| Before beginning construction in Loudoun County, you must obtain permits from the appropriate county agencies and, if applicable, the appropriate agencies of the incorporated towns. Most of the permits listed here are issued through the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development. This webpage provides basic information about what types of permits are needed and what agencies are involved. Permits for Residential Construction - Health Permit: If property is served by well or septic (details below)
- Zoning Permit: Details below
- Building Permit: Three sets of plans are required. Plans shall include a foundation plan, floor framing plan, roof framing plan, wall sections, floor plans, and elevations. Please note: If your property is served by a private well and septic system, four sets of plans are needed.
- Electrical Permit
- Gas Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Mechanical Permit
- Occupancy Permit: New construction only
- Grading Permit: May be required for properties in the Mountainside Development Overlay District or properties that have steep slopes, as determined by the Office of Mapping and Geographic Information.
Permits For Commercial Construction - Health Permit: Food Service Facilities (details below) and/or property served by private well/septic.
- Zoning Permit: Details below
- Building Permit: Three sets of architectural drawings and two copies of the site plan for new construction or additions
- Electrical Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Fire Suppression Permit: Submit three sets of plans with completed application.
- Gas Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Plumbing Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Mechanical Permit: Submit one set of plans with completed application.
- Occupancy Permit: New construction, additions, and tenant fit-ups
- Soils Report: Two copies of a Type II Geotechnical Report for new construction
- Grading Permit: If disturbing more than 10,000 square feet
Building, electrical, fire suppression, gas, plumbing and mechanical work each requires separate applications and permits. These permits will not be issued from the application and architectural plans submitted for a Building Permit. Contractors must have a valid Virginia State Contractors License and Loudoun County Business License. Zoning Requirements Although all building permits are issued through Building and Development, zoning permits are issued either by the county or by incorporated towns. If the property is located within the corporate limits of a town, contact the appropriate town zoning office for requirements before applying for any building permit. If the property is outside of town limits, Loudoun County zoning approval is required for new construction, additions, and changes of use or tenant. With the application, submit a survey plat showing property lines; all existing structures and all proposed structures, with dimensions and square footages; distances from the property lines for all existing and proposed structures; locations and dimensions of all easements, buffers and tree save areas; and all roads adjacent to the property. The application should also be accompanied by any proffer or condition payment due. Property owner’s signature is required on all zoning applications. Zoning permits for commercial construction should also include a breakdown of square footages with description of use, site plan or site plan amendment number, and suite number where applicable. Applicants applying to occupy commercial tenant space should provide a brief description of their business use on company letterhead as an attachment to their zoning permit application. A zoning permit only (no building permit) is required for buildings for agricultural use, construction trailers, temporary sales, temporary events, and tents. Health Department clearance may also be required.
For properties located within a historic district, applicants must apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Planning Department before any permits can be issued. Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to check with the Office of Mapping and Geographic Information, Department of Building and Development, and any other county departments or agencies to determine if there are any building restrictions on proposed building lot prior to applying for permits. Health Permits Wells A Health Permit for a well is necessary before drilling begins for a new private or public well. It is also necessary before modifying an existing well for any new construction, or for any addition or alteration of an existing structure not served by a public water system. After a well is drilled, the water must be tested and the results forwarded to the Health Department. Septic A Sewage Disposal Permit from the Health Department is required before a septic system is installed for a new structure, and before modification of an existing sewage disposal system. How to get a Health Permit for a well or septic system An application for a Health Permit should be submitted directly to the Health Department. They may be reached at 703-777-0234. For More Information For more information about building requirements in Loudoun County, contact: Department of Building and Development
1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd floor
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0220
e-mail: bad@loudoun.gov
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