Building Permit Guides (2026)

Harford County Shed Permit Cost (2026)

$20 flat at 200 sq ft and under (no inspection); $0.15/sq ft + $100 application fee above. Official DILP schedule.

Chesapeake, VA Live

Chesapeake Pool Permit Cost (2026)

In-ground pool $275 all-in; above-ground $198.50. Itemized flat fee. Official schedule revised Dec 31, 2025.

Montgomery County Deck Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $194.67 for decks 500 sq ft or under; $0.767865/sq ft above. No Maryland state levy. FY2022 DPS schedule.

Carroll County Deck Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $60 at any size (category B). No Maryland state levy. Deck electrical is a separate permit. 2021 fee schedule.

Carroll County Finished Basement Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $85 at any value (category C). No Maryland state levy. Electrical and plumbing are separate permits. 2021 fee schedule.

Carroll County Pool Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $120 in-ground · $60 above-ground (category D). No Maryland state levy. Pool electrical is a separate permit. 2021 fee schedule.

Harford County Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $175 residential · $275 commercial. No Maryland state levy or technology fee. Current DILP schedule, effective 2025.

Montgomery County Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $156.82 residential demolition. No Maryland state levy or technology fee. DPS schedule (FY2022 printed date - verify current).

Montgomery County Shed Permit Cost (2026)

$118.96 flat up to 200 sq ft, then $0.767865/sq ft. No Maryland state levy. DPS schedule (FY2022 printed date - verify current).

Montgomery County Finished Basement Permit Cost (2026)

Alteration rate $0.681345/sq ft + 50% filing fee (min $286.60). ~$1,022 for 1,000 sq ft. DPS schedule (FY2022 - verify current).

Montgomery County Retaining Wall Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $194.67 at any length or height. No Maryland state levy. DPS schedule (FY2022 printed date - verify current).

Montgomery County Addition Permit Cost (2026)

$0.767865/sq ft + filing fee (50% or $286.60). ~$593.75 for a 400 sq ft addition. DPS schedule (FY2022 - verify current).

Baltimore County, MD Live

Baltimore County Solar Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $79 at any system size. No Maryland state levy. Electrical interconnection separate. PAI schedule (2018 printed date - verify current).

Baltimore County, MD Live

Baltimore County Deck Permit Cost (2026)

$85 up to 600 sq ft, $119 over. No Maryland state levy. Deck electrical separate. PAI schedule (2018 printed date - verify current).

Carroll County Solar Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $60 (category F) at any system size. No Maryland state levy. Electrical interconnection separate. 2021 schedule - verify current.

Montgomery County Pool Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $313.64 in-ground (fence included) · $232.52 above-ground. No Maryland state levy. FY2022 DPS schedule.

Montgomery County Fence Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $77.87 fence permit. No Maryland state levy. Height and zoning limits set by county code. FY2022 DPS schedule.

Harford County Pool Permit Cost (2026)

In-ground $200 + $0.10/ft fence (about $215) · above-ground or hot tub $160. No Maryland state levy. Official DILP schedule.

Spotsylvania County, VA Live

Spotsylvania County Pool Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $430 in-ground · $150 above-ground or hot tub · $240 above-ground with deck, plus an $80 or $45 processing fee. Schedule effective July 1, 2025.

Harford County Fence Permit Cost (2026)

$20 for a fence up to 250 ft, plus $0.10/ft over 250. No Maryland state levy, no tech fee. Official DILP schedule.

Montgomery County Solar Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $227.12 rooftop solar building permit. No Maryland state levy. Electrical interconnection separate. FY2022 DPS schedule.

Virginia Permit Cost Guide

How permit fees work in Virginia

Fairfax: $688.50 for $15K deck

Deck Permit Cost in Virginia

Fairfax: $688.50 · Loudoun: ~$402.90

$15,000 deck · 2 jurisdictions

Pool Permit Cost in Virginia (2026)

Fairfax $413.10 all-in · Chesterfield $108.14 · Henrico $255 for a $30k pool. Flat fee vs value-based formulas compared.

Norfolk Pool Permit Cost (2026)

In-ground $192.50 all-in · Above-ground $116 · Pool barrier $116 separate. Flat-fee schedule with electrical and plumbing trade permits explained.

Fairfax Pool Permit Cost (2026)

In-ground $413.10 all-in · Flat $270 + 50% plan review + 2% levy. Pool barrier filed as alteration; trade permits priced separately.

Richmond Pool Permit Cost (2026)

$30k pool ~ $237.62 all-in · $63 base + $6.07/$1,000 over $2,000 + 2% state levy. Same value formula for all residential work.

Richmond Deck Permit Cost (2026)

$15k deck ~ $144.75 all-in · Value-based formula, no separate plan review, no fee cap. Source-age caveat: June 2022 schedule.

Chesterfield Shed Permit Cost (2026)

257-400 sq ft = $114 + $50 env eng + 2% levy ~ $166.28 all-in · Sheds 256 sq ft and under: no permit required.

Henrico Pool Permit Cost (2026)

$30k pool = $255 all-in · $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula, capped at $680. Verified December 2025 schedule.

Chesterfield Deck Permit Cost (2026)

$166.28 all-in flat · $114 building permit + $50 env eng site inspection + 2% levy on $114. Same fee at any deck value.

Virginia Beach City Live

Virginia Beach Deck Permit Cost (2026)

400 sq ft uncovered deck = $102.32 all-in · $50 + $4/100 sq ft + $25 counter plan review + $10 tech + 2% levy. Cheapest in VA cluster.

Norfolk Deck Permit Cost (2026)

200 sq ft uncovered deck = $152.00 all-in · 3-tier flat schedule ($50/$100/$125 by area) + $35 plan review + $15 processing + 2% levy. July 2021 source.

Washington DC Pool Permit Cost (2026)

Pool up to 15,000 gal = $286.00 all-in · $260 base + 10% Enhanced Fee. Larger pools add $33 per 1,000 gal. Live DOB rate, plumbing and electrical trades separate.

Fairfax Shed Permit Cost (2026)

Sheds 256 sq ft and under exempt · 260 sq ft with electrical = $550.80 all-in · 3% of value + 50% PR + 2% levy. Trade permits filed separately.

Loudoun Deck Permit Cost (2026)

Any deck under 1,000 sq ft = $402.90 all-in · bundled $395 flat (building + plan review + zoning) + 2% levy. Same fee regardless of size or value. July 2022 schedule.

Prince William County Live

Prince William Deck Permit Cost (2026)

Deck 250 sq ft or under = $107.24 all-in · deck over 250 sq ft = $266.31 all-in. Surcharge stack baked into printed totals. FY26 schedule, effective July 1, 2025.

Alexandria Live

Alexandria Deck Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $100 base for any deck · about $132 all-in with the city's ~30% surcharge stack (estimated). FY26 Permit Center schedule, effective July 1, 2025.

Loudoun Shed Permit Cost (2026)

Any shed under 1,000 sq ft = $402.90 all-in · bundled $395 flat + 2% levy. Same fee regardless of size or value. July 2022 schedule, source-age caveat applies.

Norfolk Shed Permit Cost (2026)

320 sq ft shed = $101.00 all-in · $0.15/sq ft (min $50) + $35 plan review + $15 processing + 2% levy. Cheapest verified VA jurisdiction for small sheds. July 2021 source.

Henrico Shed Permit Cost (2026)

320 sq ft at $8k = $120.36 all-in · $100 base + $6/$1,000 over $5,000, capped $680 + 2% levy. Value-based formula; cap activates at $116,667. Verified Dec 2025.

DC Shed Permit Cost (2026)

Any new shed = $71.50 all-in · flat $65 Section a + 10% DOB Enhanced. Size-independent, value-independent. Cheapest DMV jurisdiction. Verified live April 2026.

Loudoun Addition Permit Cost (2026)

Any addition under 1,000 sq ft = $402.90 all-in · bundled $395 + 2% levy. Over 1,000 sq ft: 1% of value + $335 PR + 2% levy. July 2022 schedule, source-age caveat applies.

