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Building Permits in Virginia

Virginia statewide rules

These state rules apply everywhere in the state. Cities and counties may add stricter local rules — open your city below.

Local changes allowed
No source: law.lis.virginia.gov
Issued by
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (Uniform Statewide Building Code) source: law.lis.virginia.gov
Building code
2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code, effective Jan. 18, 2024 source: dhcd.virginia.gov

Shed

Size limit (sq ft)
256 source: law.lis.virginia.gov

Fence

Exempt from a permit
Fences of any height are exempt from a permit unless required for pedestrian safety under Section 3306 or used as a swimming pool barrier source: law.lis.virginia.gov
Conditions
A fence permit is required when the fence is used as a swimming pool barrier or is required for pedestrian safety under Section 3306 source: law.lis.virginia.gov

Roof

Exempt from a permit
Replacement of roof covering or siding is exempt from a permit without a size limit in Groups R-3, R-4, or R-5 where the design wind speed is not greater than 100 mph, and replacement of 100 square feet or less of roof covering is exempt in all groups and all wind zones source: law.lis.virginia.gov

Pool

Exempt from a permit
A swimming pool is exempt from a permit only if its surface area is not greater than 150 square feet and it is less than 24 inches deep source: law.lis.virginia.gov
Size limit (sq ft)
150 source: law.lis.virginia.gov

Demolition

Permit required
Yes source: law.lis.virginia.gov

Cities

Permit Categories

Permit guides