Arlington County, Virginia · 2026
Building permits, inspections and official services
Need a building permit or construction inspection in Arlington County, VA? The county’s Inspection Services Division (ISD) handles building and trade permit administration, plan review and building-code inspections. Most applications, payments and inspection requests are managed online through Permit Arlington.
Use the official links below to start an application, schedule an inspection or check permit requirements without making an unnecessary trip to a government office.
Arlington County Building Department: Contact & Hours
The official building-permitting authority is Arlington County’s Inspection Services Division, part of the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development. The Permit Arlington Center provides public permitting assistance.
- Department
- Inspection Services Division (ISD)
- Jurisdiction
- Arlington County, Virginia
- Permit assistance phone
- 703-228-3800
- Government center address
- 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
- Permit center in-person hours
- Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Third Wednesday
- Modified in-person hours: 8:30 a.m.–noon
- Telephone assistance
- Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; third Wednesday closes at noon
- Online permit portal
- Available 24/7 for online services
Hours are local Eastern Time. Holiday closures and individual office arrangements may differ. Confirm your destination with the official contact page before visiting.
Which Permits Are Available?
The permit you need depends on your property’s building classification and the work involved. Arlington uses residential building permits for qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses no more than three stories above grade. Other buildings, including many apartment and commercial properties, generally follow the commercial building permit process.
| Permit or service | Common projects and applications |
|---|---|
| Residential building | New houses, additions, structural remodeling, decks and qualifying home improvements. |
| Commercial building | Commercial construction, tenant improvements and buildings outside the residential classification. |
| Electrical | New circuits, service equipment, wiring and other regulated electrical installations. |
| Mechanical | HVAC equipment, heating, cooling and other regulated mechanical systems. |
| Plumbing and gas | Plumbing fixtures, piping, drainage and gas-system installations or alterations. |
| Other permits | Demolition, fences, retaining walls, swimming pools, solar installations and fire-protection systems, as applicable. |
| Related approvals | Zoning, land-disturbing activity, stormwater management, right-of-way work and certificates of occupancy. |
To identify the correct application, use Arlington County’s official permit directory. A building permit does not automatically replace required trade, zoning or environmental approvals.
Do You Need a Building Permit?
Many construction projects need authorization before work begins. However, some ordinary repairs or replacements may be exempt from a building permit.
| Project | Arlington County guidance |
|---|---|
| New home or home addition | A building permit is generally required, along with any applicable related approvals. |
| New residential deck | Follow the residential deck permitting and plan-submission requirements. |
| Kitchen or bathroom fixture replacement | Replacing existing cabinets, eligible appliances or fixtures in the same location without relocating piping or disturbing drywall may not require permits. |
| Roof-covering replacement | Replacing the covering without changing roof decking generally does not require a residential building permit. |
| Roof-covering replacement involving decking | Replacing more than 256 sq. ft. of existing decking requires a permit under the county’s published guidance. Special fire-retardant lumber conditions may require a permit regardless of area. |
| Electrical, plumbing or HVAC alteration | A separate trade permit may be required even if the main project is exempt from a building permit. |
| Fence or retaining wall | Requirements depend on the proposed structure and applicable building and zoning rules. |
How to Apply for a Building Permit Online
Arlington County accepts residential and commercial building permit applications through Permit Arlington. Complete these steps in order.
- Identify the permit type. Open the county permit directory. Select Residential Building Permit, Commercial Building Permit or the applicable trade permit. Review the submission requirements.
- Create or access your account. Visit the Permit Arlington customer portal. Register if you are a new user, or sign in using your existing account. The county recommends Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Enter the project information. Choose the correct application and complete the property address, scope of work, ownership, applicant and contractor information requested by the portal.
- Upload plans and documents. Attach construction drawings, property plans and required forms. Follow the county’s online submission guidance for file preparation and uploading.
- Submit and monitor the application. Save the application or record number. Watch your email and check Permit Arlington for completeness notices, reviewer comments and requests for correction.
- Pay the required fees. After staff calculates or invoices the applicable fees, open your record or the county’s authorized online payment channel and complete payment.
- Download the issued permit. Once approved, paid and issued, retrieve the digital permit, placard and approved documents. Complete required posting and keep the approved plans available at the worksite before beginning regulated construction.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
The exact checklist depends on the project. For a residential new house, addition or substantial renovation, commonly requested information includes:
- Property address and a clear description of the work.
- Scaled site plan or certified plat showing structures, property lines, easements and proposed changes.
- Dimensioned floor plans, elevations and relevant structural details.
- Foundation, framing, stair, window and applicable life-safety details.
- Mechanical, electrical or plumbing drawings where required.
