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Richmond Pool Permit Cost (2026)

Residential in-ground swimming pool permit fees in Richmond City, Virginia, calculated under the City of Richmond Fee Schedule (effective 11/18/2013, Revision 06-14-2022, the most recent posted on rva.gov). Richmond uses one value-based formula for all residential building work - decks, alterations, additions, new construction, and pools all run through the same calculation: $63 base + $6.07 per $1,000 of declared construction cost over $2,000, plus the 2% Virginia state levy. There is no separate plan review line item. A $30,000 in-ground pool pays $237.62 all-in.

Pool Permit Formula
$63 + $6.07/$1,000 over $2,000
Plan Review
Bundled into base fee (no separate line)
Virginia 2% State Levy
2% of building permit fee
$30,000 In-Ground Pool All-In
$237.62
Fee Cap
No cap
Fee Status
Verified June 2022 schedule
What This Guide Covers - and What It Does Not

This guide covers: Richmond City, Virginia residential in-ground swimming pool building permit fees as published in the City of Richmond Fee Schedule (effective 11/18/2013, Revision 06-14-2022). Coverage includes the value-based building permit formula ($63 base + $6.07 per $1,000 over $2,000 of declared construction cost), the 2% Virginia state levy, and the typical reinspection ($32) and certificate of occupancy ($263) line items where they apply.

This guide does NOT cover: Above-ground pool permits (Richmond's published schedule is silent on a separate above-ground line item; in practice these run through the same residential alteration formula but the project-type guardrail in PermitPrice doctrine prevents publishing above-ground as verified). Commercial pool permits (multi-family or HOA pools fall under a separate non-residential schedule). Spa or hot tub permits filed without a pool. Zoning approvals required before permit submission. Stormwater or erosion permits triggered by pool excavation. Pool barrier (fence) permits - while the Virginia Construction Code requires a barrier around any pool with water depth greater than 24 inches, Richmond does not list a dedicated pool-barrier line; new fences are filed as residential alteration at the same value-based formula. Electrical and plumbing trade permits, which Richmond bills separately. Pool contractor labor and material costs.

Note on source-age caveat: The current published Richmond fee schedule is labeled EFFECTIVE 11/18/2013 with Revision 06-14-2022. No newer revision has been posted on rva.gov as of April 24, 2026. Cross-check with the Bureau of Permits and Inspections at (804) 646-4169 before filing a load-bearing budget - rates may have changed since the last published revision.

Note on portable wading pools: The Virginia Construction Code generally exempts portable wading pools designed to be drained and stored from building permit requirements. Anything semi-permanent, deeper than 24 inches, or with a circulation system requires a permit. Verify with the Bureau of Permits and Inspections before assuming exemption.

Key Takeaways
  • Richmond uses one value-based formula across all residential building work (decks, alterations, additions, new construction, pools): $63 + $6.07 per $1,000 of declared construction cost over $2,000. The first $2,000 of declared value is included in the $63 base. There is no separate plan review fee - it is bundled into the base.
  • For a $30,000 in-ground pool: declared value above $2,000 is $28,000. $28,000 / $1,000 = 28. 28 x $6.07 = $169.96. Plus the $63 base = $232.96 building permit fee. Plus 2% Virginia state levy ($4.66) = $237.62 all-in. The same arithmetic structure applies at any declared value above $2,000.
  • There is no fee cap in Richmond. A $400,000 declared value (e.g., new SFD or very large pool/addition combo) would pay $63 + $2,415.86 = $2,478.86 + 2% levy = $2,528.44. This is a structural difference from Henrico County (which caps at $680 + 2% = $693.60) - Richmond's uncapped formula makes high-value projects expensive.
  • Pool barrier (safety fence) requirements apply: the Virginia Construction Code mandates a barrier around any residential pool with water depth greater than 24 inches. Richmond does not list a dedicated pool-barrier fee, so a new fence is filed as residential alteration at the same value-based formula. A $5,000 declared fence pays $63 + $18.21 = $81.21 + 2% = $82.83. If an existing yard fence already meets pool barrier code (minimum height, self-closing self-latching gates), no separate barrier permit is needed.
  • Electrical and plumbing trade permits are required for any in-ground pool with circulation equipment and are billed separately by the Bureau of Permits and Inspections. Trade permit specifics are not modeled in this guide - your installer typically pulls these on your behalf, with their costs reflected in the contractor's permit line.
  • Richmond's $237.62 in-ground pool permit (at $30,000 declared) is the third-cheapest among verified Virginia jurisdictions, behind Chesterfield ($108.14 flat) and Norfolk ($192.50 flat). It is dramatically cheaper than Fairfax ($413.10 flat) for a $30,000 pool, and roughly even with Henrico ($255.00 at $30,000) below the cap. Above ~$110,000 declared, Henrico's cap kicks in and Henrico becomes cheaper than Richmond.
  • The Richmond fee schedule was retrieved via pdfplumber from rva.gov on April 24, 2026, and is labeled Effective 11/18/2013 with Revision 06-14-2022. No newer revision is posted. Source-age caveat: rates may have changed since 2022 and Richmond has not refreshed the published schedule. Always confirm current rates with the Bureau of Permits and Inspections at (804) 646-4169 before filing.
Calculate Your Pool Permit All Richmond Permit Fees

