Do I need a permit to tear down a shed in Virginia?

Often, yes, and the only way to be sure is to ask your county or city building department before the work starts. Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code says a permit must be obtained before the construction or demolition of a building or structure.^[1] Its well-known exemption for small sheds is read differently from one locality to the next when the shed is coming down rather than going up. Separately from any permit, state law requires a Virginia 811 locate request before a demolition, and wiring, plumbing or asbestos in the shed bring their own rules.

What the building code says

The code's list of work that needs a permit starts with "Construction or demolition of a building or structure."^[1] The same section then exempts one-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet.^[1] It adds that the exemption does not excuse the work from the code's other requirements,^[1] and that a building official may still require a permit for exempted work in a special flood hazard area.^[1]

Whether the small-shed exemption also covers tearing one down is a question the code leaves to local building officials, and Virginia's localities answer it in different ways.

How some Virginia localities handle it

• Pittsylvania County. Pittsylvania County lists "Demolition of buildings, structures, pools, or fuel tanks" among the work that needs a building permit,^[2] while listing only sheds and playhouses over 256 square feet as needing one to build.^[2]
• Botetourt County. Botetourt County's fee schedule, effective November 1, 2025, lists a $40 residential demolition fee,^[4] and lets an applicant ask for it to be waived for single-story residential structures without utilities that do not exceed 256 square feet.^[4] In other words, a small shed still goes through the permit desk, at no charge if the waiver is granted.
• Montgomery County. Montgomery County's fee schedule lists a $45 demolition fee for each structure.^[5]
• Fairfax County. Fairfax County lists the removal of a building or structure among residential projects that need a permit,^[3] and says no permit is needed to build a detached storage shed of up to 256 square feet and one story.^[3]

If your locality is not listed here, its building department's "do I need a permit" page or front counter will tell you. Ask specifically about demolishing an accessory structure of your shed's size, and whether it has power or water.

Utilities bring their own permits

A shed with a light and outlet, or a hose bib, has utilities that have to be ended safely before it comes down. In Virginia's building code, electric wiring and water supply and distribution systems are on the code's list of work that needs a permit.^[1] Fairfax County, for example, lists connecting or disconnecting to sewer or water among plumbing work that needs a permit.^[3] That work goes to a licensed electrician or plumber, who normally pulls the trade permit.

Asbestos

The code also requires a permit for "Removal or disturbing of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including additions."^[1] A separate state law requires an asbestos inspection certificate before a building department issues a demolition permit for a building first permitted before January 1, 1985, but it does not apply to single-family dwellings or residential housing with four or fewer units, unless the demolition is for commercial or public development purposes.^[9] Old roofing, siding panels or floor tiles in a shed may still contain asbestos, and the building-code permit rule applies regardless.

Virginia 811 is required either way

Whatever your building department says, Virginia's Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act says no person may make or begin any excavation or demolition without first submitting a locate request to the notification center.^[6] The law defines demolition as any operation by which a structure is wrecked, razed, moved or removed with tools or equipment which could damage underground utility lines.^[7] Virginia 811 asks for the request at least 3 working days in advance.^[8] Under the same law, an excavator who willfully fails to submit a locate request is liable to the operator for three times the cost to repair the damaged property.^[6] Read more about what the teardown involves in what tearing down a shed involves.

Who pulls the permit

The building code says anyone applying for a permit to construct, remove or improve a structure must furnish proof that they are licensed under Virginia's contractor law, or file a written statement that they are not subject to licensure.^[1] A homeowner doing their own work signs that statement. A business doing it for you is usually a contractor: Virginia's definition covers anyone who, for a fee, undertakes the removal of any building or structure permanently annexed to real property.^[11]

Virginia's Board for Contractors says the contractor should apply for and obtain any necessary building permits, and that this should be in your contract; otherwise, you may be held legally responsible for failure to obtain any required permits.^[10] Ask for a copy of the permit before work begins.

When to call a licensed pro

• The building department says a demolition permit is needed and you would rather the contractor handle it.
• The shed has electrical wiring, a water line or a gas line.
• It may contain asbestos: old roofing, cement-type siding panels or floor tiles you cannot identify.
• The shed is in a flood zone or near a property line.
• It sits on a slab or piers that will be broken out or dug up.

For what the permit and the rest of the job cost, see what shed demolition costs in Virginia. Browse more junk removal and moving answers, see shed and structure teardown businesses, or find junk removal businesses around Blacksburg. When you are ready, describe the shed on Loclis, including its size and whether it has power or water, and licensed businesses quote on the same job.