Energy codes, green building and upkeep across the DC area
Which energy, green-building and property-maintenance rules apply to a house? The rules differ at every jurisdiction line. Here is the short answer for each.
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.
| Where | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | Houses follow the DC Construction Codes in 12 DCMR, including the 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code. The 2017 Green Construction Code and the Green Area Ratio mostly reach larger buildings, and the DC Property Maintenance Code governs upkeep of every home. |
| Montgomery County, MD | New houses and additions follow the county's adopted building and energy codes. Upkeep of existing homes is enforced under County Code Chapter 26, Housing and Building Maintenance Standards. |
| Prince George's County, MD | Houses follow the county building code (Subtitle 4), including its energy provisions. Subtitle 13 sets housing and property maintenance standards. Green building standards in Subtitle 27 attach to development applications, not single houses. |
| Alexandria, VA | New houses and additions follow the 2021 Virginia USBC (in force since January 18, 2024), including its energy provisions. Upkeep of existing homes is enforced by the city's Maintenance Code Division under the Virginia Maintenance Code: structure, heating and cooling, facilities, life safety, trash, tall grass and pests. |
| Arlington County, VA | Houses follow the Virginia USBC, including its energy provisions. Upkeep of existing homes is enforced under County Code Chapter 29, Building Maintenance Standards. |
| Fairfax County, VA | Houses follow the Virginia USBC (2021 edition), including its energy provisions. Code Compliance handles upkeep and occupancy problems in existing homes. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.