Richmond Pool Permit Fee Components

Every Richmond residential in-ground pool permit is built from two components: the value-based building permit fee and Virginia's 2% state levy applied to that fee. There is no separate plan review line item and no separate jurisdiction processing fee.

Component Amount ($30k example) How It Is Calculated
Building permit fee $232.96 $63 base + ($28,000 / $1,000) x $6.07 = $63 + $169.96 = $232.96. The first $2,000 of declared value is included in the $63 base.
Plan review Bundled (no separate line) Richmond's schedule does not list a separate plan review fee for residential pool permits. Plan review is performed by the Bureau of Permits and Inspections under the bundled base fee.
2% Virginia state levy $4.66 2% of the $232.96 building permit fee. Statutory under Code of Virginia §36-139 / USBC 107.2.
All-in $30,000 in-ground pool total $237.62 $232.96 + $4.66. Trade permits, fence/barrier permit, and contractor work are excluded.

Source: City of Richmond Fee Schedule, Effective 11/18/2013, Revision 06-14-2022, retrieved from rva.gov via pdfplumber on April 24, 2026. Bureau of Permits and Inspections, Department of Planning & Development Review. Verified by Munib Ur Rehman.

Worked Examples - Real Pool Projects in Richmond City

Each example uses arithmetic from the same Richmond fee schedule. Because Richmond uses one value-based formula across all residential work, the building permit math scales linearly with declared construction cost above the $2,000 threshold.

Example 1: $30,000 in-ground pool, building permit only

A homeowner installs a 16 x 32 fiberglass in-ground pool. The yard already has a 6-foot privacy fence with self-closing self-latching gates that meets the Virginia Construction Code barrier requirements - no separate fence permit needed. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing) are pulled separately by the installer.

  • Declared construction cost: $30,000
  • Building permit fee: $63 + ($28,000 / $1,000) x $6.07 = $232.96
  • 2% Virginia state levy on $232.96: $4.66
  • Total in-ground pool building permit: $237.62
Example 2: $50,000 in-ground pool with new pool barrier (no existing fence)

A homeowner installs a 18 x 36 gunite in-ground pool with declared construction cost of $50,000. The yard has no existing fence, so a new code-compliant pool barrier is required. The barrier is a wood privacy fence with self-closing gates, declared at $5,000.

In-ground pool building permit:

  • Building permit fee: $63 + ($48,000 / $1,000) x $6.07 = $63 + $291.36 = $354.36
  • 2% Virginia state levy on $354.36: $7.09
  • Subtotal: $361.45

Pool barrier (residential alteration permit, $5,000 declared fence cost):

  • Building permit fee: $63 + ($3,000 / $1,000) x $6.07 = $63 + $18.21 = $81.21
  • 2% Virginia state levy on $81.21: $1.62
  • Subtotal: $82.83

Combined building permit total: $444.28 - not including electrical and plumbing trade permits.

Note: Richmond does not list a dedicated pool-barrier line item. The fence is filed as residential alteration at the same value-based formula. If the existing yard fence already meets code (minimum height, self-closing self-latching gates), no separate barrier permit is required.

Example 3: $15,000 small in-ground pool, building permit only

A homeowner installs a 12 x 24 vinyl-liner in-ground pool with a small footprint and basic equipment. Declared construction cost is $15,000. Existing yard fence meets pool barrier code.

