Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code, 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code.
Inspection lane
Request inspections through Build Henrico at https://build.henrico.gov/; call 804-501-4360 for assistance. County residential guidance states inspections may generally be scheduled as early as the following business day. Post the permit and address where they are visible from the main road.
Minor-work playbook
County-listed building-permit exemptions include wiring under 50 volts; detached one-story tool/storage sheds or playhouses not exceeding 256 square feet, with floor under 18 inches and eave height under 10 feet; tents not exceeding 900 square feet and 50 occupants; fences up to 7 feet unless serving as a pool barrier; concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet; retaining walls with less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill; specified replacement mechanical appliances in one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and condominiums; roof-covering and siding replacement; up to 256 square feet of roof-decking replacement except where fire-rated construction applies; and cosmetic work such as floor finishes, cabinets and trim, painting, wallpapering, replacement doors/windows in existing openings, gutters, on-grade patios, and recreational equipment. Zoning, setback, trade-permit, and other applicable requirements still apply.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Request inspections through Build Henrico at https://build.henrico.gov/; call 804-501-4360 for assistance. County residential guidance states inspections may generally be scheduled as early as the following business day. Post the permit and address where they are visible from the main road.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 804-501-4360.
N/A for general permit review. Henrico offers possible same-day walk-through review and issuance when complete documents are submitted by 3:00 p.m. for listed residential projects such as one-story additions, decks, porches, sunrooms, sheds over 256 square feet, pools/barriers, interior alterations, resubmittals, and subtrade permits; properties without public utilities require Virginia Department of Health review and are not eligible for walk-through processing.
Request inspections through Build Henrico at https://build.henrico.gov/; call 804-501-4360 for assistance. County residential guidance states inspections may generally be scheduled as early as the following business day. Post the permit and address where they are visible from the main road.
2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code, 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code. County-listed building-permit exemptions include wiring under 50 volts; detached one-story tool/storage sheds or playhouses not exceeding 256 square feet, with floor under 18 inches and eave height under 10 feet; tents not exceeding 900 square feet and 50 occupants; fences up to 7 feet unless serving as a pool barrier; concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet; retaining walls with less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill; specified replacement mechanical appliances in one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and condominiums; roof-covering and siding replacement; up to 256 square feet of roof-decking replacement except where fire-rated construction applies; and cosmetic work such as floor finishes, cabinets and trim, painting, wallpapering, replacement doors/windows in existing openings, gutters, on-grade patios, and recreational equipment. Zoning, setback, trade-permit, and other applicable requirements still apply.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.