city · Independent City County · Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

6.5

Friction Index Moderate Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

50 days

7 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$15,500

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$11,500

per lot

Permit Fee

$2,800

residential

Plan Review Fee

$1,200

per application

Delay Risk

38%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) approval (historic districts)
✓ Special use permit (many single-family projects)
✓ Site plan review
✓ Richmond 300 comprehensive plan compliance
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Tree preservation plan
✓ Fire Marshal review
✓ Erosion control plan
✓ Utility connection permits

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

City of Richmond Department of Planning & Development Review. Virginia's capital city with extensive historic districts. Fan District, Church Hill, and other historic areas require Commision of Architectural Review (CAR) approval. Strong infill market. Special use permits common. Pre-application meetings recommended.

Recent Changes

January 2026: Updated Richmond 300 comprehensive plan implementation. November 2025: Revised special use permit requirements for residential. December 2025: New affordable housing policy for rezonings 25+ units. October 2025: Updated CAR guidelines for historic districts. Stormwater requirements strengthened.

Rezone Probability

54%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(804) 646-6304

Official Website

https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review

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