  • Declared construction cost: $15,000
  • Building permit fee: $63 + ($13,000 / $1,000) x $6.07 = $63 + $78.91 = $141.91
  • 2% Virginia state levy on $141.91: $2.84
  • Total in-ground pool building permit: $144.75

Note: same arithmetic as a $15,000 deck in Richmond - because Richmond uses one formula across all residential project types, the deck and pool permit fees are identical at the same declared value.

Calculate Your Richmond Pool Permit

The PermitPrice fee calculator supports Richmond's $63 + $6.07/$1,000 over $2,000 formula directly. Enter your declared construction cost and the calculator returns the all-in permit cost broken down by component (base fee, value increment, state levy).

Calculator coverage for Richmond pools: the residential value-based formula ($63 base + $6.07/$1,000 over $2,000) applied to in-ground pools, decks, alterations, and additions. The 2% Virginia state levy is applied automatically.

Open the Permit Fee Calculator

Richmond Pool Permit Cost vs Other Verified Virginia Jurisdictions

Richmond's $237.62 in-ground pool permit (at $30,000 declared) sits in the middle of the verified Virginia cluster. Below the Henrico cap (~$103k+) and below most flat-fee jurisdictions for high-end pools; above the cheapest flat-fee jurisdictions for typical residential pool values.

Jurisdiction In-Ground Pool Formula $30,000 Pool All-In
Richmond City $63 + $6.07/$1k over $2k (no cap) $237.62
Chesterfield County $106.02 flat + 2% levy $108.14
Norfolk City $125 flat + $50 plan review + $15 + 2% levy $192.50
Henrico County $100 + $6/$1k over $5k (capped $680) $255.00
Virginia Beach City $50 + $5/$1,000 alteration formula $314.00
Fairfax County $270 flat + 50% plan review + 2% levy $413.10

All-in totals include the building permit fee, plan review (where bundled or separate), jurisdiction processing/technology fees, and the 2% Virginia state levy. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing) are excluded because they vary by installer scope. Richmond's formula reflects the Revision 06-14-2022 schedule; other jurisdictions use the verified formulas in their respective source.json files.

Side-by-Side Math

For full breakdowns of how Richmond compares against other verified jurisdictions, see the dedicated comparison pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Richmond City in-ground swimming pool building permit costs $63 + $6.07 per $1,000 of declared construction cost over $2,000, plus the 2% Virginia state levy. A $30,000 pool pays $237.62 all-in. A $50,000 pool pays $361.45. A $15,000 pool pays $144.75. There is no separate plan review fee in Richmond - the formula bundles plan review into the base. There is also no fee cap, so very large pools or combined pool/addition projects can run into the multi-thousand-dollar range. Pool barrier (fence) and trade permits (electrical, plumbing) are billed separately.
Richmond uses one value-based formula across all residential project types: $63 base + $6.07 per $1,000 of declared construction cost over $2,000. The first $2,000 of declared value is included in the $63 base. For values above $2,000, divide the excess by $1,000 and multiply by $6.07, then add the $63 base. Apply the 2% Virginia state levy to the result. There is no separate plan review fee. There is no fee cap. The same formula applies to decks, alterations, additions, new residential construction, and pools - which is why the deck and pool permit fees are identical at the same declared value in Richmond.
If a code-compliant fence is not already in place, yes. The Virginia Construction Code requires a barrier (fence, wall, or equivalent) around any residential pool with water depth greater than 24 inches. Richmond does not list a dedicated pool-barrier flat fee, so a new fence is filed as residential alteration at the same value-based formula. A $5,000 declared fence pays $63 + $18.21 = $81.21 building permit fee + $1.62 levy = $82.83 all-in. If your existing yard fence already meets pool barrier requirements (minimum height, self-closing self-latching gates, no climbable pool side), no additional permit is required - confirm with the Bureau of Permits and Inspections at (804) 646-4169 before assuming.
No. Richmond bills electrical and plumbing trade permits as separate applications. The Bureau of Permits and Inspections issues these to the licensed electrician and plumber installing the pool circulation, lighting, fill lines, and drains. Trade permit specifics (per-fixture, per-circuit, per-amp ratings) are not detailed in the residential building permit fee schedule and are quoted by the trade permit clerk at intake. Your pool installer typically pulls these on your behalf - their costs land on the homeowner as a separate line on the contractor invoice.
The current published Richmond fee schedule on rva.gov is labeled EFFECTIVE 11/18/2013 with Revision 06-14-2022. As of April 24, 2026, no newer revision has been posted to rva.gov. The Bureau of Permits and Inspections has not issued a public update since 2022. Source-age caveat: rates may have been adjusted internally without a published revision. Always verify current rates by calling the Bureau at (804) 646-4169 before submitting a load-bearing budget. PermitPrice publishes the most recent verified rates from the published schedule and clearly labels source-age limitations on every Richmond page.
No. Richmond's published fee schedule does not list a residential fee cap. A $100,000 declared pool would pay $63 + ($98,000 / $1,000) x $6.07 = $63 + $594.86 = $657.86 building permit fee + 2% levy = $671.02. A $400,000 declared value (very large pool plus addition) would pay $2,528.44 all-in. This is structurally different from Henrico County, which caps at $680 + 2% levy = $693.60. Above ~$103,000 declared value, Henrico becomes cheaper than Richmond because the cap activates and freezes Henrico's all-in.
Richmond does not publish a guaranteed turnaround for residential pool permits. The Bureau of Permits and Inspections accepts applications walk-in (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 900 East Broad Street, Room 108) and via the online permit portal. Plan review feedback for a complete pool application typically arrives within 2-4 weeks during normal volume, longer during peak summer permit season. The complete application package includes the residential building permit application, a site plan showing pool location and setbacks, the pool shell and equipment specifications, the barrier specification (if a new fence is required), and the electrical and plumbing trade permit applications filed in parallel by your installer. Call (804) 646-4169 to confirm timing before assuming.
No. The $237.62 Richmond in-ground pool permit fee (at $30,000 declared) is the city building permit cost only - the cost to apply, get plan review, and have inspections performed. It does not include any pool contractor work. A 16 x 32 fiberglass in-ground pool installed in the Richmond market typically runs $35,000-$65,000 for the contractor scope (excavation, shell, decking, equipment, labor). A custom gunite pool with hardscape and lighting runs $60,000-$120,000+. The permit fee is a small line item in your overall pool project budget; the bulk is contractor scope. PermitPrice tracks only the city permit fee component.

