City Guide · Verified 2026
Deck Construction Permits in Richmond
Local Rule
City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review
The city's own site plan guidance confirms any attached or detached deck requires a permit in Richmond, no small-deck exemption published for the city. A deck more than 30 inches above grade additionally needs structural drawings on top of the standard site plan showing setbacks from all property lines. Applications go through the Department of Planning and Development Review, either online or in person at 900 East Broad Street. Unpermitted decks risk stop-work orders, fines and required demolition.
Source · Verified September 2026
Richmond Building Department
Office: City of Richmond Permits and Inspections Division
Address: 900 E. Broad St., Room 110, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 646-6340
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to Virginia Statewide
Virginia has no county government, so there is no county-level rule to compare against. Here is what applies at the state level instead:
The only exception is a small freestanding platform 200 sq ft or smaller and no more than 30 inches above grade that is not attached to the house (IRC R105.2); any attached or elevated deck needs a permit.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Richmond with a confirmed deck construction rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Deck Construction permits in Richmond?
City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review handles Deck Construction permits in Richmond.
Is Richmond different from the rest of Virginia on Deck Construction?
No. Richmond's rule (Permit required) matches the general statewide pattern.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:
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