- Applicable zoning, lot coverage, setback and height information.
- Land-disturbing activity or stormwater documents if the work triggers those reviews.
- Contractor information and ownership or authorization documents where required.
For many residential project types, Arlington specifies plans on sheets at least 11 × 17 inches and a minimum drawing scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot. Follow the exact checklist for your project, since submission requirements vary.
When someone applies on behalf of the permit holder, a Permit Authorization Affidavit may be necessary. An individual owner applying as the permit holder typically does not need that affidavit solely for applying personally. Other owner and contractor restrictions can apply.
Permit Review Times in Arlington County
The county publishes approximate review periods for residential building applications. These are review targets, not guaranteed total approval times.
| Residential permit review | Approximate review time |
|---|---|
| New construction (RNEW) | 10 business days |
| Addition — route-through review | 10 business days |
| Alteration — route-through review | 5 business days |
| Eligible addition — express review | 2 business days |
| Eligible alteration — express review | 2 business days |
Express processing is subject to eligibility and complexity. Arlington lists conditions such as work involving less than 750 sq. ft., one-story work and other design limitations. Completeness checks, final processing, payment and correction cycles add time. The county identifies approximately two business days for the initial completeness check and two business days for final processing in its residential workflow.
See the complete official residential review process. Commercial review timing depends on the project and its required disciplines.
Building Permit Fees in 2026
Arlington County’s FY2027 Inspection Services fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026, establishes project-specific charges. The amounts below are selected examples from the official schedule.
| Fee category | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum building permit/application fee for qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses | $202 |
| Minimum building permit/application fee for other buildings or structures | $716 |
| New construction for qualifying one- and two-family residential buildings | $1.70 per gross sq. ft. |
| Residential alterations in the applicable fee category | $0.63 per sq. ft. or linear foot |
| Standard demolition of a building or structure | $679 |
These are fee components or category-specific amounts, not guaranteed final totals. The ISD schedule also identifies a 2% Code Academy levy and a 10% automation enhancement surcharge for applicable permits. Separate Zoning or Department of Environmental Services charges may apply.
The ISD schedule generally requires a filing payment equal to 50% of the calculated permit fee at application filing, included within the total permit charge. Staff determines the actual invoice for each application.
How to pay online
- Log in to Permit Arlington and open Home → My Records.
- Check the Action column for outstanding charges and record the permit number.
- Follow the official payment instructions in your application or use the county fee and payment page.
- Choose a supported payment method and save the electronic receipt.
The county lists eCheck with no processing fee. Credit cards, debit cards and several digital-payment methods carry a published 2.35% processing fee. Do not mail or hand-deliver permit payments to the Treasurer’s Office unless the county specifically instructs you otherwise.
Official fee document: Download FY2027 Inspection Services Fee Schedule (PDF).
How to Schedule Building Inspections
After permit issuance, the permit holder or an authorized representative must schedule required inspections. Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections are generally requested through Permit Arlington.
- Sign in. Open the Permit Arlington portal and log in.
- Find your permit. Enter the permit number in the upper-right search field and open the matching record. The record must be in an inspection-eligible issued status.
- Open the inspection section. Select Record Info → Inspections → Schedule or Request an Inspection.
- Choose the inspection. Select the required inspection type, then choose an available requested date if the system offers date selection.
- Provide contact details. Enter any requested on-site contact information and submit the request. Certain inspections, including fire and energy inspections, involve additional coordination.
- Prepare for the inspector. Have approved plans, the permit, required access, ladders or testing equipment available. Check inspector-assignment details on inspection day.
Common inspection stages
| Inspection | When it normally happens |
|---|---|
| Footing | Before concrete is poured. |
| Foundation / slab | At required foundation or slab construction stages. |
| Rough electrical, plumbing and mechanical | Before work is concealed. |
| Framing | After or alongside required rough-in inspections. |
| Insulation | After insulation is installed and before close-in. |
| Final building and trade inspections | After relevant construction and systems work are complete. |
Not every project requires every inspection listed here. Building and individual trade inspections must be scheduled separately where separate permits are involved.
Find the inspector or view the result
On inspection morning, check Record Info → Inspections for the scheduled inspection. Use its Actions → View Details option to find assignment information. Arlington also sends listed permit contacts an inspector notification, generally between 7 and 8 a.m.
The person on-site should contact the assigned inspector as directed by the county. After inspection, return to the Inspections section to review the result and correction comments. For failed inspections, correct the identified issues before requesting the next inspection.
Same-day cancellation or rescheduling may trigger a reinspection fee. Arlington also offers virtual inspections for eligible work, but they must be arranged in advance.
