When does a patio, walkway, or driveway need a building permit in Arlington County?

A raised surface more than 30 in above grade is built and permitted as a deck. Virginia's building code doesn't regulate patios, walks and driveways laid on grade. Local zoning, land-disturbance and right-of-way rules can still apply.

Where do I apply for a patio, walkway, or driveway permit in Arlington County?

Apply through Arlington Permits portal, or call 703-228-3800.

Do you need a permit for a patio, walkway, or driveway in Arlington County, VA?

It depends on the details of your project.

In an RPA a new patio adds impervious cover and needs an exception from the review committee.

Disturbing more than 2,500 sq ft needs a Land Disturbing Activity permit.

Disturbing 2,500 sq ft or less needs no Land Disturbing Activity permit.

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

Permits a patio, walkway, or driveway can need in Arlington County

Permit	When it applies
Land Disturbing Activity / stormwater permit	Disturbing more than 2,500 sq ft of land needs an LDA permit with stormwater review.
Building permit	A raised surface more than 30 in above grade is built and permitted as a deck.Medium confidence
Floodplain development permit	Paving and fill in a FEMA special flood hazard area need a permit.
RPA review (Chesapeake Bay)	In an RPA, new or replaced fences and retaining walls, new paving, decks, sheds, pergolas and tree removal need county RPA review. New pools, patios and detached garages that add impervious cover need an exception from the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance Review Committee.
Certificate of Appropriateness (HALRB)	In a local historic district, exterior changes need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board.

Local details

Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.

How to apply

Common questions

When does a patio, walkway, or driveway need a building permit in Arlington County?: A raised surface more than 30 in above grade is built and permitted as a deck. Virginia's building code doesn't regulate patios, walks and driveways laid on grade. Local zoning, land-disturbance and right-of-way rules can still apply.
Where do I apply for a patio, walkway, or driveway permit in Arlington County?: Apply through Arlington Permits portal, or call 703-228-3800.

Sources

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 …
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…
44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
Arlington County, Certificate of Appropriateness. Checked 2026-10-23
A certificate of appropriateness (CoA) is required for all proposed exterior alterations, new construction and demolition within a local historic district, with the exception of routine maintenance, repairs and replacements using the same materials, interio…