ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Richmond (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Richmond, VA. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Richmond, VA.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Richmond, VA. The Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review handles permit applications for Richmond. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Richmond.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Richmond: All accessory apartment construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Richmond: $1,500–$5,000. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Richmond
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Richmond: All accessory apartment construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review at https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://pdr.rva.gov/ or in person at the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review.
Pay the permit fee: $1,500–$5,000.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://pdr.rva.gov/. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Richmond DPR permit required. Owner-occupancy requirement must be demonstrated. Zoning compliance certificate also required.
Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review
Phone: (804) 646-6340
Website: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review
Online Permits: https://pdr.rva.gov/
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
Frequently 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 Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source