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Pergolas, play sets and carports in Arlington County, VA

Gazebos and pergolas always count toward lot coverage, enclosed or not. Sheds and other accessory buildings count once over 150 sq ft or two stories.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.

The details

  • Playhouses up to 256 sq ft are exempt from the building permit.High confidence
  • Coverage rules from § 3.1.4.A.High confidence
  • In an RPA, a pergola needs county RPA review.High confidence

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Common questions

Do pergolas, play equipment and carports need permits in Arlington County?
Gazebos and pergolas always count toward lot coverage, enclosed or not. Sheds and other accessory buildings count once over 150 sq ft or two stories.

Sources

  1. Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, Exemptions from application for permit. Checked 2026-10-23
    2. One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet... 5. Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety as provided for by Section 3306 or used…
  2. Arlington County Zoning Ordinance § 3.1.4.A, lot coverage (effective June 13, 2026). Checked 2026-10-21
    Lot coverage is the percentage determined by dividing the area of a lot covered by... (b) The total footprints of accessory buildings that have either footprints larger than 150 square feet, or heights of two stories or more; (c) Driveways and parking pads …
  3. Arlington County, Resource Protection Area (RPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. Checked 2026-10-21
    [RPA review is required for] new or replaced fences and retaining walls; new paved surfaces, including gravel; decks, sheds, and pergolas; removing trees 3 inches or more in diameter... [A CBORC exception is required for] increasing impervious cover in the …

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.