County Guide · Verified 2026

ADU Construction Permits in Henrico County, Virginia

Permit required

Check local building codes, estimate your municipal fees, and review inspection requirements for 2026.

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Local Project Overview

ADU Construction · Henrico County, Virginia

Permit required

In Virginia, a ADU Construction requires a building permit.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) always requires a building permit because it adds a habitable dwelling, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits and egress/zoning review. Plans are reviewed under the Statewide code (IRC 2021); apply through Henrico County Building Inspection before work begins.

Source: Statewide, IRC 2021 · Verified 2026 by StateDataIndex

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit requires complex zoning, structural, and utility permits.

With a population of around 335,744 residents, Henrico County generally runs a more streamlined permitting process than major urban hubs.

Code Compliance & Inspections

Work on your ADU Construction in Henrico County will be inspected to ensure full compliance with the current Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Concurrent Permits & HOAs

For Henrico County residents, we recommend reviewing your neighborhood HOA covenants before paying any municipal fees. Homeowners associations often maintain stricter rules regarding materials and dimensions for your ADU Construction than the county itself.

Zoning & Cost Factors

Virginia follows the "Dillon Rule," meaning local governments only have the zoning powers explicitly granted to them by the state legislature. Fortunately, Virginia maintains relatively builder-friendly regulations, keeping base permit fees competitive.

Permit fees in Henrico County

Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so there is no single fixed figure for Henrico County. We only publish fees confirmed by real homeowners — none have been reported here yet.

Confirm the current fee directly with Henrico County Building Inspection ((804) 501-4360). If you have paid for a permit here, you can add it here to help others.

Henrico County Building Department

Office: Henrico County Building Inspection

Address: 4301 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228, USA

Phone: (804) 501-4360

Source: official Henrico County government records. Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How to Apply in Henrico County

In Henrico County, you or your contractor typically submit blueprints and a property survey to the local building department. Call ahead to confirm hours and accepted payment methods.

ADU Construction Requirements in Henrico County

Typical Submittal Package

When applying for a ADU Construction permit, you or your contractor will generally need to submit the following documentation for the city's review:

  • Comprehensive architectural and structural plans
  • Foundation engineering reports
  • Sewer, water, and utility connection plans
  • Site plan showing property lines and setbacks

Standard Ordinances & Processing Time

Key code points for a ADU Construction in Henrico County: ADUs typically have maximum square footage limits (often 800-1200 sq ft), height restrictions, and usually require dedicated off-street parking depending on local zoning.

Typical processing time: a few days to several weeks, depending on current workload and the season. Contact Henrico County Building Inspection for a current estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific penalties for unpermitted ADU Construction work in urban Henrico County?

Building without authorization is considered a code violation. The local government can issue a Stop Work Order, forcing you to halt construction immediately. You may be subject to retroactive permit fees (often double the original cost), daily fines, or even a mandate to tear down the unpermitted work at your own expense.

Can a homeowner pull their own ADU Construction permit in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia generally allows property owners to act as their own general contractor under an Owner-Builder exemption. If you take this route, you assume full legal and financial liability and must ensure all work complies with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

How much does a ADU Construction permit cost in Henrico County?

Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so Henrico County does not publish a single fixed figure. Confirm the exact fee with the local building department before applying.

How long does it take to get a ADU Construction permit in Henrico County?

Processing time in Henrico County varies by season and current application volume at the building department; contact Henrico County Building Inspection for a current estimate.

Where do I apply for a ADU Construction permit in Henrico County?

You can apply through the Henrico County Building Inspection. For questions, call (804) 501-4360.

Help the Henrico County Community

Did you recently pay for a permit here? Anonymously share the fee to help our database stay accurate.

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