Do I need a permit to demolish a building in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia's building code requires a permit from the local building official before demolition of a building or structure begins. Only small detached sheds and similar structures of 256 square feet or less are exempt. Expect asbestos paperwork, proof of a contractor licence or a written statement, a fee set by your locality, and a locate request to Virginia 811.
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By Kasra Taheri, Founder, LoclisPublished
Researched and drafted with AI, then checked claim by claim against the sources listed below before it was published. Prices and rules change; the dates beside each source say when it was last checked.
This is a job for a licensed pro in Virginia
This page explains what the work involves, the permits, what a licensed pro does and what drives the cost. It does not give step-by-step instructions, because this work needs a licence, a permit or both, and doing it wrong can injure someone. Before you hire, check the licence on Virginia's DPOR record.
Yes, in almost every case. Virginia's building code requires a permit from the building official before demolition of a building or structure begins.[1] The one exemption most owners meet is small: the code exempts one-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures of 256 square feet or less, unless they are classed as Group F-1 or H occupancies.[1] Anything bigger, and any house, garage or commercial building, needs one.
Your city or county building department issues the permit, so call or visit it first. The state sets the rule and each locality sets its forms and fees.
Who can apply
The code says an application can be made by the owner or lessee of the property, by an agent of either, or by the contractor or subcontractor associated with the work.[1] Most owners let the demolition contractor apply. Either way, anyone applying for a permit for the removal of a structure must show proof that they are licensed as a contractor or file a written statement that they are not subject to licensure.[1]
Local offices act on that. Richmond requires a copy of your state contractor's licence and business licence on file before it issues a demolition permit.[4] DPOR's guide says a valid Virginia contractor's licence is required when the work is valued at $1,000 or more,[6] so most house demolitions need a licensed contractor, with the class set by the contract value. See what a demolition costs in Virginia for the licence classes.
Asbestos rules attached to the permit
Two rules apply, and they are easy to confuse. First, a permit is also required for removing or disturbing asbestos-containing materials during the demolition of a building or structure.[1]
Second, Virginia's asbestos inspection statute says a local building department may not issue a demolition permit for a building first permitted before January 1, 1985 until it receives the owner's certification that a licensed inspector checked the affected portions for asbestos.[2] That section does not apply to single-family dwellings or housing with four or fewer units, unless the demolition is for commercial or public development purposes.[2] So a house you plan to take down for your own use is outside the statutory inspection rule, while an older apartment building or a house cleared for a commercial project is inside it.
Localities can still ask for more. Richmond's form also asks owners to fill out an asbestos certification form.[4] Expect to be asked about asbestos at the counter even for a house.
What it costs
Fees are local. Richmond's demolition application, revised May 21, 2024, lists a fee of $184.00 for one- and two-family residential demolitions, plus a 2% state surcharge.[4] Botetourt County's fee schedule, dated January 29, 2026, lists residential demolition at $40.[5] The permit is cheap compared with the demolition itself.
The permit is not the only notice
Before any digging or demolition begins, a locate request must go to Virginia 811. Virginia law says no person shall make or begin any excavation or demolition without first submitting a locate request to the notification center,[3] and an excavator who willfully fails to submit a locate request can be liable to the utility operator for three times the cost to repair the damaged property.[3] That liability provision does not apply to counties, cities and towns, but the duty to call does not depend on who is paying. Your contractor should place the request; ask for the ticket number. More in do I need to call 811 before digging in Virginia.
The permit can also be only part of the approvals. Land disturbance, erosion control and zoning or historic-district rules for your lot may apply, and some localities check them at the same counter. See do I need a permit to clear land in Virginia and ask your locality about any overlay that covers your address.
When to call a licensed pro
Hire one for the demolition itself. The permit, the asbestos paperwork and the locates all assume someone licensed is running the job, and a contractor who tells you no permit is needed on a house is a warning sign. Check the licence with DPOR, confirm who is pulling the permit, and get it in the contract. What demolishing a house involves walks through the whole job.
Browse excavation services or more excavation answers, then describe your job once and licensed local businesses will quote it.
Common questions
- Is there any building I can tear down without a permit?
- The building code exempts one-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures of 256 square feet or less. A house, garage or larger outbuilding needs a permit. Confirm with your building department.
- Can I pull the permit myself?
- The code says the owner or lessee, an agent, or the contractor can apply, but an applicant for removal of a structure must show a contractor licence or file a written statement that they are not subject to licensure. Many owners let their contractor handle it.
- Do I need an asbestos inspection to demolish a house?
- Virginia's asbestos inspection statute does not apply to single-family dwellings or housing with four or fewer units, unless the demolition is for commercial or public development purposes. A permit is still required for removing or disturbing asbestos-containing materials, and your locality may ask for an asbestos form.
- How much is a demolition permit?
- It depends on the locality. Richmond lists $184.00 for one- and two-family residential demolitions on a form revised May 21, 2024, plus a 2% state surcharge. Botetourt County lists $40 on its schedule dated January 29, 2026.
- Do I need to call 811 before demolishing?
- Yes. Virginia law says no person shall make or begin any excavation or demolition without first submitting a locate request to the notification center. Your contractor should do it and give you the ticket number.
- Who do I ask about the permit?
- Your city or county building department. It issues the permit and sets its own forms and fees under the state code.
Sources
- [1] 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code), Virginia Administrative Code, Virginia General Assembly. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [2] Va. Code § 36-99.7, Asbestos inspection in buildings to be renovated or demolished; exceptions, Code of Virginia, Virginia General Assembly. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [3] Va. Code § 56-265.17, Notification required prior to excavation or demolition, Code of Virginia, Virginia General Assembly. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [4] Demolition Permit Application (rev. 05-21-2024), City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [5] Development Services Fee Schedule, Botetourt County, Virginia. Checked October 27, 2026.
- [6] What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor, Virginia Board for Contractors, DPOR. Checked October 27, 2026.
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