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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Loudoun County.

2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code, 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, and 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard.

Inspection lane

Request, cancel, and view inspections in LandMARC. Inspections can be booked for the following workday or a future weekday, with a midnight cutoff for the following workday; they are performed Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For help call 703-777-0220, option 1. Approved plans must be available on site, and reinspection fees may apply when work is not ready.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Virginia's statewide building-permit exemptions include qualifying low-voltage wiring; detached one-story tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar accessory structures under 256 square feet; qualifying tents up to 900 square feet with fewer than 50 occupants; fences up to 7 feet unless serving as a pool barrier; low retaining walls; and ordinary cosmetic or maintenance work. Loudoun requires a county zoning-only residential application for sheds under 256 square feet outside incorporated towns, so a building-code exemption does not eliminate zoning or other approvals.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Request, cancel, and view inspections in LandMARC. Inspections can be booked for the following workday or a future weekday, with a midnight cutoff for the following workday; they are performed Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For help call 703-777-0220, option 1. Approved plans must be available on site, and reinspection fees may apply when work is not ready.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Loudoun County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Loudoun County Department of Building and Development is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 703-777-0220.

How long might review take?

Residential intake/completeness check: 2-5 business days for county-typical decks, county-typical basements, and residential trades; up to 10 business days for other residential permits. After intake and fee payment, expected building review is 2 days for typical decks, basements, and trades, and 15 days for new construction, alterations, additions, and changes of use; associated zoning review is generally 2 or 10 days depending on type.

How are inspections scheduled?

Request, cancel, and view inspections in LandMARC. Inspections can be booked for the following workday or a future weekday, with a midnight cutoff for the following workday; they are performed Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For help call 703-777-0220, option 1. Approved plans must be available on site, and reinspection fees may apply when work is not ready.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code, 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, and 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard. Virginia's statewide building-permit exemptions include qualifying low-voltage wiring; detached one-story tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar accessory structures under 256 square feet; qualifying tents up to 900 square feet with fewer than 50 occupants; fences up to 7 feet unless serving as a pool barrier; low retaining walls; and ordinary cosmetic or maintenance work. Loudoun requires a county zoning-only residential application for sheds under 256 square feet outside incorporated towns, so a building-code exemption does not eliminate zoning or other approvals.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.