DC Addition Permit Cost (2026)

Priced as new construction: $0.03/cubic foot + $0.002/sq ft GBF + 10% Enhanced. 500 sq ft sunroom $133.10. 800 sq ft addition $212.96. Volume-based, not value-based.

DC Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

4-tier formula. Tier 3: $30 + 2% value + 10% Enhanced + 0.13% Green Building Fee. $30k kitchen $735.90. $50k whole-home $1,204.50. Bundled plan review.

Fairfax Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

3% of value + 50% plan review + 2% state levy = ~4.59% effective rate, uncapped. $15k bathroom $688.50. $30k kitchen $1,377. $50k whole-home $2,295. Min $110.16.

Henrico Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

$100 base + $6/$1k over $5k, capped $680 + 2% levy. $30k kitchen $255. High-value alterations capped at $693.60 all-in. Cheapest verified DMV jurisdiction for luxury renovations.

Virginia Statewide Live

Virginia Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

9x cost spread across 6 verified VA jurisdictions. $30k kitchen: Norfolk $152, Henrico $255, Loudoun $402.90, Fairfax $1,377. Pricing-method comparison + worked examples.

Richmond Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

$63 + $6.07/$1k over $2k + 2% levy. $15k bathroom $144.75. $30k kitchen $237.62. $100k gut $671.02. Uncapped 0.607% slope. June 2022 schedule.

Virginia Beach Live

Virginia Beach Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

$50 + $5/$1k + $100 PR + $10 tech + 2% on BP. $15k bathroom $237.50. $30k kitchen $314. $100k gut $671. July 2025 schedule (most current).

Norfolk Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $100 BP + $35 PR + $15 + 2% on BP = $152 all-in regardless of value. Cheapest verified DMV at any value over $9.5k. Re-roof/siding need no permit.

Loudoun Alteration Permit Cost (2026)

Bundled $395 (BP+PR+zoning) + 2% levy = $402.90 all-in under 1,000 sq ft. Over 1,000 sq ft: 1% formula + $335 PR. Bundled structure unique in DMV.

Virginia Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

Cross-jurisdiction guide. $66 (Norfolk flat) to $2,295 (Fairfax 3% formula) for $50k demolition. 4 verified VA jurisdictions plus DC compared.

Fairfax Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

3% of declared value + 50% plan review + 2% levy. $8k garage $367.20 (Appendix Q example). $15k house $688.50. $50k full home $2,295. Uncapped.

Henrico Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

$100 base + $6/$1k over $5k, capped $680, + 2% levy. $5k $102; $15k $163.20; $50k $377.40. Cap activates at $101,667 declared. $693.60 ceiling.

Richmond Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $184 + 2% levy = $187.68 all-in regardless of declared value. Separate from Richmond's value-based formula. June 2022 schedule.

Norfolk Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $50 BP + $15 processing + 2% on $50 = $66 all-in. Cheapest verified VA demolition jurisdiction at any declared value. July 2021 schedule.

Virginia Garage Permit Cost (2026)

Detached garage fees by jurisdiction: Fairfax from $110.16 (per sq ft), Henrico $163.20-$438.60 (by value), Chesterfield flat $340.70, DC $71.50.

Fairfax Garage Permit Cost (2026)

Per-sq-ft new construction ($0.143/sq ft wood frame, $72 min) + 50% PR + 2% levy. Most detached garages hit the $110.16 floor; 720 sq ft $157.53.

Henrico Garage Permit Cost (2026)

$100 + $6/$1k over $5k, capped $680, + 2% levy. $15k $163.20; $25k $224.40; $60k $438.60. Cap activates at $101,667 declared. $693.60 ceiling.

Chesterfield Garage Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $285 BP + $50 Environmental Engineering + 2% levy = $340.70 all-in, the same at any garage size or declared value. FY2025-2026 schedule.

DC Garage Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $65 + 10% DOB Enhanced = $71.50 all-in for a standard detached garage. Cheapest DMV jurisdiction. Large garages may reclassify to $0.03/cu ft.

