Breaking ground in Arlington County, Virginia? Between the county’s dense urban zoning, overlapping reviews, and strict code compliance requirements, even small projects can get stuck in red tape.
This guide gives contractors, developers, and home services professionals the playbook for navigating the Arlington County building permit process — so you can start faster, stay compliant, and avoid unnecessary delays.
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What requires a building permit in Arlington County?
Most construction work in Arlington County requires a permit, especially when the project affects structural components, utilities, or building use.
Here are some common examples:
- New construction: Single-family, multifamily, or commercial structures
- Additions and major alterations: Adding square footage, converting basements, or moving walls
- MEP work: Mechanical (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, and gas installations
- Accessory structures: Garages, decks, and porches
- Roofing or siding replacement (depending on scope)
- Demolition: Full or partial structure removal
- Tenant fit-outs or change of use for commercial spaces
Work that does not require a building permit
Some small-scale or cosmetic improvements do not require a permit. These may include:
- Painting, wallpapering, and carpeting
- Replacing cabinets or countertops (no plumbing or electrical involved)
- Playground equipment in residential yards
Do I need a permit for a shed in Arlington, VA?
Most likely, yes, you will need a permit to build a shed in Arlington. The County does not publish specific guidelines regarding shed permits, but does require permits for accessory dwelling units. To determine whether your project requires a permit, consult with the Permit Arlington Center.
Arlington County building permit fees
Arlington County's building permit fees are structured across three main categories, each managed by a specific division. Some types of permits require fees from more than one schedule.
1. Inspection Services Division (ISD) fees
These fees cover the review and inspection of building plans to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). They apply to various permits, including building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.
2. Zoning Division fees
Zoning fees apply to plan reviews, site plan approvals, signs, accessory structures, and Certificates of Occupancy.
3. Department of Environmental Services (DES) fees
Most zoning and site plan applications include an additional DES review surcharge, depending on project scope.
Note: These fees are usually added to the base application fees.
Visit the Permit Arlington Center fees page for more details.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Arlington VA?
On average, it takes about 2-10 business days to get a building permit in Arlington. Permit review times vary by project type, scope, and department workload. Here's a general breakdown:
Residential permit review timelines:
For more details, check out Arlington County’s Residential Review Process page.
Commercial permit review timelines:
Disclaimer: Approximate review times do not include process in/out time, typically 2 business days each.
For more details, check out Arlington County’s Commercial Review Process page.
Arlington County offers ePlan review tracking through the Permit Arlington Portal, where applicants can monitor comments and approval status in real time.
Tips to expedite the process:
- Submit complete applications: Ensure all required documents and plans are included to avoid delays during the completeness check.
- Monitor application status: Use the Permit Arlington portal to track the progress of your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
- Consider express review: If your project qualifies, opt for the express review process to expedite approval.
- Consult with county staff: For complex projects, consider scheduling a pre-submission meeting with county staff to clarify requirements and streamline the review process.
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How to get a building permit in Arlington County
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting your application, confirm whether your project requires a permit. If it does, determine whether it qualifies as residential or commercial using this handy guide from the County.
If you're unsure, call Arlington’s Inspection Services Division at (703) 228-3800 for clarification.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Gather the materials required for your specific project type.
At minimum, you’ll need:
- A completed permit application submitted through Permit Arlington
- Construction drawings (sealed by a licensed design professional, if applicable)
- Site plans, plats, or surveys (as required)
- A permit authorization affidavit (if you’re applying on behalf of someone else)
- Proof of contractor license and insurance
- Any required zoning approvals, energy code forms, or stormwater documentation
More detailed checklists are available on the Residential Review Process and Commercial Review Process pages.
Step 3: Submit application
Applications must be submitted online via the Permit Arlington portal. First-time users will need to register an account.
When submitting:
- Upload all required files in PDF format, properly labeled
- List all responsible contacts (applicant, architect, contractor)
- Pay the filing fee (if applicable)
After submission, your application will go through a completeness check, typically within 2 business days.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
Once your application is accepted, it enters the plan review phase. Review times vary based on project scope and permit type, but expect review to take at least 2 days and as many as 15 days.
Applicants can track progress and receive comments through the Permit Arlington dashboard. If corrections are required, you’ll receive a comment letter and must resubmit revised plans.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once all plan reviews are approved, you’ll receive a fee summary based on project valuation and scope.
After paying the total permit fee online, your building permit and placard will be issued electronically. Be sure to download, print, and post both at the job site
For projects involving multiple trades (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection), each trade requires its own permit — which can be applied for and paid within the same portal.
Step 6: Inspections
Arlington County requires inspections at key construction milestones, including:
- Foundation or footing
- Framing
- Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Final inspections
To schedule inspections, log into Permit Arlington and use the scheduling tool to select your inspection type and preferred date. Ensure approved plans are available on site and an authorized contact is present
If the inspection fails, reinspection fees apply. For large or complex projects, coordinating multiple trades and having a clean, inspection-ready site can help prevent delays.
Arlington County permitting resources
- Permit Arlington Portal
- Residential Permit Review Process
- Commercial Permit Review Process
- Permit Types & Applications
- Fee Schedules
- Help Center
Contact Information
Inspection Services Division (ISD)
- Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing & Development
- 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201
- Phone: (703) 228-3800
- Email: inspections@arlingtonva.us
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From zoning reviews to trade permits to final inspections, pulling a building permit in Arlington County can be complex and time-consuming — especially if you’re juggling permits across multiple departments, deadlines, or job sites.
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