Virginia

Virginia home permit planning notes

County and city review is often detailed. Chesapeake Bay areas, floodplain, decks, basements, trade permits, and HOAs matter.

What to verify locally

Local guides in Virginia

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond Virginia Building Permit Guide

Richmond building permits cover construction, additions, alterations, accessory structures, decks, walls, fences, swimming pools, signs, and related trade work through the Online Permit Portal.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond Land Disturbance and Stormwater Permit Guide

Richmond land disturbance permits apply to erosion, sediment control, stormwater construction, Chesapeake Bay Act water-quality requirements, grading, clearing, demolition, foundations, additions, and drainage changes.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond Solar, Battery, and Utility Permit Guide

Richmond solar projects, battery systems, gas, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer services, and residential trades can involve building, fire, utility, and trade permit review.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Residential Permit Guide

Alexandria residential permits cover detached single-family, duplex, townhouse, accessory structures, garages, carports, pools, decks, porches, stoops, taller fences, and retaining walls.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Fence, Shed, and Right-of-Way Permit Guide

Alexandria fence and shed projects should start with zoning, while work in the street, sidewalk, landscaping strip, alley, or public right-of-way requires Transportation and Environmental Services permits.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Solar Permit Guide

Alexandria solar resources point homeowners to permitting, solar panel installation checklists, incentives, and the APEX application process.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton Residential Permit Guide

Hampton residential permits can be submitted through the Online Permit and Inspections Center or Development Services Center for building, zoning, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, decks, fences, pools, sheds, and more.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton Deck, Fence, Shed, and Zoning Permit Guide

Hampton requires permits for decks and fences and uses zoning permits for some building-code-exempt structures such as fences and sheds 256 square feet and under.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk Building Permit Guide

Norfolk building permits are required for residential work that requires new framing or exposes existing framing, including decks, room additions, screen porches, accessory structures, pools, hot tubs, and masonry walls.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk Fence, Driveway, and Accessory Structure Permit Guide

Norfolk zoning certificates apply when building permits are not needed for fences, driveways, and accessory structures, with a six-month final-inspection window after issuance.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County Residential Permit Library Guide

Fairfax County uses its PLUS system and permit library to route residential building, site, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, solar, demolition, and retaining wall records.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County Deck, Addition, and Basement Permit Guide

Fairfax County treats residential decks, finished basements, renovations, and additions as addition/alteration records for eligible one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County Shed, Solar, and Trade Permit Guide

Fairfax County requires specific residential record types for larger sheds, solar installations, electrical work, HVAC work, plumbing work, and related child trade permits.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Richmond, Virginia, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Richmond, Virginia, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Richmond, Virginia, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Richmond, Virginia, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Richmond, Virginia, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Alexandria, Virginia, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Alexandria, Virginia, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Alexandria, Virginia, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Alexandria, Virginia, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Alexandria, Virginia, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Hampton, Virginia, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Hampton, Virginia, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Hampton, Virginia, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Hampton, Virginia, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton, Virginia Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Hampton, Virginia, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Norfolk, Virginia, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Norfolk, Virginia, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Norfolk, Virginia, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Norfolk, Virginia, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Norfolk, Virginia, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide

Homeowners in Fairfax County, Virginia, planning an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment, basement apartment, or converted living space should confirm zoning, occupancy, utility, parking, and building-permit requirements before design work goes too far.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide

Pool and spa projects in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for building permits, zoning setbacks, electrical bonding, drainage, alarms, gates, and barrier inspections before excavation or delivery.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide

Roof replacement, window replacement, siding, exterior doors, structural repairs, and weatherproofing work in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for permit, historic, energy, wind, and inspection requirements.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide

Remodels in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, egress, waterproofing, and final inspection requirements before walls are closed.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide

Homeowners in Fairfax County, Virginia, planning solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, panel upgrades, or standby generators should coordinate electrical permits, utility requirements, equipment placement, and inspections.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide

Homeowners in Fairfax County, Virginia, should check zoning, right-of-way, drainage, easements, setbacks, fence height, accessory structures, and inspections before building outside the house footprint.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide

Additions, decks, porches, balconies, and patio covers in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for zoning placement, structural plans, footings, ledger connections, stairs, guards, roof loads, and staged inspections.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide

Panel replacements, service upgrades, new circuits, whole-home rewiring, subpanels, outlets, lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be coordinated with electrical permits, utility requirements, and inspections.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide

Water heaters, repipes, fixture relocations, drain and vent changes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and gas or water service work in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for plumbing permits and inspection hold points.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide

Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini-splits, ductwork, gas piping, range hoods, bath fans, and other ventilation work in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fuel-gas permits.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide

Foundation repairs, retaining walls, excavation, fill, waterproofing, grading, drainage systems, and slope work in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for structural, zoning, stormwater, floodplain, and site inspections.

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide

Interior demolition, load-bearing wall changes, chimney or fireplace work, structural openings, and full-structure removal in Fairfax County, Virginia, should be checked for building, trade, utility, environmental, and inspection requirements.

Projects to check first

ProjectWhy it matters
Shed PermitUsually required once the shed exceeds a local size threshold, has a permanent foundation, includes utilities, or violates zoning setbacks.
Fence PermitOften required for tall fences, front-yard fences, corner lots, pool barriers, retaining-wall combinations, and historic districts.
Deck PermitAlmost always required for attached decks, elevated decks, structural repairs, and decks with stairs or guards.
EV Charger PermitUsually required for Level 2 hardwired chargers, panel upgrades, new circuits, and garage wiring changes.
Solar PermitAlmost always required. Solar normally needs building/electrical permits and separate utility interconnection approval.
Bathroom Remodel PermitOften required when plumbing, electrical, framing, ventilation, or waterproofing systems are changed.
HVAC Replacement PermitUsually required for furnace, condenser, heat pump, major duct, gas line, and equipment-location changes.
Basement Finishing PermitUsually required when unfinished space becomes habitable, especially with bedrooms, bathrooms, or new walls.

Best first call

Start with the city building department if the property is inside city limits. If not, call the county building or planning office and ask which authority has jurisdiction for zoning, building, and trade inspections.