Building Permits in Arlington, VA
Check permit requirements for home improvement projects in Arlington. Select a project type below to see local requirements, estimated fees, and how to apply.
Key Exemptions in Arlington
These projects typically don't require a building permit in Arlington:
Cosmetic bathroom renovations (paint, tile, fixtures in same location) do not require a permit in Arlington, VA.
Small at-grade patio slabs under 200 square feet not exceeding 30 inches above adjacent grade are typically exempt from a building permit per Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) / Arlington County Department of Community Planning exemptions (IRC R105.2 basis). The slab must not be part of an accessible route or support a structure.
Freestanding decks not exceeding 30 inches above grade do not require a building permit in Arlington, VA.
Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint with no changes to the curb cut is generally exempt from permit requirements.
Replacing a light fixture or outlet in-kind does not require an electrical permit in Arlington, VA.
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Arlington Building Department
Nearby Cities in Virginia
Permit Guides
Read our in-depth guides for common home improvement projects: