Arlington County

Arlington County's permit pages don't spell out metal carports, so before you order one, call Zoning at 703-228-3883, the county's listed line for setbacks and accessory structures. For an Arlington County carport permit, expect the Residential Building Permit route through the online Permit Arlington system, since carports aren't on the state's exemption list. Near a stream, a detached building can hit a much bigger hurdle than the permit itself.

Permit office: Permit Arlington Center (Inspection Services Division and Zoning Division)
Address: 2100 Clarendon Blvd., First Floor, Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-228-3800
Official county page

When a permit is required

• Residential Building Permit, submitted online through Permit Arlington, for projects that aren't exempt.
• Zoning review of setbacks and lot coverage as part of that permit.
• Chesapeake Bay Ordinance Review Committee (CBORC) exception for a new detached building or shed in a Resource Protection Area.
• Land Disturbing Activities (LDA) permit if you disturb more than 2,500 square feet of soil.

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning reviewers check setbacks and lot coverage, and the residential permit checklist asks for building height information, front, side and rear elevations, and lot coverage numbers. We aren't quoting setback distances here because we could not read the Zoning Ordinance itself, so get yours from the Zoning line.

What to bring

• Certified plat or house location plat
• Scaled plans at least 11 x 17 inches
• Foundation plan and footing details, with footings at least 24 inches deep
• Water Quality Impact Assessment form, if you're in a Resource Protection Area

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. The county pages we read give no local farm procedure, so talk to Zoning first if you think this applies to your lot.

Good to know

The Resource Protection Area rules cover land within 100 feet of a stream, and buffers can run wider near slopes over 25 percent. Questions go to RPAreview@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4488. Walk-in hours at the Permit Arlington Center are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, closing at noon every third Wednesday.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Arlington County?
Most likely, but the county doesn't post a carport rule on its residential permit page, so confirm with Zoning. The state's exemption list doesn't include carports, and an Arlington County carport permit would go in through Permit Arlington.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Arlington County?
A garage over the state's 256 square foot shed exemption needs a permit. A smaller one-story detached shed can skip the building permit under state rules, but in a Resource Protection Area even a small shed needs a CBORC exception.

Sources

• Arlington County: Residential Building Permit
• Arlington County: Residential Building Permit Plan Review Process
• Arlington County: Contact the Permit Arlington Center
• Arlington County: About (Inspection Services)
• Arlington County: Resource Protection Area, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance

Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.

See the full Virginia permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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