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

Chapter 18 of the County Code, the Arlington County Plumbing and Gas Code, applies to every plumbing and gas system installed in buildings covered by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Section 18-6 bars anyone from doing plumbing or gas work, other than defined minor repair work, until an application is filed and a permit issued by the Inspection Services Division; permits go only to a licensed master plumber or master mechanical worker, with a narrow carve-out letting a bona fide owner or agent pull the permit for their own single-family dwelling or townhouse.

The permit card must stay posted on the job site, visible from the street, and cannot be removed, defaced, or altered. New-building plumbing work needs approved plot and mechanical plans on file, showing the water main, sewer size and depth (or private disposal system if no public sewer exists) before the Inspection Services Division construction plans examiner will issue the permit; major alterations to existing buildings likewise require detailed sketches approved before work starts. Abandoned work must be reported immediately, and if a permit is cancelled before work commences the applicant gets a 70 percent refund; a pro-rated refund is available if cancellation is requested within six months after issuance and work has already started.

Fees follow the fee schedule adopted by the County Board and must be paid before the permit is released. The Building Official (the Inspection Services Division Chief or designee) administers and enforces the chapter under Section 18-4, can order dangerous plumbing or gas work removed or made safe, and owners must keep their plumbing in good repair. A permit holder, registered plumbing contractor, or master plumber may appeal a Building Official decision to the Building Code Board of Appeals.