Loudoun County, Virginia has experienced explosive residential growth over the past two decades. The county's Building and Development department at 1 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg, handles permits for unincorporated Loudoun County. Cities and towns — Leesburg, Purcellville, Lovettsville, Middleburg — have their own permit offices.
The 256 sq ft shed threshold means most standard pre-built sheds (up to 16×16) don't require a permit in Loudoun County. However, sheds that include electrical service always require an electrical permit regardless of size. All attached decks require a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Fences generally do not require a permit in unincorporated Loudoun County, though setback and height rules apply.
Loudoun County permits can be applied for online at loudoun.gov/permits. Phone: (703) 777-0397. Permit fees are competitive with other Northern Virginia counties — shed permits $75–$175, deck permits $125–$300.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Generally no. Unincorporated Loudoun County does not require a building permit for standard residential fences. Fences must meet setback requirements and height limits for your zoning district. Corner lots have sight distance requirements near road intersections. If you're inside Leesburg or another town, contact that municipality — their rules may differ.
- Residential accessory structure permits (sheds, small structures) typically take 5–10 business days for plan review in Loudoun County. Deck permits take 7–14 business days. Submitting a complete application with an accurate site plan and all required documents on the first submission is the best way to avoid correction cycles.