Building permits are required to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents. Failure to obtain the required permit is a violation of the law.
Some residential properties (example: apartment buildings with three or more dwelling units) are considered commercial per the Building Code and therefore require Commercial Building Permits. If you’re unsure, determine whether your project is considered Residential or Commercial before proceeding.
Types of projects that require a residential building permit:
- Adding, removing or relocating walls or fixtures.
- Building a new house.
- Additions: including projects such as adding finished square footage to your home or building a porch. Exterior work such as building a deck or adding a window well for egress may also be considered an addition.
- Alterations: including projects such as renovating a kitchen, refinishing or waterproofing a basement and remodeling a bathroom. If you’re planning to alter your kitchen or bathroom and you’re only replacing cabinets or appliances (as long as they’re not fueled by gas or oil), or fixtures (without relocating any pipes or dry wall), in the exact same location, there are no permits required and you may begin work immediately.
For information about when a permit is not required, see §108.2 of the Building Code or contact the Inspection Services Division (ISD): 703-228-3800.
Residential Submission Requirements
Residential Plan Review Process
Scheduling Inspections
Once a building permit is approved, construction can proceed. You must schedule an inspection to ensure the safety and proper progress of the project.
Fees
Fee Schedules provide the range of fees charged for each type of application or activity related to land development in Arlington. Fees cover permitting, plan review, enforcement, inspection, service delivery, performance agreements and conditions. There are separate fee schedules for Inspection Services Division (ISD), Zoning and the Department of Environmental Services (DES). Some permits involve fees from more than one schedule.
Quick Tips
- Learn more about how to determine your property setbacks.
- Demolition of an existing structure or building is a separate process from the building permit. Learn more about a Demolition Permit.
- A development plan is required if the total land disturbance exceeds 2,500 sq. ft. Learn more about Land Disturbing Activity.
- Permits expire 6 months after the last approved inspected activity on-site.
- This affidavit must be filled out completely by the property owner If another party is submitting an application(s) on the owner’s behalf, the property owner must complete a Permit Authorization Affidavit.
- Additional permits may be required. Other permit information that may be related, required or of interest: