Commercial & Residential Construction Permits

The Inspection Services Division can answer your questions about when and what permits are required. Permits may be necessary for building, electrical work, plumbing and gas, mechanical systems, fire protection systems, and other types of commercial and residential activities. Find out more by using the links below, or contacting Inspection Services at 703-228-3800, or by visiting their website.

Parking Permits

Through the Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP), Arlington issues three types of parking permits:

• vehicle-specific permits (decal for left rear bumper),
• a FlexPass (dashboard placard)
• a short-term visitor pass (tag hung from rear-view mirror)

Only neighborhood residents with County-issued permits and their visitors may park on streets (indicated by red and white "Permit Parking" street signs) during restricted parking hours. Vehicles not displaying the proper permit risk ticketing and towing.  More details at http://dts-arlwebdb-s1:9992/Rhythmyx/assembler/render?sys_revision=10&sys_folderid=13008&sys_authtype=0&sys_context=0&sys_contentid=46187&sys_variantid=525 including how to apply with a paper application or online.

More Information

Building, Construction, & Inspection Information  

Certificate of Occupancy, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance compliance, Code & Design Criteria, Code Modifications, Commercial Checklist, Construction Equipment, Fees, Inspection Status (search by permit number or permit address), Permit Manager (check inspection results, comments on inspections, schedule inspections), Permits Library (forms, applications manuals), Plan Reviews, Public Right-of-Way (PROW), Residential Checklist, Restaurants, Schedule An Inspection, Trade Inspections, Use Permit, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), When is a Permit Required? (building, electrical, elevators, fire protection systems, mechanical, plumbing and gas work, other)

Business  

Business License Tax Program, Child Care, Commercial Filming Permit, Dance Halls, Fees, Food Code, Food Establishment License, Home Occupation, Hotel & Motel Establishment, Information for New Businesses, Massage Therapist, Mobile Food Unit & Vendor License, Public Right-of-Way (PROW), Safety Requirements for Public Events, Special Event Application (100KB PDF format), Swimming Pool, Temporary Food License (e.g., fairs and festivals)

Parking  

Construction Equipment, Parking Placards and Plates for Virginians With Disabilities, How To Obtain Zone Parking Permits and Passes, iPark (pre-paid in-car meter), Parking FAQ, Parking Meter Guide, ParkSmart Cards(pre-paid for street meters), Parking Tickets, Petitions (Forms) for RPPP Zoning, Report Broken Meter, Residential Permit Parking Program (RPPP)  (zoned permits), RPPP Online Application, Street Parking Guidelines, Towing, Towing Complaint Form (393 KB PDF format), Towing FAQ, Zone Parking Map (3.4 MB PDF format)

Personal  

Block Party Permit, Dog License, Home Occupation, Public Right-of-Way (PROW), Safety Requirements for Public Events, Special Event & Demonstration Application (100KB, PDF format ), Submittal of Residential Plans, Swimming Pool, Vehicle Registration, Virginia Driver's License, Virginia Marriage License, Vital Records (birth, death, marriage/divorce), Work Permits (14 or 15 years of age)

Responsible Departments  

Code of Virginia, County Decal (assessed by Commissioner of the Revenue, paid to the Treasurer's Office), Development & Zoning Applications (CPHD), Dog License (Treasurer's Office), Miss Utility of Virginia®, Parking Review Office (Police), Permitting & Inspections Office (DES), Permits Guide (DES), Permits Information Center (CPHD), Planning Commission (citizen advisory board), Residential Permit Parking Program (RPPP) (DES, Treasurer's Office), Safety Requirements for Public Events (Fire, Police), Vehicle Registration (Commissioner of the Revenue), Virginia Driver's License (VA DMV), Virginia Marriage License (Arlington Circuit Court), Zoning Administration (CPHD)