Prince William County's Land Development Division handles building permits for the large unincorporated portion of the county. Independent cities within the county — Manassas, Manassas Park — have their own permit offices. Confirm your jurisdiction at pwcva.gov before applying.
The shed threshold is 256 sq ft, consistent with Northern Virginia norms. All decks attached to the house require a permit. Fences up to 6 feet don't require a building permit, but fences over 6 feet require a zoning review (not a full building permit) to ensure compliance with setback and height rules.
Prince William County Land Development is at 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192. Phone: (703) 792-6930. Online applications at pwcva.gov/LDD. Permit fees: shed permits $55–$150, deck permits $100–$250.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- No. Standard 6-foot fences in unincorporated Prince William County do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require a zoning review — not a full building permit, but a review to confirm the fence meets zoning requirements for your district. Contact the county's Zoning Office at (703) 792-8154 to initiate a zoning review if your fence will exceed 6 feet.
- In most residential zones in unincorporated Prince William County, accessory structures must be set back at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and at least 6 feet from the primary residence. Sheds are not permitted in front yards. Your specific zone may have different requirements — check pwcva.gov/zoning or call the county.