# Arlington ADU Permit: The Part of Your ADU Project That Most Contractors Get Wrong > Expert ADU permitting in Arlington, VA. Navigating Arlington County's ADU permit process since 1994. Minimize delays and get your ADU approved right the first time. - **Source:** https://berrizdesign.com/services/adu/permits/ - **Company:** Berriz Design Build, LLC — Design-build home remodeling and landscape design contractor, founded 1994 - **Contact:** (703) 552-7565 · bob@berrizdesign.com - **Based in:** Arlington, VA - **Service:** ADU Permits - **Service area:** Arlington, VA, McLean, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Oakton, VA, Alexandria, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax Station, VA ## Questions and answers **What permits are required for an ADU in Arlington, VA?** An Arlington ADU requires a building permit (covering structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work), zoning approval confirming compliance with Arlington's ADU ordinance, and a certificate of occupancy upon completion. Berriz Design Build manages all permit applications and inspections. **How long does the ADU permit process take in Arlington?** Initial permit review in Arlington County typically takes 6–10 weeks. If revisions are required, each revision cycle adds 3–6 weeks. Berriz Design Build's thorough permit packages minimize revision cycles — the most common cause of ADU project delays. **What does Arlington County review in an ADU permit application?** Arlington County reviews zoning compliance (setbacks, lot coverage, height), structural plans, electrical and plumbing plans, energy code compliance, and conformance with Arlington's specific ADU ordinance. All components must be complete and accurate for the permit to advance. **Can I apply for an ADU permit myself in Arlington?** Yes, but it's not recommended without professional experience. Incomplete or non-compliant permit packages result in revision cycles that significantly delay projects. Berriz Design Build prepares and manages all ADU permit applications as part of our integrated design-build service. **What are the zoning requirements for an ADU permit in Arlington?** Arlington's ADU zoning requirements include minimum lot size, setback distances from property lines, maximum ADU square footage (typically 35% of primary home or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less), height limits for detached ADUs, and owner-occupancy requirements. Berriz Design Build evaluates your specific lot's compliance before design begins. **Why choose Berriz Design Build for ADU permitting in Arlington?** Arlington County permit experience since 1994, an in-house design team that prepares complete permit packages, and a track record of first-submission approvals. We treat the permit process as a core competency, not an afterthought. ## Page content The Berriz Perspective Most contractors treat the ADU permit as an administrative formality. It isn't. In Arlington County, the permit review process is substantive — reviewers check zoning compliance, structural adequacy, utility capacity, and code conformance in detail. A permit package that's missing documentation, uses incorrect setback calculations, or fails to address Arlington's specific ADU ordinance requirements will be returned for revision — adding weeks or months to your project timeline. Berriz Design Build prepares ADU permit packages that are complete, accurate, and formatted to Arlington County's specific requirements. We've submitted hundreds of permit packages to Arlington County over since 1994. We know what gets approved and what gets sent back. Common Questions ## What Arlington Homeowners Ask About ADU Permit ### Discovery & Eligibility What permits are required for an ADU in Arlington, VA? An Arlington ADU requires a building permit (covering structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work), zoning approval confirming compliance with Arlington's ADU ordinance, and a certificate of occupancy upon completion. Berriz Design Build manages all permit applications and inspections. How long does the ADU permit process take in Arlington? Initial permit review in Arlington County typically takes 6–10 weeks. If revisions are required, each revision cycle adds 3–6 weeks. Berriz Design Build's thorough permit packages minimize revision cycles — the most common cause of ADU project delays. ### Cost & Permitting What does Arlington County review in an ADU permit application? Arlington County reviews zoning compliance (setbacks, lot coverage, height), structural plans, electrical and plumbing plans, energy code compliance, and conformance with Arlington's specific ADU ordinance. All components must be complete and accurate for the permit to advance. Can I apply for an ADU permit myself in Arlington? Yes, but it's not recommended without professional experience. Incomplete or non-compliant permit packages result in revision cycles that significantly delay projects. Berriz Design Build prepares and manages all ADU permit applications as part of our integrated design-build service. ### Process & Partnership What are the zoning requirements for an ADU permit in Arlington? Arlington's ADU zoning requirements include minimum lot size, setback distances from property lines, maximum ADU square footage (typically 35% of primary home or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less), height limits for detached ADUs, and owner-occupancy requirements. Berriz Design Build evaluates your specific lot's compliance before design begins. Why choose Berriz Design Build for ADU permitting in Arlington? Arlington County permit experience since 1994, an in-house design team that prepares complete permit packages, and a track record of first-submission approvals. We treat the permit process as a core competency, not an afterthought. Explore the Practice ## Related services ### Detached ADU Expert detached ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Build a pr… Explore → ### Basement ADU Expert basement ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Convert yo… Explore → ### Garage Conversion Expert garage conversion in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Transform your underused gara… Explore → ### In-Law Suite Expert in-law suite design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a c… Explore → ### Multigenerational Home Expert multigenerational home design and renovation in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Cr… Explore → ### Universal & Aging-in-Place Design Expert universal design remodeling in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a home that … Explore → All ADU & Accessory Living → ## Build it with a team that has done it since 1994 running. Design, permitting and construction handled by one accountable group — no hand-offs, no finger-pointing. Request a Consultation Call (703) 552-7565 Chat With Us Now Pricing Guide ↗ The Berriz Way ↗ See Our Work --- *Berriz Design Build, LLC, Arlington VA. Design/build remodeling since 1994. (703) 552-7565*