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 — 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