Do I Need a Fence Permit in Richmond, VA?

Fence permit rules in the Richmond metro depend on where you live—Richmond city, Chesterfield County, Henrico County, and Hanover each have their own requirements. Here’s what to know and how contractors can help.

Whether you’re planning a residential or commercial fence in the Richmond area, permit rules vary by locality. In many cases, fences under a certain height (often 6 feet in residential areas) may not require a permit, but setbacks, corner lots, and commercial properties can have different rules. The safest approach is to confirm with your local building department or work with a fence contractor who regularly pulls permits in your area.

Richmond City, Chesterfield, Henrico

Richmond city, Chesterfield County, and Henrico County each publish their own zoning and building guidelines. Height limits, setback requirements (how far the fence must be from the property line or sidewalk), and rules for corner lots differ. Some localities require permits for any new fence; others only for fences over a certain height or in specific zones. Commercial and industrial properties often face stricter or additional requirements. A contractor who works in Chesterfield, Henrico, or Richmond can help you determine what applies to your address.

How Contractors Help

Many fence installers who serve Midlothian, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, and Short Pump are familiar with local permit processes. They can tell you whether a permit is needed, what documents are required, and often handle the application and inspections. When you request quotes through Fence RVA, you can ask each contractor about permits for your specific location.

Don’t Skip the Check

Skipping a required permit can lead to fines or being asked to remove or modify the fence. Taking a few minutes to confirm requirements—or letting your contractor handle it—saves trouble later. For more on materials and cost, see fence cost in Richmond VA and our vinyl and wood service pages.