Henrico County vs Norfolk City Building Permit Fees (2026)
Side-by-side residential building permit fee comparison between Henrico County (Richmond-MSA county, FIPS 51087, population 339K) and Norfolk City (Hampton Roads independent city, FIPS 51710, population 233K). Henrico uses a value-based 1-2 family residential formula on its current permit fee page: $100 base + $6 per $1,000 of declared construction value over $5,000, capped at $680 building permit. The same formula covers decks, porches, sheds, garages, in-ground swimming pools, additions, demolitions, and most residential alterations on existing 1-2 family dwellings. Henrico also charges a flat $680 building permit for new one- and two-family dwellings. All Henrico fees carry the 2% Virginia state levy on the building permit fee. Norfolk uses a category-flat schedule from the Norfolk Building Code Schedule of Fees (effective July 1, 2021): residential alteration $100 flat regardless of construction value, residential new construction and accessory structures at $0.15 per sq ft with a $50 minimum, uncovered decks tiered by area ($50 / $100 / $125), in-ground pool $125 flat, plan review tiered by area ($35 / $75 / $100 for 0-2,500 / 2,501-5,000 / 5,001+ sq ft) or $50 flat for pools and pool barriers. Norfolk adds a $15 processing fee on every permit plus the 2% Virginia state levy. The most distinctive Norfolk-only rule: residential re-roof and siding require NO permit. Norfolk wins typical residential alterations, additions, pools, and decks; Henrico's value-cap protects against runaway costs on very large projects.
This comparison covers: Residential building permit fees in Henrico County, Virginia and Norfolk City, Virginia, for the most common project types - uncovered decks, residential alterations (kitchen and bath remodels), in-ground swimming pools, sheds, heated additions, demolitions, and new single-family construction. Both jurisdictions are verified from official .gov sources. Henrico source: henrico.gov/bldg/permit-fees/ page, last updated December 17, 2025, verified April 16, 2026. Norfolk source: Norfolk Building Code Schedule of Fees PDF (footer effective July 1, 2021), retrieved from norfolk.gov DocumentCenter and extracted via pdfplumber, verified April 25, 2026.
This comparison does NOT cover: Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) - filed separately in both jurisdictions. Henrico's published fee schedule does not itemize trade permits in the residential 1-2 family summary; expect $100 per trade permit as a typical residential floor. Norfolk's electrical schedule tiers by amperage ($50 for 0-200 AMP service through $150 for 401-600 AMP), plumbing per fixture ($10 each, $20 per service line, $50 per sewer cap), mechanical by equipment type ($5-$40 each by category). Each Norfolk trade permit carries its own $15 processing fee plus 2% Virginia state levy. Pool barrier permits in Norfolk ($50 flat building + $50 PR + $15 + $1 = $116) and Henrico's pool fence requirements (verify with department) are excluded from typical-pool totals. Zoning approvals, RPA review, HOA architectural review, and contractor labor/material costs are excluded from both jurisdictions.
What makes this comparison meaningful: Two structurally different VA pricing models in two different Virginia metros. Henrico's value-based formula scales linearly with declared cost but hits a $680 building permit cap, protecting against runaway costs on very large alterations (above approximately $103,667 declared value). Norfolk's category-flat schedule decouples permit cost from project value entirely for alterations ($100 flat regardless of value), making typical alterations dramatically cheaper. Norfolk's per-sq-ft pricing for new construction and accessory structures is similarly low. The Norfolk-unique re-roof/siding no-permit-required rule represents a structural advantage: a $12,000 residential re-roof in Henrico costs $144.84 in permit fees (full residential 1-2 family formula); in Norfolk it costs $0 because no permit is required. Across most typical residential projects, Norfolk wins; for very large alterations Henrico's cap may eventually become the cheaper option.
Source-age caveat for Norfolk: Norfolk's Building Code Schedule of Fees PDF is footer-labeled "effective July 1, 2021" and is the current published rate sheet on norfolk.gov as of April 25, 2026. Norfolk has not posted a more recent revision that PermitPrice has located. For load-bearing budgets confirm current rates with the Development Services Center at (757) 664-6565 before filing. Henrico's source is more current: page last updated December 17, 2025.
