Does your reroof need a permit or city design approval?
Answer six quick questions. You will see what the state building code and Richmond's Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) generally say, and who to confirm with.
Safety first: do not climb onto a damaged or wet roof to find out. This tool is about paperwork, not repairs.
What your answers suggest
Confirm with Richmond Permits and Inspections before work starts: online application portal · 804-646-4169 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:00) · [email protected]
Confirm with the Commission of Architectural Review (CAR): (804) 646-6304 · 900 E. Broad St., Room 510 · CAR page on rva.gov
Rules checked against the sources below on 2026-10-29.
How this works
Virginia's building code lists most reroofing on houses and townhouses as work that does not need a building permit, and any roofing job of 100 square feet or less in any building. It also lets the building official require a permit in a locally designated historic district or a special flood hazard area.
Separately, in Richmond's Old and Historic Districts, exterior changes that can be seen from a public street or alley, including replacing roofing material, generally need approval from CAR (a Certificate of Appropriateness). Porch roof replacement has its own administrative approval guideline.
Neighborhoods named on the city's CAR flyer (a partial list, dated April 2023): Shockoe Valley, Jackson Ward, Chimborazo Park, Hermitage Road, Monument Avenue, Boulevard, West Grace Street, Springhill and Church Hill North. Whether your exact address is inside a district has to be checked on the city's map or with CAR.
Sources
Virginia Administrative Code 13VAC5-63-80 (USBC 108.2)
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2026-10-27
Virginia Administrative Code 13VAC5-63-80 (USBC 108.2); City of Richmond Residential Building Permit guide (2019)
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2026-10-29
City of Richmond – Commission of Architectural Review
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2016
City of Richmond – CAR Porch Roof Replacement guideline
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2018-09-25
City of Richmond – Commission of Architectural Review; Planning & Development Review FAQ
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2026-10-27
City of Richmond – Permits and Inspections
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2026-10-27
City of Richmond – CAR Flyer
Verified: 2026-10-29 · Source date: 2023-04
General information only, not legal advice and not a permit decision. Richmond Permits and Inspections and CAR decide what applies to your address.
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