Application for a permit shall be made and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences.

1. Construction or demolition of a building or structure. Installations or alterations involving (i) the removal or addition of any wall, partition or portion thereof, (ii) any structural component, (iii) the repair or replacement of any required component of a fire or smoke rated assembly, (iv) the alteration of any required means of egress system, (v) water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage system or vent system, (vi) electric wiring, (vii) fire protection system, mechanical systems or fuel supply systems or (viii) any equipment regulated by the USBC.
2. For change of occupancy, application for a permit shall be made when a new certificate of occupancy is required
3. Movement of a lot line that increases the hazard to or decreases the level of safety of an existing building or structure in comparison to the building code under which such building or structure was constructed.
4. Removal or disturbing of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including additions. 2006 VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION CODE (Part I of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)

• Exemptions from application for permit: Notwithstanding the requirements above application for a permit and any related inspections shall not be required for the following; however, this section shall not be construed to exempt such activities from other applicable requirements of this code. In addition, when an owner or an owner’s agent requests that a permit be issued for any of the following, then a permit shall be issued and any related inspections shall be required. Although a permit is not required the Department of Environmental Services (DES) requires that the property owner/ contractor verify that any of the proposed work listed in this section will not be executed within a Resource Protection Area (RPA), 100 year flood plain, or a County required Flood Buffer Zone, and the limits of land disturbance is demonstrated on a certified plat, to scale, will be less than 2000 square feet.

1. Installation of wiring and equipment that (i) operates at less than 50 volts, (ii) is for network powered broadband communications systems, or (iii) is exempt under Section 102.3(1), except when any such installations are located in a plenum, penetrate fire rated or smoke protected construction or are a component of any of the following.

1.1.   Fire alarm system.
1.2.   Fire detection system.
1.3.   Fire suppression system.
1.4.   Smoke control system.
1.5.   Fire protection supervisory system.
1.6.   Elevator fire safety control system.
1.7.   Access or egress control system or delayed egress locking or latching system.
1.8.   Fire damper.
1.9.   Door control system.

2. Detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18 m²) and the structures are not accessory to a Factory or High hazard occupancy. (You must obtain a location approval from the Zoning Administration and Department of Environmental Services (DES), which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement of the structure)
3. Detached pre-fabricated buildings housing the equipment of a publicly regulated utility service provided the floor area does not exceed 150square feet (14 m²).
4. Tents or air-supported structures, or both, that cover an area of 900 square feet (84 m²) or less, including within that area all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance, provided such tents or structures have an occupant load of 50 or less persons. (You must obtain a location approval from the Zoning Administration and Department of Environmental Services (DES) which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement of the structure)
5. Fences and privacy walls not part of a building, structure or of the barrier for a swimming pool, provided such fences and privacy walls do not exceed six feet in height above the finished grade. Ornamental post caps shall not be considered to contribute to the height of the fence or privacy wall and shall be permitted to extend above the six feet height measurement. (You must obtain a fence permit the Zoning Administration, and approval from DES which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement of the fence)
6. Retaining walls supporting less than two feet of unbalanced fill. This exemption shall not apply to any wall impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids or supporting a surcharge other than ordinary unbalanced fill. (You must obtain a permit from the Zoning Administration, and approval from DES which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement of the structure)
7. Swimming pools that have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet (13.95 m2), do not exceed 5,000 gallons (19 000 L) and are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.  (You must obtain approval from the Zoning Administration and DES, which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement of the pool)
8. Signs under the conditions in Section H101.2 of Appendix H of the International Building Code. (You must obtain a Sign Permit from Zoning Administration and DES approval, which in some cases may require a certified, scaled plat showing placement for the sign, if being erected out of the ground)
9.  Replacement of above-ground existing LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location and associated regulators when installed by the serving gas supplier. (You must obtain a location approval from the Zoning Administration and DES, which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement for the structure)
10. Driveways will require approval from the Zoning Administration and DES, which will require a certified, scaled plat showing placement of the driveway and lot coverage calculations.
11. Ordinary repairs that include the following.

