Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Kitchen remodel that moves plumbing, gas or electrical?
Of the 10 areas we checked, a permit is required in 10.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Permit required- When it applies
- alteration of existing building; MEP changes
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Notes
- DOB: 'Additions, alterations, or repair of existing buildings' require permits. Instant trade permits may cover qualifying scopes.
Source: DOB How to Get a Permit, checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- construction/renovation incl. wall or MEP changes
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical
- Who pulls it
- A licensed contractor
- Notes
- Residential Alteration permit; trade permits are separate applications — none issued automatically with the building permit. Electrical/gas applicants must hold county licenses (Code 105.3.2/105.3.3).
Source: I&P Do I need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Charles County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- alteration + MEP system work
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Notes
- Building permit under adopted codes; plumbing/gas, mechanical, electrical trade permits per county fee schedule.
Source: Charles County Code Ch. 224; PGM FY2027 Fees & Charges, checked 2026-10-07
Montgomery County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- reconstruction/renovation beyond repair; MEP alterations
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Gas
- Who pulls it
- A licensed contractor
- Faster route
- Electrical permit auto-issued via DPS ePermits
- Notes
- DPS: permit required for 'reconstruction or renovation... other than a repair.' Electrical applicant must hold MD master electrician license; WSSC licenses plumbers/gasfitters.
Source: DPS Residential Alterations Permit Process, checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- moving plumbing/gas/electrical or partitions
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Gas
- Who pulls it
- A licensed contractor
- Notes
- 'Put up partitions and finish rec room (electric/plumbing, separate permits required) B Y.' Electrical by Master Electrician licensed with PG County; plumbing/gas by WSSC-licensed master plumber/gasfitter.
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1: wall/partition changes; water/drainage/vent, electric wiring, mechanical/fuel systems
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Notes
- Apply via Permit Arlington; USBC 108.4 requires contractor licensure proof or exemption statement.
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- alteration + MEP changes
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Faster route
- Walk-Thru Plan Review (1&2 family kitchen alterations)
Source: Alexandria Permit Center plan review programs, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- structural/MEP alteration
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Notes
- LDS: owners may pull permits but licensed contractor strongly recommended.
Source: LDS Permit Library: Residential Building, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- alteration + trade work
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Faster route
- LandMARC online
- Notes
- Residential trade permits required; gas permits for alterations/additions need plans review.
Source: Loudoun Residential Additions and Alterations, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- 'alterations to the house plumbing, electrical, or heating and air conditioning (mechanical) systems' — always required
- Permits
- Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas
- Faster route
- ePortal online
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.
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