Virginia Roof Permit Cost (2026)

Re-roof permit costs by jurisdiction for a $15,000 job: Fairfax $688.50, DC $384.45, Virginia Beach $237.50, Richmond $144.75. Norfolk requires no permit ($0).

Fairfax Roof Permit Cost (2026)

Full re-roof billed at 3% of value + 50% plan review + 2% levy. A $15,000 re-roof is $688.50 all-in; the floor is $110.16. Repair under 25% may be exempt.

Norfolk Roof Permit Cost (2026)

Norfolk requires no permit for a residential re-roof ($0) - the rare VA exception. Structural roof framing files as a $152 alteration; commercial re-roof $150.

DC Roof Permit Cost (2026)

Re-roof follows the alteration tier formula: $30 + 2% of value + 10% Enhanced Fee + 0.13% Green Building Fee. A $15,000 re-roof totals $384.45 all-in.

Fairfax Fence Permit Cost (2026)

Most residential fences need no permit ($0, under 7 feet). Over 7 feet, in a floodplain, or in a historic district: 3% of value, with a $110.16 floor.

DC Fence Permit Cost (2026)

Every private-property fence needs a permit in DC, but the fee is a flat $33 + 10% Enhanced = $36.30 - regardless of fence size, height, or material.

Virginia Retaining Wall Permit Cost (2026)

Retaining wall fees by jurisdiction for a $10,000 wall: Chesterfield flat $116.28, Fairfax $459 (3% of value), DC $506 ($46 per $1,000 of cost).

Fairfax Retaining Wall Permit Cost (2026)

Walls over 4 feet need a permit: 3% of value + 50% plan review + 2% levy. A $6,500 wall is $298.35 all-in; the floor is $110.16.

Chesterfield Retaining Wall Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $114 building permit + 2% levy = $116.28 all-in for any retaining wall, whatever its value. A $50 site-inspection fee may apply.

DC Retaining Wall Permit Cost (2026)

Billed at $46 per $1,000 of construction cost + 10% Enhanced Fee. A $10,000 wall totals $506 all-in. No Green Building Fee on this line.

Virginia Solar Permit Cost (2026)

No statewide waiver - solar permit fees are set locally. Fairfax waives the building permit ($0); the required electrical permit runs about $385.56.

Fairfax Solar Permit Cost (2026)

Building permit waived ($0), but the required electrical permit is not: $378 + 2% levy = $385.56 all-in for a typical 8 kW system on a 200-amp service.

DC Solar Permit Cost (2026)

Flat $36.30 Instant Permit ($33 + 10% DOB Enhanced Fee) for residential PV systems up to 15 kW. Larger systems file a standard permit.

Fairfax Electrical Panel Permit Cost (2026)

Priced by service amperage, not cost: $378 for a standard 200-amp service + 2% levy = $385.56 all-in. Tiers run $341 to $633, $135 minimum.

DC Electrical Panel Permit Cost (2026)

A qualifying residential heavy-up is a flat $64.90 Instant Permit ($59 + 10% Enhanced). Standard service permits start at $42.90, $22 minimum.

Fairfax Water Heater Permit Cost (2026)

Plumbing permit by fixture count: a single water heater is the 1-5 fixture tier at $340 + 2% levy = $346.80 all-in. Verified Appendix Q FY2025.

DC Water Heater Permit Cost (2026)

A single plumbing fixture at $26 + 10% DOB Enhanced Fee = $28.60. Instant Permit eligible; no state levy. Verified dob.dc.gov.

Fairfax HVAC Permit Cost (2026)

Mechanical permit by zone count: a single-zone system is $135 + 2% levy = $137.70 all-in. Tiers run to $660 for 5+ zones. Verified Appendix Q FY2025.

DC HVAC Permit Cost (2026)

Priced by equipment class: a residential AC or heat pump is Class E at $50.60 (up to 10 tons), Instant Permit eligible. No state levy. Verified dob.dc.gov.