For a 200 sq ft uncovered deck at $15,000 declared value, Norfolk's $152.00 beats Henrico's $163.20 by $11.20 - a close call where the value-formula and flat schedule produce near-identical fees. For a $30,000 kitchen alteration, Norfolk's $152.00 flat dramatically beats Henrico's $255.00 by $103.00. For a 1,200 sq ft heated addition at $80,000 declared, Norfolk's $233.60 (per-sq-ft pricing) beats Henrico's $561.00 by $327.40. For a $30,000 in-ground pool, Norfolk's $192.50 flat beats Henrico's $255.00 by $62.50. The single Norfolk-unique structural advantage: a residential re-roof or siding job requires NO permit at all in Norfolk, while Henrico applies its full residential 1-2 family formula. For a $12,000 re-roof, Norfolk saves $144.84 compared to Henrico just on that category.
- Decks: Both jurisdictions price decks at roughly similar levels for typical residential values. Henrico applies its $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula = $163.20 all-in for a $15k deck. Norfolk applies its 101-400 sq ft uncovered deck tier ($100 building) + $35 PR + $15 processing + $2 levy = $152.00. Norfolk saves $11.20 - a small absolute margin. Below approximately $14k declared value, Henrico's formula beats Norfolk's flat $100 tier; above that, Norfolk wins.
- Interior alterations (kitchen/bath remodels): Norfolk's $100 flat building permit applies to any residential alteration regardless of construction value. Henrico's formula scales linearly above $5k. The crossover sits at approximately $13,170 declared value - above that, Norfolk wins by an increasing margin. At $30k declared: Norfolk $152.00 vs Henrico $255.00, Norfolk saves $103.00. At $80k declared: Norfolk $152.00 vs Henrico $100 + $6 x 75 = $550 + $11 levy = $561.00, Norfolk saves $409.00. Norfolk's flat fee crushes value-scaling at high alteration values.
- In-ground pools: Norfolk's $125 flat building permit + $50 pool PR + $15 + $2.50 levy = $192.50 all-in. Henrico applies its residential 1-2 family formula to pools, so a $30k pool = $255.00 all-in. Norfolk saves $62.50 on a typical $30k pool. For very small pools (under $5k declared), Henrico's $100 minimum + 2% = $102 beats Norfolk's $192.50 by $90.50, but typical residential pools start at $25k+ where Norfolk always wins.
- Sheds: Norfolk's accessory-structure pricing is $0.15 per sq ft with a $50 minimum, so a 320 sq ft shed = 320 x $0.15 = $48 → bumps to $50 minimum. Plus $35 tier-1 plan review + $15 processing + 2% on $50 = $1 = $101.00 all-in. Henrico's formula for a 320 sq ft shed at $8,000 declared = $100 + $6 x ($8k-$5k)/$1k = $118 + 2% on $118 = $2.36 = $120.36. Norfolk saves $19.36 on this typical shed.
- Heated additions: Norfolk's per-sq-ft pricing for new construction (including additions that increase gross area) is $0.15/sq ft with $50 minimum. A 1,200 sq ft heated addition = 1,200 x $0.15 = $180 building + $35 PR (tier 1, under 2,500 sq ft) + $15 + 2% on $180 = $3.60 levy = $233.60. Henrico's formula on $80k declared = $100 + $6 x 75 = $550 + $11 levy = $561.00. Norfolk saves $327.40. The structural reason: Norfolk's pricing is volume-based, Henrico's is value-based - same project, different metric.
- Re-roof and siding: Norfolk's Building Code Schedule of Fees Section explicitly states "Re-roof and siding - i.) Residential - No permit required." Henrico requires a residential alteration permit for any roofing or siding work using its general 1-2 family formula. At a typical $12,000 residential re-roof: Norfolk = $0 (no permit), Henrico = $100 + $42 = $142 + 2% = $144.84. Norfolk saves $144.84 on this category. This is the most distinctive structural advantage in the Hampton Roads region.
- Henrico's value cap: Henrico's 1-2 family formula caps the building permit at $680 (above $103,667 declared value the formula stops scaling). With 2% levy = $693.60 all-in maximum. Norfolk's flat $100 alteration is permanently lower than Henrico's cap, but at extremely large alteration values (above $400,000+ declared), the cap can matter if a future Norfolk schedule revision raises the flat $100 alteration. Currently both jurisdictions favor Norfolk on alterations above approximately $13,170 declared value.
- Decision rule: Pick Norfolk if you can. Norfolk wins typical residential alterations (above ~$13,170), additions, pools, and decks (above ~$14k declared), plus the unique no-permit-required advantage for re-roof and siding. Pick Henrico for very small alterations (under ~$13,170 declared) where the value formula's low end beats Norfolk's flat $100. These are different metros (Richmond-MSA vs Hampton Roads, approximately 90 miles apart), so this comparison is most useful for relocation cost research and regional contractor scope estimating.
