Richmond ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Richmond, Virginia means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 15 source-cited requirements (7 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through Online Permit Portal (EnerGov self-service). These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Richmond. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
The ADU ordinance (Ord. 2023-196, adopted Sept 25 2023) permits one ADU on the same lot as a single-family dwelling BY-RIGHT in all residential districts, with no special use permit. Two types with different code treatment: an attached ADU is allowed only when the main dwelling is detached (its use changes to a Detached Two-Family Dwelling, with a new Two-Family CO); a detached ADU is a separate dwelling unit (Group R-5) requiring a NEW address and Fire Department access from the street or rear alley. Size ≤ 1/3 of the main dwelling's floor area or 500 sf, whichever is greater, and must meet district setbacks/coverage/height. Trade (MEP/gas) permits are separate. Owner-occupancy is not stated in any official Richmond source (the 'Owner Statement' is a contractor-licensing affidavit), so it is not asserted here.
- Certificate of Occupancy Requestrequired
A final CO is required (attached: issued as a Two-Family Dwelling; detached: a new CO for the new unit) after passing final inspections.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Floor Plan (main dwelling + ADU)required
Measurements; labeled rooms, doors, windows, means of egress; shared spaces; square footage; permanent kitchen fixtures (sink, cooking device, refrigerator) and sanitation fixtures with clearances.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Online Permit Portal Application (description of work)required
Apply via OPP under Plans → Residential Building; the description must use the prescribed ADU phrase, state the ADU location, and give the square footage of the main dwelling + ADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Separate Trade (MEP/Gas) Permit Applicationsrequired
Trade permits and inspections are required for ALL trade work; each trade is a separate application (no construction docs needed for the trade apps).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Planrequired
Required for ALL ADU applications: property lines with measurements, all structures, and distances from structures to property lines and to other structures.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Utility-Access / Overcurrent Locations on Plansrequired
Plans must show full-access locations for utility controls, disconnecting means, and all overcurrent devices for the ADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Zoning Compliance Demonstration (size + district standards)required
Show the ADU ≤ 1/3 of the main dwelling's floor area or 500 sf (whichever greater) and compliance with the underlying district height/setbacks/lot coverage.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Certificate of Appropriateness (CAR)conditional
Required before permit issuance if the property is in an Old & Historic District and the work is visible from the public right-of-way.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Construction Plan Setconditional
Required when the permit includes construction; not needed for a 'NO CONSTRUCTION' filing.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Exterior Elevationsconditional
Required for new construction, additions, and exterior alterations: all four elevations with windows/doors, floor heights, and overall height.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Footing / Foundation Planconditional
Required for new detached ADU construction, additions, and structural alterations: dimensioned footings, anchor bolts, reinforcement, ventilation, crawl access, typical section.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Framing Plansconditional
Required for new construction/additions: per-floor + roof framing, member sizes/species/spacing, braced-wall panels; engineer-sealed reports for elements outside VRC prescriptive limits.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - New Address Assignment (detached ADU)conditional
Detached ADUs require a new address; the Permit Technician assigns it.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Owner Statement (contractor-exemption affidavit)conditional
Required when there is no construction or no contractor is assigned; completed by the owner of the main dwelling (a Title 54.1-1111 affidavit, not an occupancy covenant).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - REScheck / Energy-Code Complianceconditional
A REScheck report confirming new conditioned ADU space meets the 2021 VRC energy code.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22
Richmond ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Richmond?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Richmond requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 15 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (7 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Richmond?
- Core required items include: Certificate of Occupancy Request; Floor Plan (main dwelling + ADU); Online Permit Portal Application (description of work); Separate Trade (MEP/Gas) Permit Applications; Site Plan; Utility-Access / Overcurrent Locations on Plans, plus 1 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Richmond?
- Richmond accepts permit submittals via Online Permit Portal (EnerGov self-service). ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.