Pergolas, play sets and carports across the DC area
Do pergolas, play equipment and carports need permits? 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 | Swings and play equipment are exempt. Pergolas, gazebos and carports need a building permit and follow the accessory building rules. |
| Montgomery County, MD | Play equipment, playhouses and treehouses need no permit. Pergolas, gazebos and carports are accessory structures and need one. |
| Prince George's County, MD | Pergolas, gazebos and carports count as your one exempt accessory structure if under 150 sq ft. Otherwise they need a permit. |
| Alexandria, VA | Arbors, trellises and pergolas may stand in any yard if no more than 10 ft tall and 80% open. Play equipment may go in any yard except the primary front yard. |
| 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. |
| Fairfax County, VA | Pergolas, gazebos, play sets and treehouses follow the freestanding accessory structure rules by height. Two small trellises may stand in the front setback. Play equipment counts toward the rear setback coverage cap. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.