Side-by-Side Math - Five Worked Examples
Each scenario uses identical project parameters to isolate the structural difference between Henrico's value-based formula and Norfolk's category-flat schedule. All-in totals include the building permit fee, plan review, jurisdiction processing fee, and the 2% Virginia state levy. Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are excluded from both columns.
Project: 10 x 20 foot pressure-treated wood deck attached to back of dwelling, 36 inches above grade, $15,000 contractor scope.
Henrico County (1-2 family formula):
- Building permit ($100 + $6 x ($15,000 - $5,000) / $1,000): $160.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $160: $3.20
- Henrico all-in: $163.20
Norfolk City (101-400 sq ft uncovered deck tier):
- Building permit (101-400 sq ft tier, flat): $100.00
- Plan review (0-2,500 sq ft tier 1): $35.00
- Processing fee: $15.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $100: $2.00
- Norfolk all-in: $152.00
Norfolk saves $11.20 on this $15,000 deck. Close call. Below approximately $14,000 declared value, Henrico's formula beats Norfolk; above that, Norfolk's flat tier wins.
Project: Full kitchen remodel with new circuit for island, plumbing relocation, cabinet replacement, countertops. $30,000 contractor scope, interior alteration scope, no footprint change.
Henrico County (1-2 family formula):
- Building permit ($100 + $6 x ($30,000 - $5,000) / $1,000): $250.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $250: $5.00
- Henrico all-in: $255.00
Norfolk City (residential alteration flat $100):
- Building permit (flat, any value): $100.00
- Plan review (0-2,500 sq ft tier 1): $35.00
- Processing fee: $15.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $100: $2.00
- Norfolk all-in: $152.00
Norfolk saves $103.00 on this kitchen alteration. Norfolk's structurally flat $100 building permit is the same fee for a $30k kitchen as it is for a $5k bathroom touch-up. Trade permits excluded from both totals.
Project: 16 x 32 foot fiberglass in-ground pool, standard residential scope, $30,000 contractor scope. Pool barrier handled separately or via existing code-compliant fence.
Henrico County (1-2 family formula applied to pools):
- Building permit ($100 + $6 x ($30,000 - $5,000) / $1,000): $250.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $250: $5.00
- Henrico all-in: $255.00
Norfolk City (in-ground pool flat $125):
- Building permit (in-ground pool flat): $125.00
- Plan review (pools flat $50): $50.00
- Processing fee: $15.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $125: $2.50
- Norfolk all-in: $192.50
Norfolk saves $62.50 on this $30,000 pool. Pool barrier ($116 separate Norfolk permit) and trade permits excluded from both totals.
Project: 16 x 20 foot detached storage shed with lighting and outlet, $8,000 contractor scope.
Henrico County (1-2 family formula applied to sheds):
- Building permit ($100 + $6 x ($8,000 - $5,000) / $1,000): $118.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $118: $2.36
- Henrico all-in: $120.36
Norfolk City (accessory structure $0.15/sq ft, $50 minimum):
- Building permit (320 sq ft x $0.15 = $48 -> $50 minimum applies): $50.00
- Plan review (0-2,500 sq ft tier 1): $35.00
- Processing fee: $15.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $50: $1.00
- Norfolk all-in: $101.00
Norfolk saves $19.36 on this 320 sq ft shed. Trade permit for the lighting circuit excluded from both totals.
Project: Major home addition with two new bedrooms and a family room, $80,000 contractor scope, 1,200 sq ft heated area.
Henrico County (1-2 family formula):
- Building permit ($100 + $6 x ($80,000 - $5,000) / $1,000): $550.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $550: $11.00
- Henrico all-in: $561.00
Norfolk City (new construction / addition $0.15/sq ft):
- Building permit (1,200 sq ft x $0.15): $180.00
- Plan review (0-2,500 sq ft tier 1): $35.00
- Processing fee: $15.00
- 2% Virginia state levy on $180: $3.60
- Norfolk all-in: $233.60
Norfolk saves $327.40 on this 1,200 sq ft heated addition. Norfolk's volume-based pricing decouples permit cost from declared construction value entirely; Henrico's value-based formula scales linearly above $5k declared. Trade permits excluded from both totals.
