Deck Permit in Arlington County, Virginia
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-19 · 3 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pagePermit required
Quick answer
Building a deck in Arlington County requires a Residential Building Permit, applied for online through Permit Arlington. The county publishes deck specific submission requirements including a scaled plat with setbacks, framing plans and minimum 24 inch footing depth. Decks higher than 4 feet also need elevation drawings and lot coverage information. Modifications to an existing deck are treated as additions and also need a permit.
Typical threshold: No size exemption is published for decks; new decks and deck modifications are treated as additions requiring a Residential Building Permit.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
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When a permit is usually needed
Any new deck or deck modification
What your deck permit must meet in Virginia
Under Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code, which adopts the 2021 International Residential Code, a residential deck must meet prescriptive rules for guards, stairs, footings, and how the deck ties to the house. These are the concrete numbers a homeowner needs before building.
- Guards are required wherever the deck floor is more than 30 inches above grade (measured 36 inches out from the deck edge), and those guards must be at least 36 inches tall.
- Guard and railing openings must be small enough that a 4-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening.
- Stairs are limited to a maximum riser height of 8 1/4 inches and a minimum tread depth of 9 inches, with individual steps not varying by more than 3/8 inch, and a minimum stair width of 36 inches.
- Any stairway with four or more risers must have a handrail on at least one side, mounted 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosing.
- Footings must bear on solid, undisturbed ground below the local frost line (24 inches below grade in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia), going deeper if solid ground is not reached, using concrete of at least 3,000 psi.
- The ledger board must be positively bolted to the house with 1/2-inch lag screws or through-bolts (not nails alone), be at least a 2x8 and no shallower than the deck joists, use continuous flashing, and may not be attached through brick veneer.
- Deck framing follows prescriptive span tables for joists, beams, and footings and is designed for a 40 psf live load (IRC R507).
Based on Virginia USBC / 2021 Virginia Residential Code (2021 IRC): R312 guards, R311.7 stairs, R403.1.4 footing depth, R507 decks. Read the code. Local amendments can be stricter; confirm the current requirement with your office before you build.
What deck permit costs in Arlington County
Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; paid online through Permit Arlington (eCheck free, cards 2.35 percent fee).
How Arlington County compares in Virginia
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington Countythis page | Permit required | No size exemption is published for decks; new decks and deck modifications are treated as additions requiring a Residential Building Permit. |
| Chesterfield County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Fairfax County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Henrico County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Loudoun County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Orange County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Prince William County | It depends | building permit required if deck floor is 16.5 inches or more above finished grade |
How to apply in Arlington County
A residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- A permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- A scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- A deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- A section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division sets the exact checklist for Arlington County.
Where to apply in Arlington County:
Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division
- Permit Arlington Center, First Floor, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
- Phone: 703-228-3800
Inspections and closing out your permit
Deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Arlington County permit portal or by phone at 703-228-3800.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for Arlington County
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Typical threshold: No size exemption is published for decks; new decks and deck modifications are treated as additions requiring a Residential Building Permit. Usually needed: Any new deck or deck modification.
- Budget the fee. Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; paid online through Permit Arlington (eCheck free, cards 2.35 percent fee). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the Arlington County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division. Phone: 703-228-3800. Address: Permit Arlington Center, First Floor, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201.
- Plan for inspections. Deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-19.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in Arlington County?
- Building a deck in Arlington County requires a Residential Building Permit, applied for online through Permit Arlington. The county publishes deck specific submission requirements including a scaled plat with setbacks, framing plans and minimum 24 inch footing depth. Decks higher than 4 feet also need elevation drawings and lot coverage information. Modifications to an existing deck are treated as additions and also need a permit. Always confirm with the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in Arlington County?
- Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; paid online through Permit Arlington (eCheck free, cards 2.35 percent fee). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in Arlington County?
- You can apply through the Arlington County permit portal or contact the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a deck permit themselves in Arlington County?
- Under Virginia law (Va. Code 54.1-1101(A); 13VAC5-63-80 (USBC Sections 108.3, 108.4)): Yes. Va. Code 54.1-1101(A) exempts any person who performs or supervises construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by them and for their own use during any 24-month period. The exemption covers the whole licensing chapter, including tradesman licensing for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, so it reaches trade work on the owner's own primary residence. Under the USBC the permit applicant may be the owner or the owner's agent, and an applicant may file a written statement that they are not subject to licensure instead of proof of license. Limits: one primary residence per 24 months, for the owner's own use; rental and investment property work is not covered. Confirm how Arlington County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Arlington County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Like for like replacement of switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures and similar elements of the same type, size and location is exempt unless located in plenums or penetrating fire rated or smoke protected construction. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Arlington requires a fence permit for any new or replacement fence not part of a larger permitted project; the state building code exempts fences from a building permit unless they serve as a swimming pool barrier or are required for pedestrian safety. | Fees per FY27 Planning and Zoning fee schedule; |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Replacement of mechanical equipment of the same type, size and location is exempt unless the equipment is fueled by gas, in which case a Plumbing/Gas Permit is required; outdoor equipment locations still need zoning approval. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Arlington lists no patio building permit type; a Land Disturbing Activity/Stormwater permit is required when total land disturbance equals or exceeds 2,500 square feet. | LDA/SWM fees per FY27 DES fee schedule; |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Replacement of fixtures, appliances or piping of the same type, size and location on equipment not fueled by gas is exempt; work on gas fueled equipment always requires a permit and inspections. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule plus DES drainage fixture unit fees where applicable; |
| Pool Permit | It depends | Under USBC 108.2 a swimming pool is exempt only when its surface area is not greater than 150 square feet and it is less than 24 inches deep; otherwise building and trade permits are required. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Replacing roof covering alone or with less than 256 square feet of roof decking replaced needs no permit; replacing more than 256 square feet of decking requires a building permit, and decking originally required to be fire retardant treated always requires a permit. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
| Shed Permit | It depends | One story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures are exempt from a building permit when the building area does not exceed 256 square feet. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Residential solar electric systems require both an electrical permit and a building permit; no size exemption is published. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
Deck Permit in other Virginia localities
Official sources
- https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Building/Permits/Residential
- https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Building/Review-Processes/Residential
- https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Building/Permits
- https://www.grafton-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17797/2021-IRC-Residential-Deck-Guide
- https://www.spearfish.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5233/Residential-Deck-handout-PDF
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/landdevelopment/sites/landdevelopment/files/assets/documents/pdf/publications/deck-details.pdf
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-19, not confirmed with Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-19Report an error on this page
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Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division
703-228-3800Permit portalCompare
Deck Permit across Virginia