11.1. Replacement of windows and doors that are not required to be fire rated in Group R-2 where serving a single dwelling unit other than apartments or condominiums. 2006 VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION CODE (Part I of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code)
11.2. Replacement of plumbing fixtures in all groups without alteration of the water supply and distribution systems, sanitary drainage systems or vent systems.
11.3. Replacement of general use snap switches, dimmer and control switches, 125 volt-15 or 20 ampere receptacles, luminaries (lighting fixtures) and ceiling (paddle) where serving a single dwelling unit.
11.4. Replacement of mechanical appliances provided such equipment is not fueled by gas or oil where serving a single-family dwelling.
11.5. Replacement of an unlimited amount of roof covering or siding in single family dwellings and townhomes provided the building or structure is not in an area where the design (3 second gust) wind speed is greater than 100 miles per hour (160 km/hr) and replacement of 100 square feet (9.29 m2) or less of roof covering in all groups and all wind zones.
11.6. Replacement of 100 square feet (9.29 m2) or less of roof decking in Groups R-3, R-4 or R-5 unless the decking to be replaced was required at the time of original construction to be fire-retardant-treated or protected in some other way to form a fire-rated wall termination.
11.7. Installation or replacement of floor finishes in all occupancies.
11.8. Replacement of Class C interior wall or ceiling finishes installed in Groups A, E and I and replacement of all classes of interior wall or ceiling finishes in other groups.
11.9. Installation of replacement cabinetry or trim.
11.10. Application of paint or wallpaper.
11.11. Other repair work deemed by the building official to be minor and ordinary which does not adversely affect public health or general safety.

Exception: Application for a permit may be required by the building official for the installation of replacement siding, roofing and windows in buildings within a historic district designated by a locality pursuant to Section 15.2-2306 of the Code of Virginia.

Building a new home in Arlington County requires the following permits:

Building permits for architectural and structural elements.
Electrical permit for all electrical installations. (DES will need to review any boxes, devices, switches, towers, conduit, etc. that will be installed within the right-of-way.)
Mechanical permit for installations of heating and air conditioning systems and corresponding Ductwork and/or heating and refrigeration piping.
Plumbing permit for installations of plumbing and gas piping systems.
DES Permits

• • Land Disturbance permit for any area of disturbance equal to 2500 square feet or greater. Guidelines on how to calculate total area of disturbance. Tree protection and specifications.
  • A Water Quality Impact Worksheet required if the property is located within a Resource Protection Area (RPA) or County required Flood Buffer Zone.
  • Flood Plain permit required if purposed construction is within the 100 year flood plain or County required Flood Buffer Zone.
  • Right-of-Way permit for installation, connection, repairs of utilities and/or any work performed within the county right-of-way. (Sidewalk, curb and gutter, driveway apron, gas, electric, etc.)
  • Transportation Right-of-Way permits for any proposed work that may block or substantially limit the use of the roadway, sidewalks and/or parking meters. The use of construction equipment, cranes, dumpster, PODs, trailers, trucks, lane closures, over weight and oversized vehicles, parking meter closures, and sidewalk closures in the public right of way.

Zoning Permits

Certificate of Occupancy Permit is required for each new home constructed

Design Criteria and Applicable Codes (Link to site below)

Construction documents must meet the current codes, standards and local design criteria such as snow load and wind speed. 

Inspections

To learn more about the required inspections for a new home and the stage of construction at which the inspections are required.

For all required Department of Environmental Services inspections that consist of  construction activities in the public Right-of-Way, construction of public improvements associated with private development sites; land disturbing activities; erosion and sediment control practices; installation of storm water management facilities.

New Construction (Residential) Route- thru only

Route–thru permitting process covers residential new construction and additions that do not qualify for walk through permitting process. The reviews for ISD, Zoning, and DES grading plans are done concurrently; DES will finalize their review and calculate Drainage Fixture Units (DFU’s) after the approvals from Zoning and ISD.  DFU credits must be obtained prior to DES review either through an inspection or the applicant/owners acceptance of the minimum credits during DES plan review. Plan revisions can be done only after all the reviews are complete. Revision must be identical in all 4 sets of the building plans. Revisions to the Grading plan must be submitted to ISD and Zoning first to insert them into their sets and the other 4 sets will be submitted to DES by the applicant.

• Minimum page size 11" X 17"
• Four (4) copies of the building plans, See below for details of Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plans requirements
• Eight (9)) grading plans -- must be sealed by engineer or surveyor (A copy of the plat bearing the surveyor’s seal must be attached to each set of drawings submitted, and a completed Land Disturbance Application submitted to DES. The requirements for site/grading plans are per the Dept. of Environmental Services.)
• Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Impact Worksheet is required if the property is located within a Resource Protection Area (RPA) or a Flood Plain permit is required if the property is within the 100 year flood plain or County required Flood Buffer Zone.
• All Arlington County easements must be shown on a certified plan and plat.
• Mechanics Lien Information (If any)
• Building Height must be provided by listing the information on the plans or by completing the Building Height Information Worksheet
• Lot Coverage must be provided by listing the information on the plans or by completing the Lot Coverage worksheet applicable to you Zoning District.

