VIRGINIA — FULL PERMIT GUIDE

For Homeowners, Landlords & Business Owners

Virginia follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) so the rules are more consistent across counties.

Residential Permits in Virginia

Home Projects Requiring Permits

Interior Work

• Basement finishing

• Removing structural walls

• Adding bathrooms/bedrooms

• Fireplace installation

• Attic conversions

• Home additions

Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical

• Service panel upgrades

• New circuits

• Rewiring

• New plumbing lines

• Sewer/water lines

• HVAC system installation

Exterior Work

• Deck installation (strict engineering rules)

• Porch/sunroom additions

• Garages (attached or detached)

• Roofing (many counties require permits)

• New window/door openings

• Retaining walls

• Pools, spas, hot tubs

Projects Typically Not Requiring Permits

• Painting

• Flooring

• Appliance replacement (same connections)

• Cabinet swaps

• Minor interior repairs

Commercial Permits in Virginia

Commercial Projects Requiring Permits

• Office renovations

• Restaurant/kitchen construction

• Retail store buildouts

• Fire alarms & sprinklers

• Changing business use

• Spa, salon, and barber shop buildouts

• Signs

• Medical or dental clinic construction

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Required when:

• Opening a new business

• Changing tenant

• Changing layout

• Changing use (example: home → commercial)

  
  

  Popular VA Counties

  
  

🔹 Fairfax County

• Detailed plan review

• Strict deck and structural requirements

  
  

🔹 Arlington County

• Heavy zoning review

• Limited parking rules for businesses

🔹 Alexandria City

• Restaurants require health, ventilation & fire review

🔹 Prince William County

• Faster turnaround times

🔹 Loudoun County

• Lots of commercial development & new businesses