Do You Need A Permit To Build A Deck In Arlington?

TL;DR

• Decks over 30 inches high or 200 square feet need a permit in Arlington.
• You’ll need drawings, inspections, and county approval.
• Ground patios follow different rules from elevated decks.

Building a deck sounds simple until paperwork enters the chat. Arlington County has rules, and you’ll want to get them right before hammering a single nail.

We’ll break down everything. When permits are required, what documents to submit, what inspections to expect, and how patios differ from raised decks. It’s your shortcut to doing it right.

Why Decks Are In Demand

In Arlington, decks aren’t just popular, they’re practical. Buyers want them, homeowners enjoy them, and they boost property value. That demand drives the need for proper permitting and safe construction.

Outdoor Living Boosts Home Appeal

• Decks add usable space for dining, relaxing, and hosting.
• Buyers increasingly prioritize outdoor amenities in listings.
• A clean, well-built deck becomes a key selling feature.

More Families Are Staying Put

• Instead of moving, many choose to expand and upgrade.
• Decks offer a simple way to increase square footage.
• Permitted builds protect investments and long-term home value.

Arlington’s Density Makes Outdoor Space Valuable

• Not every lot can support full additions or sunrooms.
• Decks use vertical space efficiently.
• Elevated options provide views while preserving ground area.

Decks are one of Arlington’s top remodeling choices, just make sure yours is permitted and done right.

Permit Requirements In Arlington County

Some projects slide under the radar, but many don’t. Knowing what size or style triggers a permit keeps you ahead of the game and out of trouble with the county.

Height & Size Guidelines

• Decks over 30 inches require a permit.
• Larger than 200 square feet? You need approval.
• Smaller platforms might be exempt, but confirm first.

Attachment & Structure Rules

• Decks connected to your home nearly always need permits.
• Detached ground structures qualify as patios.
• Add-ons like stairs, railings, or a roof change the rules.

Zoning & Location Factors

• Your yard might have setback rules.
• Easements and right-of-way areas limit placement.
• Overlays like historic districts add requirements.

Failing to meet these thresholds doesn’t just risk delays, it could cost you time, money, or your entire build.

How To Apply For A Deck Permit

Arlington’s digital process saves time, but it still requires precision. You can’t upload a napkin sketch and expect approval; plans need to be clear and thorough.

Submitting Via Permit Arlington

• Visit the Permit Arlington Portal and create an account.
• Start a residential deck permit application.
• Upload all requested documents before submitting.

Required Documentation

• Site plan drawn to scale.
• Structural drawings with framing and hardware details.
• Product sheets for materials (especially railings or fasteners).

Fees & Processing Time

• The fee amount depends on the estimated cost.
• Most simple permits are clear in under 2 weeks.
• Complicated builds can take 3+ weeks.

An organized submission is the easiest way to speed up the process and avoid repeated requests for more details.

Inspections Every Deck Project Needs

Don’t skip inspections, they’re legally required and make sure your build is safe. Schedule them at the right stages or risk tearing part of the project down later.

Footing Inspection

• Required before pouring concrete.
• Must show proper depth and diameter.
• Location and spacing must match approved plans.

Framing Inspection

• Happens before the installation of decking boards.
• Checks ledger attachment, beam spans, and fastener types.
• Poor hardware or spacing is a common fail point.

Final Inspection

• After the deck is complete.
• Verifies railing height, stair specs, and overall safety.
• No final inspection = no official approval.

Inspections may feel like a hassle, but they protect you and your wallet in the long run.

The Rules Differ For Patios Vs. Elevated Decks

They might serve the same purpose, but patios and decks aren’t twins. The difference affects permits, costs, and even property taxes down the road.

What Qualifies As A Patio

• Built directly on the ground (no posts).
• Often made from pavers or poured concrete.
• Usually exempt from building permits.

How Elevated Decks Add Complexity

• Built above ground, supported by posts.
• Involve structure, weight calculations, and railings.
• Can affect your home’s value or zoning footprint.

Permit Thresholds For Each

• Ground patios under 200 sq ft often skip permits.
• Decks over 30 inches high require one.
• Raised patios may fall in between; ask the county.

Knowing the difference early will help you budget and plan better for inspections and materials.

What Can Cause Permit Delays?

Even pros get stuck when documents aren’t clear or construction drifts from the plan. Here’s where most homeowners run into trouble during the permit phase.

Incomplete Drawings

• Missing measurements or labels.
• No details on fasteners or supports.
• Sketches instead of technical drawings.

Failed Inspections

• Incorrect footing depth.
• Improper railing spacing or height.
• Ledger board not flashed correctly.

Application Missteps

• Wrong permit category selected.
• Missing owner signature or contractor info.
• Using outdated codes or templates.

Taking an extra hour to double-check plans and steps can save weeks of delay and frustration.

What If You Build Without A Permit?

Skipping permits might seem faster until inspectors catch it. Then it’s fines, tear-down orders, or worse. Here’s why cutting corners isn’t worth it.

Legal Risks

• Stop-work orders may be issued.
• Retrofitting permits is harder than getting them first.
• Illegal work can void insurance coverage.

Financial Penalties

• Fines range from hundreds to thousands.
• You may have to demo the deck completely.
• Court fees or contractor penalties may follow.

Home Sale Complications

• Unpermitted work shows up in disclosures.
• Sales can stall or fail due to code violations.
• Title companies often flag missing approvals.

Shortcuts now often mean bigger bills and longer delays later. Permits are annoying, but they protect your investment.

Work With The Right Deck Contractor

The contractor you hire can make or break this process. Great ones handle permitting, paperwork, and inspections so you don’t have to sweat the details.

What To Look For

• Licensed in Virginia.
• Familiar with Arlington County requirements.
• Transparent about permitting and timelines.

Red Flags

• “We don’t need a permit for that.”
• No physical address or business license.
• Vague about material types or timelines.

Questions To Ask

• Who pulls the permit, you or them?
• Do you include inspections in your timeline?
• What happens if the county rejects our plan?

Hiring the right contractor means fewer delays, fewer surprises, and a better deck overall.

Terms Every Homeowner Should Know