Building Permits in Virginia

We cover 29 cities in Virginia. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

29 Cities Covered

2,925 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in Virginia

Building permit requirements in Virginia are enforced at the local level, each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in Virginia follow the 2021 IRC, though 9 cities are still on the 2018 edition.

We cover 29 cities in Virginia with 2,925 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data, not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Common Permit Exemptions in Virginia

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in Virginia. Keep in mind, "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Fence: Exempt in 55 of our 29 covered cities

Windows and Doors: Exempt in 46 of our 29 covered cities

Tree Removal: Exempt in 29 of our 29 covered cities

Shed: Exempt in 29 of our 29 covered cities

Patio: Exempt in 29 of our 29 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in Virginia

If you're hiring a contractor in Virginia, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the Virginia DPOR – Contractor Licensing.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront, a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.