Applicable Building Codes and Local Requirements
Arlington County enforces Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code, along with applicable county zoning and development requirements.
| Code category | County-listed edition |
|---|---|
| Residential construction | 2021 Virginia Residential Code |
| Commercial construction | 2021 Virginia Construction Code |
| Existing buildings | 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code |
| Electrical | 2020 National Electrical Code |
| Commercial mechanical and plumbing | Applicable 2021 Virginia mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes |
| Commercial energy conservation | 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code |
The county lists January 18, 2024, as the effective date for these code editions. The earlier transition allowing applicants to choose certain 2018 code requirements ended January 17, 2025. Applicable state amendments, later regulatory changes, permit-specific conditions and county zoning rules must still be considered.
Official references: Arlington County code editions and standards and Virginia DHCD building codes.
Certificates of Occupancy, Permit Records & Other Services
Certificate of Occupancy
Some new buildings, substantial changes and commercial occupancy projects require a separate Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before the space is occupied. Arlington recommends beginning the CO application at least two weeks before planned occupancy. Required inspections and departmental approvals must be completed before issuance.
See Arlington’s Certificate of Occupancy requirements.
Permit status, plans and permit history
For your own application, select Home → My Records in Permit Arlington. Open the record ID to view details. The county also provides guidance for viewing permit documents, approved plan sets and records-research requests through its Permit Arlington Help Center.
Access to older documents, private records or complete plan sets may be restricted or require assistance from county staff. For permit history relating to a property purchase, start with 703-228-3800.
Permit corrections, revisions and enforcement
When an application is rejected or needs revisions, read the review comments, correct the relevant plans and submit the revised documents using the workflow for that permit type. Changes to approved plans may require a formal revision and additional fees.
For work without a permit, unsafe structures or other building-code enforcement concerns, Arlington provides a code-enforcement complaint process. Contact 703-228-3232 or refer to its building-code information.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who handles building permits in Arlington County?
The Arlington County Inspection Services Division (ISD) administers building and trade permits, plan review and building-code inspections. Applications and inspection requests are managed through Permit Arlington. Zoning and environmental approvals may involve other county divisions.
2. How do I apply for an Arlington County building permit online?
Visit the Permit Arlington customer portal, create or access your account, select the correct permit type, enter the project details, upload required documents and submit the application. Monitor the record for fees, review comments and issuance.
3. Do I need a permit to remodel my house in Arlington?
It depends on the work. Structural alterations, additions and regulated building-system changes generally require permits. Certain simple replacements in the same location may be exempt. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical or zoning requirements may still apply.
4. Is a permit required to replace a residential roof?
Replacing only the roof covering without changing the decking generally does not require a building permit. Replacing more than 256 square feet of decking requires one under county guidance. Special fire-retardant lumber conditions can require a permit regardless of area.
5. How much does an Arlington County building permit cost in 2026?
The FY2027 fee schedule, effective July 1, 2026, lists a $202 minimum for qualifying one- and two-family residential building permits and $716 for other building categories. Actual charges depend on project size, type, applicable surcharges and additional approvals.
6. How long does building permit approval take?
Arlington lists approximate residential review periods of 10 business days for new construction and route-through additions, five business days for route-through alterations, and two business days for eligible express reviews. Completeness checks, revisions, payment and final processing add time.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Arlington County?
Log in to Permit Arlington, search for the issued permit number, and open Record Info, then Inspections. Select Schedule or Request an Inspection, choose the inspection type and complete the scheduling prompts. Separate permits require separate inspection requests.
8. What should I have ready for an Arlington County inspection?
Keep the issued permit, approved plans and required supporting documents available at the worksite. Provide safe access and any necessary ladders or testing equipment. Check the inspector assignment on inspection morning and follow the county’s contact instructions.
9. Can a homeowner apply for a building permit without a contractor?
An individual property owner can apply and be the permit holder when applicable rules allow. Arlington generally does not require a Permit Authorization Affidavit when the individual owner is both applicant and permit holder. Owner-builder restrictions and licensing requirements may still apply.
10. Which building codes apply in Arlington County in 2026?
Arlington County lists the 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Construction Code and related 2021 state codes, with the 2020 National Electrical Code. These editions became effective January 18, 2024. Applicable amendments and project-specific requirements must also be checked.
Official Arlington County Resources
Use these verified government resources for applications, technical guidance and final confirmations:
- Permit Arlington official overview — online applications and account services.
- Residential building permits — project-specific submission requirements.
- Commercial building permits — construction and tenant-improvement applications.
- Building and trade inspections — scheduling, inspection types and results.
- Permit fee schedules — current official schedules and online payment methods.
- Permit Arlington Center contact information — telephone assistance, hours and support.