VA · Permit Guide

Get Your Permit Approved Faster in Arlington County, VA

Most permit delays aren't caused by the jurisdiction — they're caused by incomplete submissions. Kealee prepares permit-ready packages that move through Arlington County review in fewer cycles.

  • Simple projects: 3–7 weeks when submitted correctly
  • One clean cycle vs. 2–4 revision rounds
Get Permits →

How Long Does It Actually Take?

Real timelines for Arlington County — not what the county website says, but what permit applicants actually experience.

Project TypeTypical Timeline
Simple residential (remodel, deck, fence)3–7 weeks
Addition or structural renovation5–10 weeks
New construction3–5 months
Commercial / multifamily5–10+ months

The truth:

These timelines assume a complete, correct submission on the first try. Most applicants experience 2–4 revision cycles that multiply total time by 2–3x. Arlington County's CPHD office handles permits for one of the most densely zoned counties in Virginia. Metro proximity rules, GLUP compliance, and form-based code add complexity.

Why Permits Get Delayed in Arlington County

The three most common reasons applicants end up in revision cycles

1

High-Density Urban Rules

Strict FAR, setback, and lot coverage limits frequently require pre-consultation before a formal permit submission.

2

WMATA and Utility Proximity

Projects near Metro corridors require additional coordination with WMATA and utility providers, adding weeks to review.

3

Form-Based Code Compliance

Arlington's GLUP (General Land Use Plan) and form-based zoning rules require careful coordination with design documents.

What Kealee Does Differently

We don't just file your permit — we engineer the submission for first-cycle approval

  • Jurisdiction-specific plan reviewWe know Arlington County's checklists, common rejection reasons, and reviewer expectations before your plans leave our desk.
  • Permit-ready drawingsEvery package includes correct stamped drawings, required notes, and the documentation reviewers need to approve on first review.
  • Zoning pre-checkWe verify setbacks, FAR, height limits, and overlay requirements before submission — not after the first rejection.
  • Revision managementIf corrections are required, we handle the response and resubmission. No back-and-forth on your end.

Goal: 1 clean approval cycle. No revision rounds, no re-submission fees, no wasted months.

  • Permit strategy within 48 hours for Arlington County projects
  • Permit-ready package — no revision cycles
  • We manage submission start to approval
Start My Permit →

How It Works

Three steps from your project idea to a permit approval

01

Answer 3 Questions

Tell us what you're building, where, and whether you have plans. Takes under 2 minutes.

02

Receive Concept + Strategy

Within 48 hours, you get a permit strategy, preliminary concept, and a fixed-price quote.

03

Kealee Submits + Manages

We prepare your permit package and manage the Arlington County submission from start to approval.

Hundreds of permits across DC, MD, VA

7
Jurisdictions served
1-cycle
Approval rate (most projects)
48 hrs
Estimate turnaround
DC · MD · VA
Coverage area

Start Your Arlington County Permit Application

Tell us what you're building — we'll send a strategy + pricing within 48 hours

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What type of project do you have?

Select the category that best describes your project

Ready to move forward?

Don't wait out another revision cycle. Get a permit-ready package the first time.

AI Concept + Validation

$395 · Staff-reviewed floor plan, zoning check, cost band, and permit risk · Delivered in 24 hours

Permit services

Free checklist → $149 simple filing → $950 full package → $5,500 expediting · We file, you track

Contractor marketplace

Contractor network screened for licensing, insurance, and fit · Matched by trade and county

Milestone pay & escrow

Free with every project · Funds held until you approve · Lien waivers automatic · 10% retainage standard