Permitting
Before beginning residential or commercial construction in Loudoun County, you must obtain permits from the appropriate county agencies and, if applicable, the appropriate agencies of the incorporated towns.
- Building permits are required for all new construction and remodeling projects.
- Zoning permits are required for most construction projects.
- The Department of Building and Development issues building permits and grading permits for the entire county, and zoning permits for properties located outside the incorporated towns.
- The Department of Building and Development also conducts building inspections.
- For information about building permits, contact the Department of Building and Development at 703-777-0220 (V/TTY).
- Decks and Basements
- Pools, Sheds, Alterations, and Additions
- Permits for Residential Construction
- Permits for Commercial Construction
- Additional Project Considerations
Decks and Finished Basements require permits. More information about how to apply is available at the links below.
Learn more about things to consider when hiring a contractor.
Permits are required for these types of residential projects. Learn more at the links below.
Learn more about things to consider when hiring a contractor.
Permits for Residential Construction
- Building Permit: Plans shall include a foundation plan, floor framing plan, roof framing plan, wall sections, floor plans, and elevations. Please note: If your property is served by a private well and septic system, four sets of plans are needed.
- Electrical Permit
- Gas Permit
- Grading Permit (PDF): Any land disturbance 5,000 square feet or more in Loudoun County will require a grading permit. Any land disturbance in zoned sensitive areas in Loudoun County, such as Mountain Side Overlay District, Limestone Overlay District, or Steep Slopes, even if the disturbance is under 5,000 square feet, may require a grading permit.
- Health Permit: If property is served by well or septic
- Mechanical Permit
- Occupancy Permit: New construction only
- Plumbing Permit
- Zoning Permit
Building, electrical, fire suppression, gas, plumbing and mechanical work each requires separate applications and permits. These permits will not be issued from the application and architectural plans submitted for a building permit.
Permits for Commercial Construction
- Building Permit: Architectural drawings and two copies of the site plan for new construction or additions
- Electrical Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Fire Suppression Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Gas Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Grading Permit (PDF): If disturbing 5,000 square feet or more
- Health Permit: Food Service Facilities and/or property served by private well / septic.
- Mechanical Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Occupancy Permit: New construction, additions, and tenant fit-ups
- Plumbing Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Soils Report: Two copies of a Type II Geotechnical Report for new construction
- Zoning Permit
Building, electrical, fire suppression, gas, plumbing and mechanical work each requires separate applications and permits. These permits will not be issued from the application and architectural plans submitted for a building permit.
Additional Project Considerations
Some parcels may have special considerations for a project.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas on Lot
Lots with environmentally sensitive areas may take longer to review and may require additional information from the applicant.
Health Department Approval
If a lot is served by well and septic, contact the Health Department to obtain approval before applying for permits.
Stormwater Easements
If there is a stormwater easement on your property, please email the Stormwater Team before applying for permits.
Conservation Easements
Some parcels have conservation easements that may limit what is permitted on a property. To search properties with permanent conservation easements, view this map (please note date of data currency). If you have questions about your Board of Supervisors (BOS) held easement, please email or call Office of Mapping & Geographic Information at 703-771-5778. Questions about easements held by other organizations should be directed to the holder of the easement.
To request copies of conservation easements and other legally recorded property documents, please email or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 703-737-8775 with the PIN and tax map #. Copies are $0.50/page, payment may be made over the phone by credit card and copies emailed. We recommend that landowners and prospective buyers review the terms of an easement with a land use and zoning attorney.
Requirements for Public Utilities
Call "Miss Utility" at 800-552-7001 before excavating to ensure that the construction does not interfere with underground utility lines."Miss Utility" is a free service to anyone who is planning to excavate. Utility companies support "Miss Utility" to prevent damage to their buried lines. Call at least 48 hours prior to excavating. The various companies will mark the path of underground utilities on your property.