Addition to Existing Building (Residential) Route-thru

Route thru permitting process for additions cover construction over 700 ft², which are not located on the first story of the building. All ISD and Zoning reviews are done concurrently; DES will finalize their review and calculate Drainage Fixture Units (DFU’s) after the approvals from Zoning and ISD.  DFU credits will only be given if an existing plan shows the plumbing fixtures to be removed and the purposed plan. Plan revisions can be done only after all the reviews are complete. Any DES revisions must be submitted to ISD and Zoning to be inserted into their sets.  Any other sets will be submitted to DES by the applicant. Revisions must be identical in all sets.

Plan Submittal Requirements:

• Minimum page size 11" X 17"
• Three (3) copies of the building plans, See below for details of Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plans requirements
• Three (3) copies of survey plat, sealed by engineer or surveyor (applies also to 2nd story additions). Must show location of new outdoor mechanical units.
• Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Impact Worksheet is required if the property is within a Resource Protection Area or a Flood Plain permit is required if the property is within the 100 year flood plain or County required Flood Buffer Zone.

• A certified house location plat, to scale showing the total area of land disturbance (This will include decks, patios, landscaping, ingress/ egress, stockpile area, etc.)
• A plan of Development is required if the total land disturbance exceeds 2500 sq. ft. Where the disturbed area is calculated to be greater than 2,000 sq. ft., but less than 2,500 sq. ft, the limits of disturbance must be shown with a 10-foot buffer around the foot print of the addition and  include all patios, driveways, pavers, landscaping, grading, staging, stockpiling, retaining walls etc . in the calculations shown on the certified plat. Additionally, the physical demarcation of the disturbed area must be stakeout in the field through the use of silt fence, snow fence, tree protection fencing or a comparable material and certified by a licensed professional engineer, land surveyor or architect.
• All Arlington County easements must be shown on a certified plan and plat.
• Mechanics Lien Information (If any)
• Building Height must be provided by listing the information on the plans or by completing the Building Height Information Worksheet
• Lot Coverage must be provided by listing the information on the plans or by completing the Lot Coverage worksheet applicable to you Zoning District.

Addition to Existing Building (Residential) Walk-thru

Residential Additions can be walked-through if under 700 ft² and consist of one story on ground floor Monday to Friday 8:00am-2:00pm. The walk-thru reviews are done consecutively; if plans are rejected in zoning office, you can continue your walk-thru process to building plan review. DES will finalize their review and calculate Drainage Fixture Units (DFU’s) after the approvals from Zoning and ISD. DFU credits will only be given if an existing plan shows the plumbing fixtures to be removed and the proposed plan. Any DES revisions must be submitted to ISD and Zoning to be inserted into their sets.  Any other sets will be submitted to DES by the applicant. Revisions must be identical in all sets.

Minimum page size 11" X 17"

• Two (2) copies of the building plans, See below for details of Architectural, Structural and Mechanical Plans requirements. (Some additions may result in a route through and require one (1) additional set of plans)
• Two (2) sets of mechanical drawings to show Mechanical HVAC Layout and Equipment list, (if resizing furnace, adding additional zone or adding A/C to a house without existing ductwork).
• Two (2) copies of survey plat, sealed by engineer or surveyor (applies also to 2nd story additions). Must show location of new outdoor mechanical units.
• Mechanics Lien Information (If any)
• A certified house location plat, to scale showing the limits of disturbance, decks, patios, landscaping, Flood Plain, Resource Protection Area (RPA), and all Arlington County easements.
• A plan of Development is required if the total land disturbance exceeds 2500 sq. ft. Where the disturbed area is calculated to be greater than 2,000 sq. ft., but less than 2,500 sq. ft, the limits of disturbance must be shown with a 10-foot buffer around the foot print of the addition include all patios, driveways, pavers, landscaping, grading, staging, stockpiling, retaining walls etc. in the calculations shown on the certified plat. Additionally, the physical demarcation of the disturbed area must be stakeout in the field through the use of silt fence, snow fence, tree protection fencing or a comparable material and certified by a licensed professional engineer, land surveyor or architect. This will result in the permit not being processed as a walk-thru.
• Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Impact Worksheet is required if the property is within a Resource Protection Area or a Flood Plain permit is required if the property is within the 100 year flood plain  or County required Flood Buffer Zone. This will result in the permit not being processed as a walk-thru.
• Building Height must be provided by listing the information on the plans or by completing the Building Height Information Worksheet
• Lot Coverage must be provided by listing the information on the plans or by completing the Lot Coverage worksheet applicable to you Zoning District.

