Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Deck or exterior stair repair?
Of the 10 areas we checked, a permit is required in 7 and it depends on the scope in 3.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Additions, alterations, or repair of existing buildings' require permits
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- Board-only in-kind repair exemption not published on DOB pages reviewed.
Source: DOB How to Get a Permit, checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
Depends- When it applies
- 'Replacement of an existing deck, replacement of railings and the replacement of structural members does require a building permit. Replacing deck boards ONLY does not require a permit.'
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- Exterior stair repair threshold not separately published.
Source: I&P Do I need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Charles County, MD
Depends- When it applies
- new/structural deck work = building permit (adopted codes); board-only repair threshold not published
- Permits
- Building
Source: Charles County Code Ch. 224, checked 2026-10-07
Montgomery County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Deck' requires a permit (2024 guide, STALE)
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- In-kind board-only repair threshold not published on pages reviewed.
Source: DPS Home Improvements guide (2024) [STALE], checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Build or replace porch or deck B Y'; 'Repair steps B Y'; 'Relocate stairs B Y'
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- Per the guide, even step repair requires a building permit. In Bowie, a City permit is also required.
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- residential deck work permitted; structural alterations = building permit
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- Truly minor ordinary repairs at building official's discretion (USBC 108.2(14.11)).
Source: Arlington Residential Building Permit page, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- deck construction/renovation/alteration
- Permits
- Building
- Faster route
- Walk-Thru Plan Review (decks/porches)
- Notes
- Fee schedule lists decks at $100.
Source: Alexandria Permit Center plan review programs, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- deck/structural work
- Permits
- Building
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- structural/exterior work
- Permits
- Building
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
Depends- When it applies
- Permit ALWAYS required for 'Porches or decks where the floor is 16.5 inches or more above the finished grade', structural alterations, or guardrail replacement; below 16.5" non-structural = no building permit
- Permits
- Building
- Faster route
- ePortal online
Source: PWC Do I Need a Permit?; PWC Residential Deck guide, checked 2026-10-07
Summarized from each area’s official permit pages and codes, as of October 2026. Some Maryland municipalities issue their own permits, rules change, and many answers depend on the exact scope, so confirm with the permit office before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
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