Loudoun County, VA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Encroachment into the public right-of-way in Loudoun County requires a Land Use Permit from the Virginia Department of Transportation under 24 VAC 30-151, the Land Use Permit Regulations. Any person who plans to work, place structures, or perform activities on or crossing any right-of-way under VDOT jurisdiction must first obtain this permit. Common activities requiring permits include: utility line installation across or along sidewalks, construction of commercial and residential driveways crossing sidewalks, placement of mailboxes, landscaping within the right-of-way, temporary sidewalk closures for construction, and placement of signs or structures. Encroachments that do not fall within the clear zone may be allowed within the right-of-way pursuant to a permit issued by the VDOT district administrator. Applications are submitted to the VDOT Leesburg Residency at 41 Lawson Road SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. Processing time is typically 30-45 days. The county's Zoning Ordinance separately regulates encroachments into required building setbacks, and a zoning modification or variance is needed if a structure would encroach into required yards. Loudoun County requires a zoning permit for any new structure including fences, decks, sheds, and additions that might encroach near sidewalks or easements.