{"id":9962,"date":"2019-10-14T07:00:34","date_gmt":"2019-10-14T11:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surroundslandscaping.com\/?p=6481"},"modified":"2024-06-12T18:00:36","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:00:36","slug":"when-you-need-a-permit-for-your-landscape-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surroundslandscaping.com\/when-you-need-a-permit-for-your-landscape-project\/","title":{"rendered":"When You Need a Permit for Your Landscape Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you decide you\u2019re ready to tackle your landscaping project, you want to get started without delay.\t\t

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Begin your project with a dream and a plan!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You are at the threshold of an exciting journey. This eBook will provide sound guidance as you take your first steps.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDOWNLOAD THE E-BOOK<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t After all, it probably took you a long time to come to a decision, and you don\u2019t want to have to wait any longer to see your dream become a reality. Unfortunately, the dreamy horizon where that reality awaits may appear to move farther away as you approach.<\/p>\n

Obtaining Permits for Your Landscape Design Project<\/h2>\n
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\u00a9Morgan Howarth Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your ideal landscape may feel just beyond your reach due to state and county regulations. For example, in Virginia and Maryland, certain types of projects\u2014depending on the square footage involved\u2014require permits, and the rules in various jurisdictions seem to be continuously in flux. So, how can you make any plans when you don\u2019t know how to move forward?<\/p>\n

You need to consult with a landscape architect<\/a> about these preliminary details. They will educate you on what\u2019s required by your state and county with respect to the type of project you have in mind. They\u2019ll be up to speed on the rules and regulations in your area, and then be able to help you work within and around those requirements to design and install your landscape project.<\/p>\n

To give you an idea of what you and your landscape architect will have to deal with, we\u2019ve highlighted the most pertinent landscape permit information below.<\/p>\n

1 General Permit Guidelines<\/h3>\n

In general, any time you disturb 2500 square feet of soil or change the grade more than 24 inches (either taking away or adding), you must apply for a permit. The precise rules may vary based on your county or state, but this is a basic rule of thumb.<\/p>\n

For example, you don\u2019t need a permit for planting trees, shrubs, or flowerbeds unless you exceed the guidelines based on the total disturbed area<\/strong>. So, let\u2019s say you were to clear three separate areas of 1000sqft around your house for flower beds, that would need a permit because, in total, it\u2019s more space than you\u2019re allotted.<\/p>\n

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\u00a9Morgan Howarth Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your county and municipality may have additional regulations on top of those required by the state. For example, Loudon, Fairfax, Montgomery, City of Arlington have extremely strict water management regulations that conform with Chesapeake Watershed Protection whereas City of Falls Church and the City of Reston have an HOA that overrides the county rules.<\/p>\n

Your landscape architect will always check with all jurisdictions before you invest significant time or emotional energy into a project to ensure your plans are based on current information. They\u2019ll make sure you understand the required fees as well as the time cost of obtaining the necessary permits. Depending on how many layers of bureaucracy are involved, your landscape design company may hire \u201cpermit runners\u201d to speed everything up.<\/p>\n

2 Landscape Features that ALWAYS Require a Permit<\/h3>\n

Beyond the general disturbed area guidelines, there are also specific landscape features that ALWAYS require permits and inspections. These landscape features, include:<\/p>\n