Sources

Official .gov Sources - Verified May 2026
  • City of Richmond Fee Schedule (Effective 11/18/2013, Revision 06-14-2022) Effective November 18, 2013, Revision June 14, 2022 - City of Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections - Primary source for the residential building permit value-based formula ($63 + $6.07 per $1,000 over $2,000), used identically across all residential project types including in-ground pools, decks, alterations, additions, and new construction. Retrieved via pdfplumber from rva.gov on April 24, 2026 Verified (June 2022 - source-age caveat)
  • Bureau of Permits and Inspections - City of Richmond Accessed May 6, 2026 - Department of Planning & Development Review - Index page linking the published fee schedule, application forms, online permit portal, and inspection scheduling. Walk-in: 900 East Broad Street, Room 108, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Phone (804) 646-4169
  • Code of Virginia Section 36-139 - USBC State Levy Authority Current - Virginia General Assembly - Authorizing statute for the statewide 2% building permit surcharge applied across all Virginia jurisdictions, including Richmond City pool permits
Next Step

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Virginia Pool Permit Guide → Fairfax Pool Permit Guide → Norfolk Pool Permit Guide → Virginia Permit Cost Guide → All Guides →
Always verify current pool permit fees directly with the Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections before budgeting or filing. The published fee schedule on rva.gov is labeled Effective 11/18/2013 with Revision 06-14-2022 and is the most recent posted as of May 6, 2026. Rates may have been adjusted internally since 2022 without a public revision. Call (804) 646-4169 or visit the walk-in counter at 900 East Broad Street, Room 108 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.) to confirm pool, fence, and trade permit rates and project classification before submitting an application.
Disclaimer: All fee information on PermitPrice is for informational purposes only and is not an official permit quotation. Actual permit fees are determined by the Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections at the time of application. The published Richmond fee schedule is labeled June 2022 and may not reflect any internal rate adjustments since that date. Trade permit costs (electrical, plumbing) are not modeled in this guide and depend on installer scope. Pool barrier permit treatment runs through the residential alteration formula, which Richmond does not separately label as a pool-barrier line - verify directly with the Bureau before assuming.

Written by: Munib Ur Rehman

Data verified against official fee schedule documents.