Home Business Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)

Whether Richmond, VA permits home-based businesses has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local building department at (804) 646-6304 to verify current home business regulations — including whether home occupations are permitted at all and what permits or licenses may apply — before starting operations. Some home business activities may be permitted with a variance or conditional use permit — contact the planning department for guidance.

Permit Requirements

Whether a permit is required to operate a home-based business in Richmond has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local building department at (804) 646-6304 to verify current permit requirements before starting operations. State professional licensing requirements may still apply regardless of city permit rules.

Operating Restrictions

No specific restrictions listed beyond standard building code requirements for Richmond home-based businesses.

• •Home occupation must be secondary and incidental to residential use
• •No exterior signage indicating commercial activity
• •No employees visiting the residence who are not residents
• •No customer or client visits at home
• •No storage of commercial vehicles, equipment, or inventory visible from street
• •Maximum 25% of dwelling floor area used for business activity
• •No mechanical equipment, noise, odors, or vibration beyond lot line

Cottage Food Law

Frequently Asked Questions