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

Chapter 70 of the County Code treats every public street, alley, sidewalk and right-of-way as belonging to the general public, so any private structure placed in, under or over it (fences, planters, projecting signs, canopies) needs County Board authorization under § 70-1. An Owner or Applicant files for an Ordinance of Encroachment or administrative approval under § 70-3, pays a non-refundable Application Fee set by the County Board's fee schedule, and must carry general liability insurance of $2,000,000 naming the County as an additional insured, plus indemnify the County against claims arising from the encroachment.

Section 70-4 lets some features skip the full ordinance process as 'Allowed Encroachments' if a site plan or use permit already covers them: canopies and awnings, for example, must clear public utility vaults, hang from the building face with no ground supports, stay fully removable, keep at least 10 feet of vertical clearance (or more if the Building Code requires it), and extend no more than 6 feet horizontally into the space, with no permanent fixtures like heaters or sprinklers attached. 7 gives the owner only 24 hours after written notice to remove or repair the encroachment at their own cost, or the County will do it and bill the owner without liability for resulting damage.

When a license or ordinance is revoked, discontinued or found inconsistent with public health, safety, development plans or the Zoning Ordinance, the owner gets at least 10 days' written notice to remove the encroachment and restore the space, after which the County can remove it at the owner's expense.