Grading, easements and demolition in Arlington County, VA
Disturbing 2,500 sq ft or more needs a Land Disturbing Activity permit (County Code Ch. 60). Teardowns and rebuilds in an RPA need county review.
A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.
The details
- Smaller work that is part of a plan of one acre or more still needs the permit.High confidence
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SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.
Common questions
- When do grading, easements or tearing something down need approval in Arlington County?
- Disturbing 2,500 sq ft or more needs a Land Disturbing Activity permit (County Code Ch. 60). Teardowns and rebuilds in an RPA need county review.
Sources
- Arlington County Code Ch. 2 (Animals and Fowl), Ch. 60 (Erosion and Stormwater), Ch. 67 (Trees and Shrubs); Zoning Ordinance § 12.7.1 (agriculture). Checked 2026-10-21
[§ 2-2] It shall be unlawful for the owner, possessor or manager of any fowl to permit the same to go upon and trespass upon the lands... owned, occupied or leased by any other person. [ACZO § 12.7.1] any livestock or poultry shall be kept in a building, st…
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.