Permit Requirements for Henrico, Virginia
For Plumbing projects in Henrico, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Henrico County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Henrico is located within Henrico County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Virginia, Henrico County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Henrico County Plumbing Permit Requirements
Henrico County is the designated building and safety jurisdiction for unincorporated areas within the county, operating under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The county administers building, trade, and inspection services countywide, excluding independent cities.
Permits are generally required for the initial installation of fixtures and appliances that are permanently connected to plumbing systems.
Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties located in unincorporated areas of Henrico County, permits are required for various construction and renovation activities. This includes structural changes, work affecting fire- or smoke-rated assemblies or egress, and many plumbing, electrical, and mechanical installations.
To apply for a permit in unincorporated Henrico County, you will need to create an account on the Build Henrico website. The application process involves submitting required documents such as plumbing plans (detailing water and sewer sitework, drainage, fixtures, gas piping, etc.), and potentially other approvals from planning or public works departments.
Permit fees for plumbing work vary based on the type of project (commercial or residential) and the estimated cost. For commercial projects, the fee is $100 for the first $5,000 of estimated cost, plus $7 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, along with a 2% state levy.
Inspections can be scheduled through the Build Henrico portal or by calling the automated permit system. Requests made before 7:00 a.m. on the day of the desired inspection will be scheduled for that day; requests made after 7:00 a.m. will be scheduled for the following day.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Virginia:
Virginia Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State-Level Plumbing Codes in Virginia
Plumbing systems in Virginia are governed by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The technical requirements for plumbing are established through the adoption of the 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) published by the International Code Council (ICC). This code is integrated into the USBC with specific state-level amendments tailored to Virginia's requirements for design, installation, maintenance, and inspection.
Primary State Agencies and Boards
The administration and development of building codes in Virginia are managed by the following entities:
- Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD): This Governor-appointed board is responsible for the promulgation and adoption of the USBC. They update the building codes on a three-year cycle, incorporating nationally recognized model codes through a regulatory process.
- Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): This state agency administers the USBC and provides the regulatory framework for the development and adoption of these statewide standards.
- State Building Code Technical Review Board (SBCTRB): This board consists of citizens appointed by the Governor to ensure the building code is administered fairly and to resolve disputes between enforcing agencies and aggrieved parties.
While the state sets the standards, the enforcement of the USBC is the responsibility of local government building inspection departments.
Resources to Learn More