Arlington County, VA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Arlington County Code Chapter 7, the "Arlington County Electrical Code," governs permitting. A bars any registered electrical contractor, master electrician, owner or agent from doing electrical work, other than minor repair work, until a permit is applied for and received from the Inspection Services Division. B lets an owner or owner's agent pull that permit without being a registered contractor when the work is on a single-family dwelling or townhouse used exclusively for residential purposes, including accessory buildings. C requires plans submitted to and approved by the Inspection Services Division before a permit issues for new or renovated commercial, high-rise or multifamily electrical work, and detailed sketches for major repairs in existing buildings, with the Construction Plan Examiner signing off before issuance.

D waives fees only for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and confirms the county's rules do not alter any National Electrical Code standard or amendment adopted through the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. E sets temporary electrical permits at 60 days, renewable once for an additional 30 days, for temporary service drops, temporary lighting or power equipment not on the original permit, and temporary heating connections. Section 7-7 requires a master electrician to disconnect and perform preventive maintenance on any 1,000-ampere-or-larger switchboard, or one rated over 250 volts, at least once every five years, and sets the inspection fee at $109 for a two-hour minimum plus $54 per additional hour per inspector. I, an owner, registered electrical contractor or master electrician may appeal a Building Official decision to the Building Code Board of Appeals.