Building permits and zoning in Arlington

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Facts on this page come from Arlington County’s Building, Contact the Permit Arlington Center, Zoning Ordinance and Residential Building Permit pages.

Building permits in Arlington are issued by Arlington County, not a city, and every application goes in online through Permit Arlington, the county’s permit portal. The county does not take paper applications or same-day permits. For permit questions call 703-228-3800; for zoning questions, 703-228-3883. Staff answer the phones 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, closing at noon the third Wednesday of each month.

Who to call

• Building permits, permit history, existing permits: 703-228-3800
• Zoning (setbacks, fences, decks, sheds, home businesses): 703-228-3883
• Zoning violations and site plan conditions: 703-228-3792
• Code enforcement (property upkeep, noise, blight): 703-228-3232
• Driveways, dumpsters, right-of-way and new water or sewer lines: 703-228-3629
• Planning and development projects: 703-228-3525
• Restaurants, food trucks and pools: 703-228-7400
• Child care homes and centers: 703-228-1685

Where to go in person

The Permit Arlington Center in the Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., helps with building and zoning questions, applications and records research. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and only until noon on the third Wednesday of the month.

What needs a permit

Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code sets what needs a permit and what is exempt; the county links the exemptions in Section 108.2. The county says building without a required permit is a violation of the law. Separate permits cover:

• Building: new houses, additions, decks, retaining walls, pools and basement waterproofing, listed on the common residential projects page
• Trade work: electrical, mechanical and plumbing and gas
• Demolition: a separate process from the building permit
• Land disturbance and stormwater: any project that disturbs 2,500 square feet of land or more
• Moving vans and storage containers on the street: a moving van and container permit
• Signs: before any sign is put up, replaced or changed in size
• Certificate of occupancy: before a new business opens or a building’s use changes

Apartment buildings with three or more homes count as commercial under the building code and need commercial permits. If you are not sure which applies, see the county’s residential or commercial guide.

Fees are set out on the county’s Permit Arlington Center fees page.

Building a new house

New house plans must show building height and lot coverage under the Zoning Ordinance, with a certified plat showing easements, the limits of disturbance and any Resource Protection Area or floodplain. Demolition of an existing house is permitted separately. If a project disturbs more than 2,500 square feet, it needs a Land Disturbing Activity and stormwater permit first. A home in a local historic district needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board before the building permit.

Inspections

Building and trade inspections are scheduled through the county; see the inspections page.

Zoning

The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (PDF), in the version effective June 13, 2026, and the Zoning Boundaries Map set what can be built where. Look up your lot’s district on the map, then check the residential setbacks before you design a fence, deck, shed or addition.

• Changing the zoning text or map is up to the County Board, on a recommendation from the Planning Commission, at an advertised public hearing.
• Rezoning applications are filed with the Zoning Administrator and decided by the County Board.
• Variances and Board of Zoning Appeals use permits go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Large projects go through the county’s site plan process and the Planning Commission’s Site Plan Review Committee. The county lists projects under review on its private development page.

Upcoming hearings

Agendas are posted on each body’s page before the meeting. The County Board makes the final decision on rezonings and site plans; see our who to call at the county government guide for board members.

What this means for you

• Apply online; there is no paper route.
• Call zoning, 703-228-3883, before you design anything near a property line.
• Report unpermitted work or property upkeep problems to code enforcement, 703-228-3232.

Related guides: Arlington County property taxes, Arlington home prices and moving to Arlington.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a building permit in Arlington, Virginia?

Apply online through Permit Arlington, the county’s permit portal. Paper applications are not taken. Questions go to the building permit line, 703-228-3800.

Do I need a permit for a fence or deck in Arlington?

Decks generally need a residential building permit, and fences and decks must meet zoning setbacks and height rules. Call zoning at 703-228-3883 before you build.

Where is the Permit Arlington Center?

In the Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. It is open for walk-in help 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closing at noon the third Wednesday of the month.

Who decides rezonings in Arlington?

The Arlington County Board, after a recommendation from the Planning Commission at an advertised public hearing. Variances and some use permits go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.