The
Vacant Building List
is collected by the City of Richmond
Property Maintenance Division
and is extracted from
information collected by Inspectors during their daily inspections. It is not a violation for a building to be vacant but
when a building is found to be vacant, it is noted in the department’s tracking system and the property is monitored
until such time as it is reoccupied and code compliant. If the property is code compliant no action is taken other than
monitoring If a building is found to be non-code compliant a notice of violation may be issued and other actions
taken. Once the building is occupied, it is removed from the Vacant Building List. If you are aware of an address that
is on this list that is now occupied or a building that is vacant but not on the list you can notify us at (804) 646-6357
or email
vacantbuildings@richmondgov.com
and the appropriate action will be taken.
Vacant Building Registration Information
A building must be registered when it has been continuously vacant for over 12 months and meets the definition
of “derelict” as found in the Code of Virginia 15.2.907.1. Registration requires the completion of the
registry form
and
submission of the $100.00 registration fee. Failure to register shall result in a two hundred dollar ($200.00) civil
penalty or a two hundred and fifty dollar ($250.00) civil penalty if the property is located in a conservation or
redevelopment area or in a designated blighted area. Upon re-occupancy, the owner shall notify the Department of
Planning and Development Review in writing. This information can be sent to
vacantbuildings@richmondgov.com.
A vacant building may contain more than one dwelling or unit. If this is the case all units within that building must be
vacant in order to be considered vacant. A building is not deemed vacant until it is completely unoccupied. The same
principal applies to commercial structures.
If you have questions regarding the Vacant Building List or the Vacant Building Registry, please contact Michelle
Coward, Program Manager at (804) 646-6357 or
vacantbuildings@richmondgov.com
or visit Room G-12 in City Hall.