Decision Rule - Which Jurisdiction Wins by Project Type
Picking between Henrico County and Norfolk City is rarely a relocation decision (Richmond-MSA vs Hampton Roads, approximately 90 miles apart). The pattern below summarizes which jurisdiction wins by project type for relocation cost research and regional contractor scope estimating.
| Project Type | Henrico Method | Norfolk Method | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small alteration ($1k-$13k declared) | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $100 flat + $35 PR + $15 + 2% | Henrico |
| Alteration $13k+ declared | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula (capped $680) | $100 flat (value-independent) | Norfolk |
| Deck under $14k declared | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $50 / $100 / $125 flat tier by area | Henrico |
| Deck $14k+ declared | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $50 / $100 / $125 flat tier by area | Norfolk |
| In-ground pool ($25k+) | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $125 flat + $50 PR + $15 + 2% = $192.50 | Norfolk |
| Heated addition (any size) | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $0.15/sq ft + tier-1 PR + $15 + 2% | Norfolk |
| Shed 300-400 sq ft | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $0.15/sq ft (min $50) + PR + $15 + 2% | Norfolk |
| Residential re-roof / siding | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula (permit required) | NO PERMIT REQUIRED ($0) | Norfolk (free) |
| New SFD (1-2 family) | Flat $680 + 2% levy = $693.60 | $0.15/sq ft + PR + $15 + 2% | Norfolk (typical) |
| Very large alteration ($150k+) | Cap at $680 building, $693.60 all-in | $100 flat + $35 PR + $15 + 2% = $152 | Norfolk |
| Demolition (residential) | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula | $50 flat | Norfolk |
"Residential re-roof / siding" row is the most distinctive structural advantage in the comparison: Norfolk explicitly exempts these from permit requirements on the Building Code Schedule of Fees PDF, while Henrico applies its full residential 1-2 family formula. For a typical $12,000 re-roof, Norfolk saves $144.84 vs Henrico just on permit cost. Verify Norfolk's exemption applies to your scope before assuming no permit - commercial re-roof and siding are NOT exempt and cost $150 flat in Norfolk.
Fee Structure Comparison - Side by Side
The structural difference between Henrico and Norfolk isn't just rates - it's the entire approach to permit pricing. The table below documents the pricing levers each jurisdiction uses.
| Fee Component | Henrico County, VA | Norfolk City, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Value-based 1-2 family formula with $680 cap | Category-flat schedule plus per-sq-ft new construction |
| Alteration formula | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k, capped $680 | $100 flat regardless of value |
| New construction | $680 flat for new 1-2 family dwelling | $0.15 per sq ft, $50 minimum |
| Plan review | Built into permit fee (no separate line) | Tiered by area: $35 / $75 / $100 for 0-2,500 / 2,501-5,000 / 5,001+ sq ft; $50 flat for pools/fences |
| Processing fee | None | $15 flat per permit |
| State levy base | 2% on building permit fee only | 2% on building permit fee only |
| Minimum permit fee | $100 base building permit ($102 all-in) | $50 for Building and PME categories |
| Maximum building permit | $680 cap (with $13.60 levy = $693.60 all-in) | No published cap on flat-rate categories |
| In-ground pool | Falls under residential 1-2 family formula | $125 flat + $50 pool PR + $15 + 2% = $192.50 |
| Deck pricing | Falls under residential 1-2 family formula | 3-tier flat by area: $50 (up to 100 sq ft) / $100 (101-400) / $125 (401+) |
| Re-roof / siding (residential) | Permit required, falls under formula | NO PERMIT REQUIRED (unique among verified VA jurisdictions) |
| Source verification date | April 16, 2026 (Dec 2025 update) | April 25, 2026 (July 2021 schedule, source-age caveat) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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Permit Fees: Current - Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections Page last updated December 17, 2025 - Henrico County Department of Building Construction and Inspections - Primary source for the 1-2 family residential value-based formula ($100 base + $6/$1k over $5k, capped $680), the flat $680 new 1-2 family dwelling permit, the inspection surcharge for new construction above the average count, and the 2% Virginia state levy application - Verified April 16, 2026 against the page Verified
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Norfolk Building Code Schedule of Fees - City of Norfolk Effective July 1, 2021 - City of Norfolk Department of City Planning - Primary source for the residential alteration flat $100, accessory structure $0.15/sq ft min $50, 3-tier uncovered deck schedule ($50/$100/$125), in-ground pool $125 + $50 PR, plan review tiers by area ($35/$75/$100), the $15 processing fee, the Re-roof/siding no-permit-required exemption, the electrical/plumbing/mechanical trade schedules, and the 2% Virginia state levy application - Retrieved via curl from norfolk.gov DocumentCenter and extracted via pdfplumber, verified April 25, 2026 Verified
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Code of Virginia Section 36-139 - USBC State Levy Authority Current - Virginia General Assembly - Authorizing statute for the statewide 2% building permit surcharge applied in both Henrico and Norfolk
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