Grading, easements and demolition across the DC area
When do grading, easements or tearing something down need approval? 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 | Disturbing more than 50 sq ft of soil needs an erosion and sediment control plan. Tearing down a building needs a raze permit, and historic properties get HPO review. |
| Montgomery County, MD | Land disturbance over 5,000 sq ft or 100 cubic yards needs a sediment control permit. Demolition needs a DPS permit and, on historic property, a HAWP. |
| Prince George's County, MD | On a developed lot, grading needs no permit if you disturb no more than 5,000 sq ft at a time and under 100 cubic yards, change grade by 12 in or less without altering drainage, and stabilize bare soil promptly (§ 32-127). In the Critical Area every grading job needs a permit. Demolition needs a DPIE permit, and a HAWP at historic sites. |
| Alexandria, VA | Erosion and sediment control rules exempt projects disturbing under 2,500 sq ft, unless there's a drainage swale, ditch or storm sewer on the disturbed land or grades exceed 10% (§ 5-4-5). Larger work needs a grading plan, which also triggers the 25% canopy rule. |
| 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. |
| Fairfax County, VA | Up to 2,500 sq ft of disturbance (and 18 in of cut or fill) needs no grading plan. Up to 5,000 sq ft for a house addition, accessory structure or demolition can go on a certified plat with silt controls. More needs an approved grading plan. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.