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Build & Outdoor Living
Free Permit & HOA Checker
Pick your county and project type to see what permits and approvals typically apply.
The Short Answer
Permit rules for decks, patios, and outdoor structures vary significantly by Northern Virginia county and city. This tool surfaces the real permit and HOA facts for Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, and Alexandria based on your project type.
Free Interactive Tool
Permit & HOA Checker
Pick your county and project type to see what permits and approvals typically apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Permit & HOA Checker FAQs
Does every county have the same deck permit rules?
No — Loudoun requires a permit for decks over 256 sq ft or 16.5" above grade; Prince William exempts decks under 16.5" with no extra load; Arlington’s trigger is 30" above grade. Rules genuinely differ by county.
Do I need separate HOA approval too?
Often, yes — HOA architectural approval is typically separate from county permitting, and many Fairfax and Loudoun subdivisions require it in addition to the county process.
How long does permit review usually take?
It varies by county: roughly 3-6 weeks in Fairfax, 2-4 weeks in Loudoun via the LandMARC portal, and 3-5 weeks in Alexandria via the APEX portal.
What about historic districts like Old Town Alexandria?
Old Town and the Parker-Gray historic districts require additional Board of Architectural Review (BAR) approval for any visible exterior work, on top of standard permitting.
Do I need to sign a contract to use the Free Permit & HOA Checker?
No. It is a free planning tool with no obligation — use it as many times as you like, and nothing is booked until you tell us to book it.
How is my result different from a final quote?
Your result is a planning estimate. We confirm exact pricing with a free on-site visit and send a written, line-item quote within 24-48 hours.
Why do you ask for my contact info before showing the result?
So we can save your estimate and text or email it to you. We never ask for payment information, and you can always call or text (703) 650-5655 directly instead.
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