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Shed Permits & HOA Approval in Henrico, Virginia
From Short Pump to Sandston, Henrico County has clear, well-documented shed permit rules. The county even publishes exactly when you don’t need a permit. If you’re in one of Henrico’s many HOA communities — Wyndham, Twin Hickory, River Mill — you’ll need architectural approval too. Here’s the complete picture.
Why Henrico Permit Rules Matter
Henrico County is one of the most straightforward jurisdictions in Virginia for shed permits. The county clearly exempts small storage sheds from building permits — but zoning setbacks still apply to every shed, and Henrico has hundreds of HOA communities with their own architectural review processes. Getting the right approvals upfront protects your investment. An unpermitted or HOA-unapproved shed can mean forced removal, fines, or problems when you sell your home.
Permit & Approval Requirements
Building Permit
When you need one
Sheds over 256 sq ft, more than one story, or with electrical/plumbing/HVAC require a building permit through Build Henrico. Fee: $100 for first $5,000 of construction cost + $6 per additional $1,000 + 2% state levy. Apply online at build.henrico.gov.
No Permit Needed
When you’re exempt
Detached, one-story sheds ≤256 sq ft used for storage or as playhouses are exempt from building permits. Must have floor height under 18″, eave height under 10′ above grade, and no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. You still must meet zoning setbacks.
HOA Approval
If you’re in a community
Wyndham, Twin Hickory, River Mill, Wellesley, Foxhall, and hundreds of other Henrico communities require architectural review board approval. Shed must match your home’s siding, roof, and trim colors. Submit plot plan, specs, and color swatches. Allow 30 days.
Under 256 sq ft — No Utilities
Exempt from building permit
This is the most common scenario. A 10×16 (160 sq ft) or 12×20 (240 sq ft) storage shed with no electricity fits here. No building permit needed — but confirm your lot’s zoning setbacks. If you’re in an HOA, you still need ARB approval.
Over 256 sq ft
Building permit required
A 14×20 (280 sq ft) workshop or 12×24 (288 sq ft) garage exceeds the threshold. Apply through Build Henrico with site plan and construction documents. Walk-in permits for simple residential projects are often issued within 1.5 hours.
Any Size with Electrical
Electrical permit always required
Adding a subpanel, outlets, or lighting to any shed — even a 10×12 — requires an electrical permit. This is separate from the building permit. Trenching for underground electrical feeder typically adds $1,500–$3,500.
Finished Interior (Office, She Shed)
Multiple permits likely needed
A shed with insulation, drywall, HVAC, and electrical is a finished space. You’ll need building, electrical, and mechanical permits regardless of square footage. The 256 sq ft exemption applies to unfinished storage sheds only.
Henrico Setback & Zoning Rules
Most Henrico residential lots are zoned R-2, R-2A, R-3, or R-3A. Setbacks vary by district.
- Front yard: Accessory structures not permitted
- Side setback: 5–10 feet from property line (varies by district)
- Rear setback: 5–10 feet from property line (varies by district)
- Corner lots: Larger setbacks on street-facing side
- Height: Per zoning district; confirm for accessory structures
- Eave height: Must be under 10 ft for permit-exempt sheds
Fee info: Permit fee calculator: henrico.gov/bldg/fees/fee-calculator-residential/
Contact: Henrico Permit Center — (804) 501-4205 | henrico.gov/permitcenter/
How Evergreen Sheds Makes Henrico Permits & HOA Approval Easy
- ✓ Free color matching — we match your home’s exact siding and shingle colors
- ✓ Complete HOA submission package — manufacturer spec sheets, color swatches, elevations
- ✓ Plot plan assistance — help measuring setbacks and documenting compliance
- ✓ Pre-approved configurations for Wyndham, Twin Hickory, and other major Henrico communities
- ✓ ARB communication support — technical documentation for board questions
- ✓ Build Henrico portal guidance — we walk you through the online application
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I want a 10×16 shed with no electricity. Do I need a permit in Henrico?
No building permit needed — it’s 160 sq ft, well under 256. But you must comply with zoning setbacks. If you’re in an HOA, you need their approval too.
Q: What about a 12×24 workshop with electrical?
You’ll need a building permit (288 sq ft exceeds 256) AND a separate electrical permit. Apply through Build Henrico online.
Q: How close to my property line can my shed be?
Depends on your zoning district — typically 5–10 feet in Henrico. Call the Permit Center at (804) 501-4205 to confirm your specific setbacks.
Q: Does my Wyndham HOA approval replace the county permit?
No. HOA approval covers your community’s design standards. County permits cover building code and zoning. You need both.
Q: How long does the Henrico permit process take?
Walk-in building permits for simple residential projects are often issued within 1.5 hours. HOA review typically takes up to 30 days.
Shed Permits Near Henrico
Richmond · Hanover · Goochland · Chesterfield · New Kent · Glen Allen · Short Pump · Tuckahoe
Ready to Add a Shed in Henrico?
Share your address and HOA (if any), and we’ll confirm permit requirements, match colors to your home, and provide everything you need for approval. We know Henrico inside and out — Wyndham, Twin Hickory, Short Pump, and beyond. Free estimate, no pressure.