominiums.
    • Replacement of mechanical appliances provided such equipment is not fueled by gas or oil in townhouses, detached single family dwellings or condominiums.
    • Replacement of an unlimited amount of roof covering or siding in townhouses and detached single family dwellings and condominiums.
    • Replacement of 256 square feet (8 sheets of sheathing) or less of roof decking in townhouses and detached single family dwellings unless the decking to be replaced was required at the time of original construction to be fire-retardant-treated or protected in some other way to form a fire-rated wall termination
    • Installation or replacement of floor finishes.
    • Installation of replacement cabinetry or trim.
    • Application of paint or wallpaper.
  • Flagpoles, provided the pole does not exceed 30 feet in height.

The following typical home improvement projects do not require a permit:

  • Ceramic tile, hardwood floors, carpet
  • Crown molding, baseboards, trim
  • Doors and windows (in existing openings)
  • Gutters and down spouts
  • Kitchen cabinets (new and existing)
  • On-grade patios
  • Recreational equipment (swing sets, jungle gyms, skateboard ramps, etc.)
  • Roof repairs
  • Replacement of siding
  • Sheds or playhouses 256 square feet or less and only one story; please note: you must still meet setback requirements per the Zoning Ordinance

Contact Us

Permit Center

Permit Center - West
4301 East Parham Road
Henrico, VA 23228

Permit Center - East
3820 Nine Mile Road
Henrico, VA 23223

Phone
(804) 501-7280

[email protected]

Mailing Address
P. O. Box 90775
Henrico, VA 23273-0775

 
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