Interior Alterations (Residential) Walk-thru

Residential Interior Alteration can be walked through if under 700 ft² Monday to Friday 8:00am-2:00pm. if alterations are extensive/multi story in nature, it may not be eligible for the walk-through process in the building plan review Section. The walk-thru reviews are done consecutively; if plans are rejected in the zoning office, you can continue your walk-thru process to building plan review. DES will finalize their review and calculate Drainage Fixture Units (DFU’s) after the approvals from Zoning and ISD. DFU credits will only be given if an existing plan shows the plumbing fixtures to be removed and the purposed plan. Revisions must be identical in both set of the building plans.

Plan Submittal Requirements:

• Minimum page size 11" X 17"
• Two (2) sets of building plans.
• Mechanics Lien Information (If any)

ARCHITECTURAL, STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL PLANS

Architectural drawings:

• Name and address of project
• Name, address and occupation of the author of the construction documents.
• Scaled and dimensioned floor plans with all room names labeled; doors and windows shown; and special features clearly noted.
• Exterior elevations, showing all openings.
• All door and window sizes noted either on elevations, plans or door and window schedules referenced to plans. Indicate sleeping room and basement egress.
• Complete sections and details for foundations, floors, walls and roofs, with components of assemblies completely noted, properly cross-referenced, with floor-to-floor heights dimensioned.
• Indicate compliance with braced wall requirements-indicating the specific methods used and details of the method (s) in the construction documents. (See Below for additional information)
• Indicate compliance with Energy Code. Show insulation values plus mechanical drawings as required below.
• Indicate stair dimensions, tread and riser dimensions, handrail and guardrail information.
• For additions and renovations, make clear the distinction between existing construction, alterations to existing, and new work.
• For two family residences, duplexes and townhouses, indicate rated walls, provide a copy of the testing agency design detail(s) on the drawings, and show compliance with other required dwelling unit separation provisions.

Wall bracing plan review & inspection requirements:

The IRC wall bracing method must be noted on the submitted plans, with areas of braced walls shown on elevations and interior braced wall length shown on floor plans.  The areas of braced wall must be clearly and obviously shown and noted, by darker shading or some other standard black and white graphic method.  Connections, details and nailing schedule must be shown on plans.  Details showing continuous load path and uplift resistance must be shown (i.e. wall sheathing lapped over rim joists or metal strap connections of walls to floor system, etc…) 

Design details of portal frame, standard manufactured shear panels or other pre-engineered approved methods, if used, must be included in construction drawings.

Structural calculations bearing the dated signature and seal of a design professional registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia are acceptable as an alternative to prescriptive design.

Approved braced wall panel and nailing inspections are required before building wrap or windows are to be installed.

Structural Information:

• Note uniform design loads and any special loading.
• Scaled and dimensioned foundation plans. Show ventilation and access openings as required.
• Scaled and dimensioned floor and roof framing plans. Indicate all beam sizes, headers, ledgers, posts and columns. Note species and grade of lumber, or manufactured structural members performance grade.
• Sections and details properly referenced to plans.
• Reinforcing steel, if used, for slabs, retaining walls, grade beams, foundations and foundation walls.
• For additions and renovations, detail the existing structure and footings that provide bearing for new work.
• Structural calculations, signed and sealed by a structural design professional, licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia, for those structural elements that exceed the tabular values set forth in the code, and for retaining walls with a difference in grade of greater than two feet.
• General notes and construction notes.

Mechanical Plans:

• New dwellings require heating/cooling load calculations, complete mechanical layout and the equipment list (type and size), prepared by a licensed HVAC contractor, or architect or mechanical engineer with sealed drawings.
• For alterations or additions to existing dwellings, the same requirements apply- however, the applicant has the option of attaching the Mechanical Plan Requirement Waiver form, signed by the property owner, to all sets of drawings. This allows the required information to bypass mechanical plan review and be reviewed at a later date by the field inspector at the time of the mechanical inspection.
• When adding or replacing exterior units, a scaled, certified plat is required.  It must clearly indicate the location of the new or replacement unit(s).

Plumbing:

• New houses will show the water service location and pipe size on the site/grading plan.
• Renovations and additions to existing dwellings may continue to use the existing water    service.
• Plumbing riser diagrams are not required, except for unusual features such as solar water   heating systems.
• All projects will show plumbing fixture layouts as part of the architectural plans.

Electrical:

• Compliance with the IRC for electrical is by field inspection only.
• DES will need to review any boxes, devices, switches, towers, conduit, etc. that will be installed within the right-of-way. Plans shall show the riser diagram and a profile of purposed equipment.

FEES:

Fees are assessed based on the type of work.  These fees have been authorized and approved by the County Board.

• Inspection Services Fees - Building and Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Cross Connection, and Elevator and Fire Protection System Fees
• Zoning Fees
• DES Fees - Drainage Fixture Unit and water service, Land Disturbance, and Right-of-Way