Roof Replacement Permit in Arlington County, Virginia
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-19 · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pageIt depends
Quick answer
Arlington County publishes a table for residential roof covering replacement. No building permit is needed to replace the roof covering when existing decking is unchanged or when less than 256 square feet of decking is replaced. A permit is required when more than 256 square feet of decking is replaced, and always when the original construction required fire retardant treated lumber, as in many townhouses. For new plywood over existing decking the county directs homeowners to call the Permit Arlington Center.
Typical threshold: 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.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
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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
Roof decking replacement over 256 square feet
What roof replacement 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 | 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. |
| Chesterfield County | It depends | like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt statewide in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when roof sheathing or framing is replaced, and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas |
| Fairfax County | It depends | replacing 256 sq ft or more of roof plywood (decking) requires a permit; shingle-only replacement and under 256 sq ft plywood replacement are exempt |
| Fauquier County | It depends | like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt statewide in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when roof sheathing or framing is replaced, and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas |
| Henrico County | It depends | like-for-like replacement of roof covering on one- and two-family homes is exempt in areas with nominal design wind speed of 100 mph or less; a permit is required when more than 256 sq ft of roof sheathing (decking) is repaired or replaced and may be required in historic districts or flood hazard areas |
| Loudoun County | It depends | permit required if replacing more than 256 sq ft of roof decking or making structural changes or changing roofing materials |
| Prince William County | It depends | building permit required for replacement of more than 256 sq ft of roof decking; standard shingle re-roofing is exempt |
Closest roof replacement permit thresholds outside Virginia
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Arlington County's 256 sq ft.
- Howard County, Maryland, roof covering replacement with no other structural repairs is exempt, including up to 64 sq ft of roof sheathing; replacing more sheathing or any other structural repair requires a building permit
How to apply in Arlington County
A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- A recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- The materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 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
Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- Where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- An overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- Flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- A final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- Reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
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 Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Arlington County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: 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. Usually needed: Roof decking replacement over 256 square feet.
- 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 reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. 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. Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-19.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Arlington County?
- Arlington County publishes a table for residential roof covering replacement. No building permit is needed to replace the roof covering when existing decking is unchanged or when less than 256 square feet of decking is replaced. A permit is required when more than 256 square feet of decking is replaced, and always when the original construction required fire retardant treated lumber, as in many townhouses. For new plywood over existing decking the county directs homeowners to call the Permit Arlington Center. 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. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement 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 roof replacement 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 roof replacement 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | No size exemption is published for decks; new decks and deck modifications are treated as additions requiring a Residential Building Permit. | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule; |
| 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; |
| 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; |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Virginia localities
Official sources
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
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Virginia localities
Permit office
Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development, Inspection Services Division
703-228-3800Permit portal