COVID-19 UPDATE - May 15, 2020
Update Regarding Permitting and Inspection Services
Permits and Inspections (P&I)
We have established common sense precautions based on CDC and VDH guidelines while delivering permitting and
inspection services. This will include refusal to inspect buildings occupied by individuals that have either tested
positive, been exposed to, or are symptomatic of the COVID-19 virus.
City Hall Room 108/Lobby:
The Permits and Inspections lobby will remain closed to the public until further notice. Customer service inquiries
may be directed to
pdrpermitsandinspections@richmondgov.com.
We encourage all customers to continue
applying for services and making payments electronically through the
Online Permitting Portal (OPP)
and
Microsoft OneDrive.
Applications and payments received by mail are still being accepted and processed, however,
we will be phasing in a fully electronic application and payment process in the near future. When fully implemented
this process will no longer utilize paper applications, faxed-in applications or walk-in/drop-off submissions.
Meetings with staff regarding development, plan review or for other reasons will be conducted virtually or by
appointment.
Permitting and Plan Review:
Plans are being reviewed in the order in which they are received. Plan review services are continuing at remote
telework locations. Communications with customers are being handled via e-mail and telephone.
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Mail and Fax Services:
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Mail-in services are available, however, we are not currently conducting business by fax.
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Residential Trade Applications:
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The
On-Line Permit Portal (OPP)
should be used for Residential
Trade Permits (Electrical, Gas Piping, Mechanical, Plumbing), Certificates of
Zoning Compliance (CZC’s) and Plan of Developments (POD’s),
click here.
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Permits Requiring Plan Review:
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Microsoft OneDrive
should be used to submit commercial applications and
plans electronically. Other services accepted through OneDrive are permit
extensions, cancellations, modifications, contractor changes, amendments to the
scope of work, responses to plan review comments and post permit revisions.
For information on how to register and use Microsoft OneDrive,
click here.
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Inspections:
Field inspections are continuing for all project types. Inspections within occupied buildings are being conducted
virtually or by a third party inspector per our 48-hour third party inspection policy. Please limit the number of
contractors or site representatives meeting an inspector on a jobsite to only
one.
Please remember to practice safe
social distancing and to wear personal protective equipment when meeting an inspector.
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Virtual Inspections:
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We are putting a greater emphasis on virtual inspections across all disciplines.
Use this service option to complete an inspection remotely with a City inspector
using Facetime or Microsoft Teams. For more information,
click here.
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Third Party Inspections:
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Limited:
Customers may use our limited 48-hour third party inspection policy
for individual inspections when the building official is unable to perform a
scheduled inspection within two working days of a request or an agreed upon
date or if authorized for other circumstances in the building official’s written
policy. Third party inspections shall be requested, and the inspection reports
submitted, in accordance with the City’s official policy. For more information
contact
david.alley@richmondgov.com
and/or visit:
thirdpartyinspections@richmondgov.com
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Full:
Customers may use our third party program in part or in full to obtain third
party inspection and plan review services. Please
click here
for more information.
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Property Maintenance/Code Enforcement (PMCE):
The Property Maintenance lobby will remain closed to the public until further notice, however, services are ongoing.
Citizens may continue to report code enforcement issues within their community by using
RVA311
or calling the
main number at
(804) 646-6398.
If a physical meeting is needed, it will be scheduled through an appointment and
appropriate “social distancing” measures will be followed.
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The Zoning Administration Division provides a variety of functions related to permitting and planning services.
Every parcel within the city has a zoning designation that governs its use. These uses are defined in the official
zoning ordinance
supported by the official
zoning map.
Zoning staff review permits to promote the orderly
development of every parcel within the city as it relates to the individual use of the property.
When certain conditions of the zoning ordinance are not or cannot be met, such as front or side yards (setbacks), required parking,
use of a structure or other features of properties, Zoning staff coordinates the
Administrative Variance process
or coordinates and
prepares necessary documentation for monthly
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting agendas for
Variances, Special Exceptions and appeals of a decision of the Zoning Administrator.
Complaints and concerns from the public, city Administration and City Council related to potential zoning violations are investigated
by zoning staff. Code enforcement issues include:
- the illegal use or density of property
- operation of businesses without required permits
- fences that are too high
- auto repair operations
- unscreened dumpsters
- illegal or excessive signage
- parking of commercial vehicles in residentially-zoned areas
The staff takes appropriate actions to obtain voluntary compliance with the zoning
regulations or, if necessary, initiates court proceedings to force compliance.
Possible violations of the Zoning Ordinance can be reported to the Zoning Administrator.
File a zoning violation using the automated
request process.
Providing a numbered street address of the property and information on the nature of the
violation would assist in the review. Personal information does not need to be provided.
Zoning related brochures and documents
Keeping Citizens Informed!