On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Loudoun County
Under VCC Section 108.1, permits are required before construction or demolition, structural changes, changes affecting egress, water, sewer, electric, fire protection, mechanical or fuel systems, regulated equipment work, some change-of-occupancy work, certain lot line moves, and asbestos disturbance.
Low-voltage wiring and monitoring systems in the limited cases listed in VCC 108.2
One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 256 square feet
Fences, unless for pedestrian safety or a swimming pool barrier
Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet above finished grade
Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill with no surcharge beyond ordinary fill
Pools no more than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
Flagpoles 30 feet or less
Many ordinary repairs, including like-for-like window and door replacement in specified occupancies, fixture replacement without system alterations, some roof covering and roof decking replacement, flooring, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper
- Exempt Low-voltage wiring and monitoring systems in the limited cases listed in VCC 108.2
- Exempt One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 256 square feet
- Exempt Fences, unless for pedestrian safety or a swimming pool barrier
- Exempt Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet above finished grade
- Exempt Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill with no surcharge beyond ordinary fill
- Exempt Pools no more than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Flagpoles 30 feet or less
- Exempt Many ordinary repairs, including like-for-like window and door replacement in specified occupancies, fixture replacement without system alterations, some roof covering and roof decking replacement, flooring, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper
Required documents
- County zoning applications outside towns require a survey plat
- Existing and proposed structures with dimensions and square footage
- Setbacks to property lines
- Easements, buffers, and tree save areas
- Adjacent roads
- Property owner signature
- Construction documents when applicable
- Building code
- Virginia enforces the 2021 Virginia Construction Code as part of the USBC, effective January 18, 2024; local enforcement is by Loudoun County.
- Permit validity
- Permit applications are abandoned after 6 months if not pursued in good faith or issued. Issued permits may be revoked if work does not start within 6 months or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months.
- Owner-builder
- VCC Section 108.3 allows the owner, lessee, agent, RDP, contractor, or subcontractor to apply. Section 108.4 requires either proof of contractor licensure or a written statement that the applicant is not subject to licensure.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors on building permit applications must hold a valid Virginia DPOR contractor license and a Loudoun County BPOL license for county jobs.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Intake review is 2 to 5 business days for some standard residential permits and up to 10 business days for other residential permits; broader review timing is tracked on the county dashboard.
- 01 Confirm whether county zoning approval is needed. Outside incorporated towns, zoning approval is required for new construction, additions, and change of use or tenant.
- 02 Create a LandMARC account, choose the permit type, and upload the application, plans, and supporting documents.
- 03 County intake performs an application completeness check. Residential intake is generally 2 to 5 business days for county-typical deck, county-typical basement, and residential trade permits, and up to 10 business days for other residential permits.
- 04 Pay the invoiced fees. Loudoun states review does not start until intake is complete and fees are paid.
- 05 Respond to review comments and resubmit if revisions are required.
- 06 When all reviews are approved, the county issues the permit through LandMARC.
Typical processing time: Intake review is 2 to 5 business days for some standard residential permits and up to 10 business days for other residential permits; broader review timing is tracked on the county dashboard.
Source: Loudoun County Department of Building and Development ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Loudoun County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$65
02
Plan check fee
Residential plan review is $170 per review; miscellaneous building permit plan review is $130; commercial plan review starts at $425 depending on size.
03
Permit fee formula
New construction uses building gross area x type of construction x county permit fee multiplier; alterations without additions are generally 1.0% of actual cost; many trades and occupancy permits are flat-fee items.
04
Reinspection fee
$65 for building permits
Loudoun invoices fees at intake. Payment is available in LandMARC by card, by cash/check in person or by mail, and by ACH for totals of $1,500 or more. A 2.65% card convenience fee applies.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- LandMARC portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Cutoff for next-day requests is midnight
- Inspection hours
- 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Typical sequence: Typical county building permit sequence is application intake, plan review, permit issuance, required footing/foundation and framing or trade rough inspections as applicable, then finals and occupancy/use approval.
Source: Loudoun County Department of Building and Development ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Loudoun County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA? ▸
Under VCC Section 108.1, permits are required before construction or demolition, structural changes, changes affecting egress, water, sewer, electric, fire protection, mechanical or fuel systems, regulated equipment work, some change-of-occupancy work, certain lot line moves, and asbestos disturbance.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $65. Fees are calculated as: New construction uses building gross area x type of construction x county permit fee multiplier; alterations without additions are generally 1.0% of actual cost; many trades and occupancy permits are flat-fee items.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review is $170 per review; miscellaneous building permit plan review is $130; commercial plan review starts at $425 depending on size..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether county zoning approval is needed. Outside incorporated towns, zoning approval is required for new construction, additions, and change of use or tenant. 2. Create a LandMARC account, choose the permit type, and upload the application, plans, and supporting documents. 3. County intake performs an application completeness check. Residential intake is generally 2 to 5 business days for county-typical deck, county-typical basement, and residential trade permits, and up to 10 business days for other residential permits. 4. Pay the invoiced fees. Loudoun states review does not start until intake is complete and fees are paid. 5. Respond to review comments and resubmit if revisions are required. 6. When all reviews are approved, the county issues the permit through LandMARC.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA typically run Intake review is 2 to 5 business days for some standard residential permits and up to 10 business days for other residential permits; broader review timing is tracked on the county dashboard.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA. The following work is generally exempt: Low-voltage wiring and monitoring systems in the limited cases listed in VCC 108.2; One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 256 square feet; Fences, unless for pedestrian safety or a swimming pool barrier; Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet above finished grade; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill with no surcharge beyond ordinary fill; Pools no more than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less; Many ordinary repairs, including like-for-like window and door replacement in specified occupancies, fixture replacement without system alterations, some roof covering and roof decking replacement, flooring, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Loudoun County, VA via: LandMARC portal. Cutoff for next-day requests is midnight.
last verified April 2026
source Loudoun County Department of Building and Development ↗
entry id permits/virginia/loudoun/loudoun-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Loudoun County Department of Building and Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.