Roof Replacement Permit in Henrico County, Virginia
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-06 · 3 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pageIt depends
Quick answer
Replacing the roof covering (shingles) on a single-family home does not require a building permit in Henrico County; the county's own Permit Center guidance lists replacement of an unlimited amount of roof covering or siding as exempt, matching Virginia USBC Section 108.2, which exempts roof-covering replacement on one- and two-family dwellings outside high-wind areas (nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less). A permit is required when more than 256 square feet of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced, and the building official may require one in historic districts or flood hazard areas.
Typical threshold: like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
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Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
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When a permit is usually needed
When more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing or decking is repaired or replaced
What roof replacement permit costs in Henrico County
Roof covering replacement is exempt in unlimited amounts so typical reroofing needs no permit; replacing more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing triggers the building permit formula of $100 for the first $5,000 of labor and material cost plus $6 per additional $1,000 plus a 2% state levy, per the county permit and fee pages.
How Henrico County compares in Virginia
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington County | It depends | Replacing roof covering alone or with less than 256 square feet of roof decking replaced needs no permit; replacing more than 256 square feet of decking requires a building permit, and decking originally required to be fire retardant treated always requires a permit. |
| Chesterfield County | It depends | like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt statewide in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when roof sheathing or framing is replaced, and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas |
| Fairfax County | It depends | replacing 256 sq ft or more of roof plywood (decking) requires a permit; shingle-only replacement and under 256 sq ft plywood replacement are exempt |
| Fauquier County | It depends | like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt statewide in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when roof sheathing or framing is replaced, and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas |
| Henrico Countythis page | It depends | like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas |
| Loudoun County | It depends | permit required if replacing more than 256 sq ft of roof decking or making structural changes or changing roofing materials |
| Prince William County | It depends | building permit required for replacement of more than 256 sq ft of roof decking; standard shingle re-roofing is exempt |
Closest roof replacement permit thresholds outside Virginia
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Henrico County's 256 sq ft.
- Howard County, Maryland, roof covering replacement with no other structural repairs is exempt, including up to 64 sq ft of roof sheathing; replacing more sheathing or any other structural repair requires a building permit
How to apply in Henrico County
A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- A recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- The materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections sets the exact checklist for Henrico County.
Where to apply in Henrico County:
Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections
- 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228
- Phone: (804) 501-4360
Inspections and closing out your permit
Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- Where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- An overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- Flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- A final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- Reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Henrico County permit portal or by phone at (804) 501-4360.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Henrico County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas. Usually needed: When more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing or decking is repaired or replaced.
- Budget the fee. Roof covering replacement is exempt in unlimited amounts so typical reroofing needs no permit; replacing more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing triggers the building permit formula of $100 for the first $5,000 of labor and material cost plus $6 per additional $1,000 plus a 2% state levy, per the county permit and fee pages. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Henrico County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections. Phone: (804) 501-4360. Address: 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228.
- Plan for inspections. Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-06.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Henrico County?
- Replacing the roof covering (shingles) on a single-family home does not require a building permit in Henrico County; the county's own Permit Center guidance lists replacement of an unlimited amount of roof covering or siding as exempt, matching Virginia USBC Section 108.2, which exempts roof-covering replacement on one- and two-family dwellings outside high-wind areas (nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less). A permit is required when more than 256 square feet of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced, and the building official may require one in historic districts or flood hazard areas. Like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Henrico County?
- Roof covering replacement is exempt in unlimited amounts so typical reroofing needs no permit; replacing more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing triggers the building permit formula of $100 for the first $5,000 of labor and material cost plus $6 per additional $1,000 plus a 2% state levy, per the county permit and fee pages. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Henrico County?
- You can apply through the Henrico County permit portal or contact the Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Henrico County?
- Under Virginia law (Va. Code 54.1-1101(A); 13VAC5-63-80 (USBC Sections 108.3, 108.4)): Yes. Va. Code 54.1-1101(A) exempts any person who performs or supervises construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by them and for their own use during any 24-month period. The exemption covers the whole licensing chapter, including tradesman licensing for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, so it reaches trade work on the owner's own primary residence. Under the USBC the permit applicant may be the owner or the owner's agent, and an applicant may file a written statement that they are not subject to licensure instead of proof of license. Limits: one primary residence per 24 months, for the owner's own use; rental and investment property work is not covered. Confirm how Henrico County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Henrico County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Not specified | Falls under the existing-dwelling building permit formula of $100 for the first $5,000... |
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Existing-dwelling addition or alteration permit fee applies: $100 for the first $5,000... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Existing-dwelling trade permit fee applies: $100 for the first $5,000 of labor and mate... |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Not specified | No EV-specific fee; |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fences 7 feet or less in height that do not serve as a swimming pool barrier are exempt; taller fences and any fence serving as a pool barrier require a building permit | Fences up to 7 feet that are not a pool barrier need no permit; |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Existing-dwelling trade permit fee applies: $100 for the first $5,000 of labor and mate... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | on-grade concrete or paver patios are exempt; a permit is required for a patio cover, roofed patio structure, or an addition built over or attached to the patio | No permit fee; |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Existing-dwelling trade permit fee applies: $100 for the first $5,000 of labor and mate... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | pools, hot tubs, or spas with a surface area greater than 150 sq ft, more than 5,000 gallons, or 24 inches or more deep require a building permit; smaller and shallower pools are exempt | Existing-dwelling addition or alteration permit fee applies to swimming pools requiring... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | sheds and playhouses over 256 sq ft or more than one story require a building permit; 256 sq ft or less and only one story is exempt | Sheds of 256 sq ft or less and one story need no permit; |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential solar needs only an electrical permit with no separate building permit per... |
| Water Heater Permit | It depends | Not specified | Electric, gas and oil water heaters need a mechanical permit for new or replacement ins... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Virginia localities
Official sources
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title13/agency5/chapter63/section80/
- https://henrico.gov/permitcenter/permit-required/
- https://henrico.gov/permitcenter/permit-not-required/
- https://www.yorktownny.gov/media/pril1rwn/untitled.pdf
- https://www.cavecreekaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6609/Inspection-re-roof
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-06, not confirmed with Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-06Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Virginia localities
Permit office
Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections
(804) 501-4360Permit portal