PERMITS AND LICENSING
When getting your business off the ground in Richmond, certain permits and licenses may be required. The following are preliminary guidelines for Permitting and Licensing requirements in the City of Richmond.
If you have further questions or need further guidance, pleasecontact us.
Zoning
Each piece of property in the city is “zoned” for particular types of businesses. Make sure your type of business is allowed by law at your selected business location.
To determine whether or not your location is properly zoned for your business, contact the city's Zoning Division, where a Small Business Coordinator will help guide you through the City's zoning compliance process.
To contact the Zoning Division's Small Business Coordinators, call:
804.646.6923
or
804.646.6701
The following is a basic list of required zoning documentation:
For more information on the City of Richmond's Zoning Codes, view the City Code Online.
If your type of business use is allowed at your selected site, then ask to receive a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. If the proposed type of use is not allowed, you can search for another location, apply for a Special Use Permit, or apply to change the zoning designation.
CLICK HERE for a list of more Permit Forms & Applications online.
For more information on Zoning Requirements for your business, contact: Department of Community Development
Office of Zoning Administration
City Hall
900 East Broad Street, Room 110
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p)804.646.6340
(email) DCDZoningAdministration@richmondgov.com
For a complete list of online forms and applications from the Department of Community Development, CLICK HERE.
Building Permits
Depending on the type of improvements needed at your business location, you may need to apply for a Building Permit.
Community Development's Bureau of Permits and Inspections provides services to comprehensively review all of your construction plans.
The City will send inspectors to your site to ensure that your business is in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws regarding building codes and the issuance of permits.
Separate permits may be required for each major trade doing work on your property:
***Virginia's State Building Codes and Regulations can be accessed through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.***
For more information on Building Permits and Inspections, contact or visit:
Bureau of Permits and Inspections
Community Development, City Hall
900 East Broad Street, Room 110
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p)804.646.6955
(email) DCDPermitsandInspections@richmondgov.com
PERMIT FORMS & APPLICATIONS
Contractors' Licensing
For businesses that construct or improve facilities on property owned by others, a Contractor's License is required.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates more than 30 occupations and professions through 19 boards.
The Board for Contractors is responsible for regulating Tradesman’s Licenses, Class A, B, and C State Contractor Business Licenses, and Contractor’s Worker’s Compensation Certification.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Virginia Contractor's Licensing process.
For more information on Contractor's Licensing requirements, contact:
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
9960 Mayland Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23233
(p)804.367.8511
Health Permits
For specific businesses such as restaurants, food vendors and food processing establishments, your business will require a Health Permit.
The Department of Health is responsible for inspecting and regulating restaurants, hotels and motels, barber and beauty shops, drinking water supply, milk and dairy products, swimming pools and marinas, and sewage disposal. The health department also responds to environmental complaints such as vermin infestations, animal nuisances and toxic substances.
To apply for a Health Permit, CLICK HERE, or contact:
The Department of Public Health
Marshall Plaza Building, 3rd Floor
900 E. Marshall Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p)804.646.3120
Beer, Wine and Mixed Beverage Permits (Virginia ABC Regulation)
If you plan to sell alcoholic beverages in your place of business, you will need to obtain an ABC License from the Virginia Department of Acoholic Beverage Control (VA ABC).
CLICK HERE for more information on obtaining an ABC License.
Be sure to contact an ABC agent, who can walk you through the licensing process and explain the regulations involved with operating an establishment that sells alcholic beverages.
For more information on Virginia ABC Licensing & Regulation, contact:
Virginia ABC Board
2901 Hermitage Road
Richmond, VA
(p)804.213.4620North
(p)804.213.4624South