Fairfax Addition Permit Cost (2026)

$50,000 addition = $2,295.00 all-in · 3% of value + 50% plan review + 2% state levy. $110.16 minimum permit fee. Verified FY2025 Appendix Q.

Virginia Addition Permit Cost (2026)

$50k addition = $196.70 (VA Beach) up to $2,295 (Fairfax) · six verified jurisdictions, formulas, worked examples, 2% state levy.

Henrico Addition Permit Cost (2026)

$50k addition = $377.40 all-in · $100 base + $6/$1k over $5k, capped at $680. Plan review bundled. $693.60 cap at $101,667 declared.

Chesterfield Addition Permit Cost (2026)

$456.98 all-in flat for any addition · $399 building permit + $50 site fee + 2% levy. Same fee at $5k or $250k. Verified FY2025-2026.

Virginia Beach City Live

Virginia Beach Pool Permit Cost (2026)

$30k in-ground pool = $314.00 all-in · $50 + $5/$1k of value + $100 plan review + $10 tech + 2% levy. Barrier and electrical separate.

Richmond Addition Permit Cost (2026)

$50k addition = $361.45 all-in · $63 base + $6.07/$1k over $2k + 2% levy. No cap. June 2022 schedule verified.

Norfolk Addition Permit Cost (2026)

500 sq ft addition = $126.50 all-in · $0.15/sq ft + $35 plan review + $15 processing + 2% levy. July 2021 schedule.

Virginia Beach City Live

Virginia Beach Addition Permit Cost (2026)

500 sq ft heated addition = $121.70 all-in · $50 + $7/100 sq ft + $25 counter PR + $10 tech + 2% levy. Rev. Jul-2025.

Henrico Deck Permit Cost (2026)

$15k deck = $163.20 all-in · $100 + $6/$1k over $5k formula, capped at $680. Plan review bundled. Verified December 2025 schedule.

Chesterfield Pool Permit Cost (2026)

$108.14 flat any pool value · $57 building permit + $1.14 levy + $50 env eng. Cheapest verified VA jurisdiction for pools.

Washington DC Deck Permit Cost (2026)

$5k=$150.15 · $15k=$384.45 · $25k=$618.75 · $50k=$1,204.50. Alteration tier formula + 10% Enhanced Fee + Green Building Fee scaling examples.

Shed Permit Cost in Virginia

No permit under 256 sq ft · $102-$291 if required

3 jurisdictions verified

Project-Type Guides

Permit requirement guides by residential project type. Each guide will cover what triggers a permit, what exemptions apply, and how the fee is calculated across multiple Virginia jurisdictions.

Project Type	Permit Required?	Fairfax County Fee	Guide Status
Deck / Patio Cover	Yes - attached decks over 200 sqft; all decks over 30 inches off grade	3% of cost · min $72	Live →
Swimming Pool (In-Ground)	Yes - all in-ground pools require a building permit	$108-$413 · varies by county	Live →
Roof Replacement	Typically not required for like-for-like replacement in most VA jurisdictions	Verify with LDS	Guide in progress
Room Addition	Yes - all additions require a building permit	3% of cost · min $72	Guide in progress
Basement Finish	Yes - finished basement space requires a building permit	3% of cost · min $72	Guide in progress
Fence	Conditional - required if over 7 ft or in certain overlay districts	3% of cost · conditional	Guide in progress
Shed / Accessory Structure	Conditional - required over a certain floor area (256 sq ft in Chesterfield; verify in other jurisdictions)	$102-$291 · varies by county	Live →
Solar Panels	Yes - building permit required but building fee waived in Virginia	$0 building · ~$378 electrical	Guide in progress
Kitchen Remodel	Yes if structural changes or new electrical/plumbing circuits added	3% of cost · min $72	Guide in progress
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)	Yes - new ADU construction requires building and trade permits	$0.143/sqft wood frame	Guide in progress

Permit requirement thresholds above reflect Fairfax County rules. Other Virginia jurisdictions may have different thresholds. Always verify with your local building department before starting any project.

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