Do you need a permit for a pergola, play set, or carport in Arlington County, VA?
It depends on the details of your project.
Pergolas and gazebos count toward Arlington's lot-coverage cap, enclosed or not, with or without a foundation.
An open pergola is a structure, not a building, so on an interior lot it must stay 25 ft from the rear line and 10 ft (8 ft on one side) from the side lines.
A flat trellis up to 8 ft tall and 8 ft long may sit in a side or rear yard, 18 in from the line.
A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.
Check your exact lot
Your zoning district sets the setbacks, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.
Permits a pergola, play set, or carport can need in Arlington County
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Building permit | Carports, attached pergolas and detached structures over 256 sq ft need a building permit.Medium confidence |
| Electrical permit | Lights, fans or outlets need an electrical permit.Medium confidence |
| Floodplain development permit | Structures in a FEMA special flood hazard area need a floodplain 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. |
Limits that apply citywide
| Lot coverage | Gazebos and pergolas count toward lot coverage, enclosed or unenclosed; play equipment doesn't |
|---|---|
| Rear setback (open pergola, carport) | 25 ft from the rear line on interior lots; an open structure isn't an accessory building, so the 1 ft accessory-building rule doesn't applyMedium confidence |
| Side setback (open pergola, carport) | 10 ft, or 8 ft on one side; both side yards together at least 30% of the required lot widthMedium confidence |
| Front setback | 25 ft from the street right-of-way (less where the block's average or the 15 ft rule allows) |
| Trellis | A single-plane trellis up to 8 ft tall and 8 ft long may sit in a side or rear yard, at least 18 in from the line |
| Enclosed gazebo | A gazebo with walls and a roof is an accessory building: under 25 ft and 1 1/2 stories and 560 sq ft (R-5, R-6) or 650 sq ft (other districts), its eave may come within 1 ft of a side or rear line (10 ft from the rear on a corner lot), 8 ft from the houseMedium confidence |
Local details
- Arlington's Zoning Ordinance has no yard exception for pergolas, so the county's reading of 'structure' versus 'accessory building' decides where an open pergola can go. Confirm with the Zoning Office before you build within 25 ft of the rear line.
- 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 pergola, play set, or carport need a building permit in Arlington County?
- Carports, attached pergolas and detached structures over 256 sq ft need a building permit. One-story detached playhouses and similar structures up to 256 sq ft are exempt (USBC 108.2 item 2). Play equipment isn't a building.
- Where do I apply for a pergola, play set, or carport permit in Arlington County?
- Apply through Arlington Permits portal, or call 703-228-3800.
Sources
- 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, 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 …
- 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…
- Arlington County Zoning Ordinance § 3.2.6.A.2(c), accessory buildings in R districts. Checked 2026-10-20
No accessory buildings of two or more stories, or taller than 25 feet shall occupy any part of a required rear yard nor shall any wall of such accessory building be located closer than 10 feet to any lot line... for new construction of accessory buildings w…
- Arlington County Zoning, Lot Coverage. Checked 2026-10-22
The Zoning Ordinance includes, but is not limited to the following items in lot coverage calculations: Main buildings (resting directly or indirectly on the ground), detached garages and accessory buildings; Paved driveways and parking pads; Pergolas; In-gr…