Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Interior painting?
Of the 10 areas we checked, no permit is needed in 10.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
No permit- When it applies
- 'Painting other than fire-retardant paint' exempt outside historic districts
- Notes
- Historic-district properties excluded from the exemption.
Source: DOB How to Get a Permit, checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- cosmetic finish work; not a listed permit-required type
- Notes
- Not listed among permit-required project types on official 'Do I need a Permit?' page.
Source: I&P Do I need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Charles County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- finish work exempt under adopted 2021 IRC R105.2
- Notes
- No county-published plain-language list found; based on County Code Ch. 224 adoption of 2021 IRC.
Source: Charles County Code Ch. 224 (Building Construction), checked 2026-10-07
Montgomery County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- painting/wallpapering always exempt
- Notes
- DPS: 'A permit is not required for painting, wallpapering...' (Residential Alterations page).
Source: DPS Residential Alterations Permit Process, checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- N N — no permit or plans required
- Notes
- DPIE homeowner guide lists 'Painting' as N N.
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.10): application of paint or wallpaper
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.10)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.10)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.10)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- ordinary repair; not in 'Permits Always Required' list
Source: PWC Do I Need a Permit?, 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.
Planning a Turnover?
Set the budget from the rent with the planner, then book a walkthrough.