Print My Plans
Richmond, Virginia Blueprint Printing: From Stamped PDF to Site Set
By Eli Gewirtzman, Owner · Last checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices and City of Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections sources)
Richmond’s commercial plan review guide requires a single black-and-white PDF for submission. After review, the goal is one complete stamped and approved set, and the guide requires approved plans at the job site for framing inspection. Upload that stamped PDF for printing at $1.95 a sheet in black and white or $3.75 in color. Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day.
Prices (flat, 17×22 to 36×48)
| Per sheet | |
|---|---|
| Black & white | $1.95 |
| Color | $3.75 |
What Richmond’s plan review guide says
From the City of Richmond’s Commercial Building Plan Review Requirements (2021 Code Cycle, March 21, 2025):
| Rule | What Richmond says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One file | “All documents must be submitted as a single black and white pdf file.” | Commercial Building Plan Review Requirements |
| Legibility | “Plans which are incomplete or illegible will not be accepted.” | Same |
| Scale | Architectural plans at a minimum of 1/8 inch to the foot; “Civil and site plans can be plotted at a smaller scale” such as 1 inch to 30 feet | Same |
| Numbering | “All sheets shall be numbered.” | Same |
| Seals | Architectural and engineering plans sealed and signed by a Virginia Registered Design Professional, unless exempt under Code of Virginia 54.1-402 | Same |
| Revisions | “Revised documents must be resubmitted in their entirety.” | Same |
| Final set | “The goal is to have one complete stamped and approved set of drawings and reports when the review process is complete.” | Same |
| On site | At framing: “Approved plans must be on the job site.” | Same |
| Permit life | “Building permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.” Each inspection extends it another 180 days. | Same |
| Code | “The 2021 Virginia Building Code took effect on January 18, 2024.” | Same |
Printing tips for a Richmond job
- Use the approved file. Print the stamped set returned by the City, not the earlier submission.
- Choose color only where needed. The submission must be black and white. For separate working copies, color can help distinguish site or utility lines when the source drawing uses it.
- Keep the sheet order. Check that every numbered sheet is included and print the PDF in order. See our PDF page size checker guide for checking page dimensions.
- Separate resubmission from field updates. Richmond requires revised documents resubmitted in their entirety. After approval, replace changed pages in your field set as directed. See printing revised sheets.
Richmond’s Bureau of Permits and Inspections (900 East Broad Street, Room 110; 804-646-4169) and your design professional decide what goes in the approved set. We print the PDF you upload and don’t work with the City for you.
Richmond projects we print for
- Restaurant and retail build-outs in Scott’s Addition and along Broad Street.
- Rowhouse renovations in the Fan, Church Hill and Jackson Ward.
- New commercial buildings in Manchester and the riverfront.
- Henrico and Chesterfield counties run their own permit offices, so this page covers the City of Richmond only.
What a Richmond order costs (prints only; shipping chosen at checkout)
| Job | Sheets | Print total |
|---|---|---|
| Scott’s Addition brewery fit-out, 24×36 B&W | 26 | $50.70 |
| Church Hill rowhouse renovation, 24×36 B&W | 10 | $19.50 |
| Same fit-out, second set for the GC trailer | 52 | $101.40 |
| Color civil and utility sheets | 4 | $15.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How does Richmond want commercial plans submitted?
As a single black and white PDF file, according to the City’s commercial plan review requirements.
Do I need printed plans on a Richmond job site?
The City’s guide requires approved plans at the job site for framing inspection. A printed stamped set is one practical option; confirm with the Bureau whether digital access is acceptable for your permit.
What scale does Richmond require?
Architectural plans at a minimum of 1/8 inch to the foot. Civil and site plans may be plotted smaller, such as 1 inch to 30 feet.
How long is a Richmond building permit valid?
180 days from issuance, extended another 180 days each time there is a building inspection.
Do these rules cover Henrico or Chesterfield?
No. Those counties have their own permit offices. This page covers the City of Richmond.
When does a Richmond order ship?
Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day.