Short answer
- In the City of Richmond, a unit in a street, sidewalk or alley needs a Work in Streets Permit from Public Works.
- On state-maintained roads in the counties, VDOT requires a land use permit for temporary use of the right-of-way.
- An event on Richmond public property that meets criteria such as 300 or more participants needs a Special Events Request at least 45 days ahead.
Who controls the proposed spot
Check the exact street address and the owner of the ground before delivery is scheduled. A private lot needs its owner's permission and may have lease or association rules. A public street, park or state-road shoulder has a separate approval route. The table is a planning index checked 2026-09-28, not an approval for a specific position.
| Proposed placement | Office and decision | Primary source |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond street, alley or sidewalk | City Right of Way Management reviews work or temporary structures in public space; submit the required site and traffic plan. | Richmond Right of Way Management |
| Qualifying event on Richmond public property | City special-event request at least 45 days ahead for an event meeting its listed conditions. | Richmond Special Event Planning |
| Event on Chesterfield County property | County Parks event application starts at least 30 days ahead; ask where an outside unit and truck may stand. | Chesterfield Parks and Facilities |
| Henrico park event | County park application says 30 days; moderate or major events have earlier 90-day planning-guide deadlines. | Henrico application and event guide |
| VDOT-maintained road shoulder | VDOT land-use permit covers temporary activity within state right of way. Verify the road owner first. | VDOT land-use permits |
Private property and associations
On a private lot, confirm the owner permits the unit where it is proposed. An association or venue may control a common lawn or parking area, even if a nearby resident books the event. Show your rental contact a level spot and a route for delivery and every service visit; an owner's consent does not by itself settle sanitation or event requirements.
Richmond streets and alleys
Richmond requires a Work in Streets Permit for work in city right of way and lists construction staging, dumpsters, storage pods and temporary structures among examples. The city requirements include a site plan and traffic-control plan; a contractor applicant supplies specified license and insurance information. Ask the city whether the proposed unit and the truck's stop fit the approved space before confirming a rental. The Fan and other attached-house blocks can leave little yard room, but that does not make a curb or alley spot automatically available.
State roads and county space
VDOT's land-use permit page covers temporary right-of-way use on its roads. Henrico also has a county right-of-way process for space it maintains. Identify the actual road owner and ask that office; a Chesterfield or Henrico mailing address alone cannot answer it.
Event timing changes by category
Richmond's 45-day rule applies to a qualifying public-property event, such as one with 300 or more people, public advertising, sales, amplified sound or a right-of-way effect. Chesterfield's county-property application begins at least 30 days ahead. Henrico's park application says 30 days to be considered, but its guide calls for 90 days for moderate or major events. Confirm which category applies with the venue. Booking the units and getting the event permit are separate steps.
Site-access checklist
- Mark firm, level ground and the door's clear landing.
- Show where a service truck can stop on each visit without blocking an exit or sidewalk.
- Account for food areas, an accessible route and lighting after dark.
- Record the approved location and share it with your rental contact before delivery and pickup are scheduled.
For the unit choice, return to event rentals or construction-site rentals.