Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Removing or adding a non-structural wall?
Removing or adding a non-structural interior wall.
Of the 10 areas we checked, a permit is required in 10.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Additions, alterations, or repair of existing buildings'
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- Interior demolition scopes may fall under Instant Permit; exact scope in portal.
Source: DOB How to Get a Permit, checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- Residential Alteration explicitly 'includes the relocation and demolition of walls, both load bearing and non-load bearing'
- Permits
- Building
Source: I&P Do I need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Charles County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- removal/addition of wall or partition requires a permit under adopted codes
- Permits
- Building
Source: Charles County Code Ch. 224, checked 2026-10-07
Montgomery County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Interior Alteration' requires a permit (2024 guide, STALE); alterations page: permit for reconstruction/renovation beyond repair
- Permits
- Building
Source: DPS Residential Alterations Permit Process, checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
Permit required- When it applies
- 'Put up partitions and finish rec room (electric/plumbing, separate permits required) B Y'
- Permits
- Building
- Notes
- In Bowie, a City permit is also required on top of the County permit.
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(i): removal or addition of any wall, partition, or portion thereof
- Permits
- Building
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(i)
- Permits
- Building
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(i)
- Permits
- Building
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- USBC 108.1(i); residential alteration permit
- Permits
- Building
- Faster route
- LandMARC online
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.1, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
Permit required- When it applies
- alteration of the building; 'Finishing your basement' always requires a permit
- Permits
- Building
- 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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