Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Kitchen cabinets and countertops, same layout?
Kitchen cabinet and countertop replacement, same layout.
Of the 10 areas we checked, no permit is needed in 10.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
No permit- When it applies
- 'cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work' exempt outside historic districts
Source: DOB How to Get a Permit, checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- finish work; not a listed permit-required type
Source: I&P Do I need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Charles County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- 'cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work' exempt under adopted 2021 IRC R105.2
- Notes
- No county-published plain-language list found; based on County Code Ch. 224 adoption.
Source: Charles County Code Ch. 224, checked 2026-10-07
Montgomery County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- 'installing countertops' no permit; 'Cabinets - Install, Repair, Replace' no permit (2024 guide, STALE)
Source: DPS Residential Alterations Permit Process, checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- 'Install kitchen cabinets N N'; 'Replace or install kitchen counter or bathroom counter 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(14.9): installation or replacement of cabinetry or trim
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.9)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.9)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.9)
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- ordinary repair; no plumbing/electrical alteration
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, 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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