Richmond Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Richmond, VA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
226,610
Total Zone Types
22
Planning Department
Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
City of Richmond (independent city)
Metro Area
Richmond-Petersburg
Richmond Zoning System
The Richmond zoning system includes 22 total zone classifications: 10 residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and others) and 7 commercial zones (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, and others), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (B-4, B-5) and 2 industrial zones (M-1, M-2). Richmond's zoning is governed by Chapter 30 of the Richmond City Code, administered by the Department of Planning and Development Review. Richmond is an independent city in Virginia — it is not part of any county and exercises full municipal authority over zoning and land use. Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291 requires Richmond to allow accessory apartments in single-family residential zones. Richmond has a mix of older urban neighborhoods like The Fan and Church Hill with Victorian rowhouses alongside newer development. The city has been actively promoting infill development and housing diversity to address affordability pressures. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Richmond Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Richmond Building Department (Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (804) 646-6340 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review at (804) 646-6340. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Building Department
Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review
(804) 646-6340
Visit WebsitePlanning Department
Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review
(804) 646-6340
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an accessory apartment (ADU) in Richmond?
Yes. Virginia law requires Richmond to allow accessory apartments in single-family residential zones. You can build one accessory apartment per lot — either attached or detached. The unit can be up to 1,000 sqft for detached or 50% of primary dwelling floor area for attached. Owner-occupancy of either unit is required. No significant impact fees apply in Richmond.
Does Richmond allow short-term rentals like Airbnb?
Yes, with a Short-Term Rental Permit ($200/year). Richmond requires that the property be your primary residence. You must comply with Richmond noise ordinance and occupancy limits, and Virginia's 7% Transient Occupancy Tax applies. STR platforms collect and remit this tax automatically.
What permits are required for renovation in Richmond?
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and addition projects require building permits from Richmond's Department of Planning and Development Review. Properties in Richmond's 18 historic districts have additional requirements — the Historic Preservation Office reviews exterior changes to contributing structures. Richmond's online permit portal streamlines applications.
How does Richmond's independent city status affect zoning?
Richmond is an independent city — it is not part of any county. All zoning and building permits are administered exclusively by Richmond's city government, not any county. This is unusual in most US states but common in Virginia, which has 38 independent cities. There is no county building department or county zoning board — everything goes through Richmond's own DPR.
Are there solar restrictions in historic Richmond neighborhoods?
Yes, in designated historic districts. Richmond's Historic Preservation Office reviews solar panel installations visible from public streets in HPO-regulated districts like The Fan, Church Hill, and Jackson Ward. Panels on rear or non-street-facing slopes are generally approved without HPO review. Virginia's Solar Freedom Act prevents HOAs from prohibiting solar panels entirely.
What are Richmond's flood zone areas?
Richmond has notable flood risk along the James River and Shockoe Bottom areas. Shockoe Bottom and portions of the riverfront are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. If your property is in a flood zone, Richmond requires elevation certificates and may require floodproofing for new construction. Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or Richmond's GIS portal for your property's flood zone designation.
Source: Richmond City Code Chapter 30 — Zoning; Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source