Loudoun County Alteration Permit Cost (2026)
Residential alteration permit fees in Loudoun County, Virginia, from the Loudoun County Residential Additions and Alterations page (loudoun.gov/5387) and the Building and Development Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2022. Loudoun prices residential alterations - work that changes the use of existing square footage, such as kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and basement finishes - at 1% of construction cost for the building permit, with a separate $130 plan review fee. The schedule sets a $65 minimum permit fee. Virginia requires a 2% state levy on building-code permit fees (USBC Section 107.2), but Loudoun's published fees do not say whether it is already included or whether it is charged on plan review, so PermitPrice shows each total as a range up to 2% more on the building permit and plan review. A $15,000 bathroom remodel totals $280.00 to $285.60, a $30,000 kitchen remodel $430.00 to $438.60, and a $100,000 renovation $1,130.00 to $1,152.60. The $395 bundled flat fee on Loudoun's page applies to residential additions of 1,000 sq ft or less (and to small decks, sheds, and porches), not to alterations; earlier versions of this guide applied the $395 bundle to alterations in error. The schedule is effective July 1, 2022 - source-age caveat disclosed on the page.
This guide covers: Loudoun County residential 1-2 family alteration and repair permit fees under the residential_alteration_repair line item in PermitPrice's verified source.json. Loudoun's Residential Additions and Alterations page defines residential alterations as work that changes the use of existing square footage, and prices them at a building permit fee of 1% of construction costs with an additional $130 plan review fee. The Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2022 sets a $65 minimum permit fee and lists the $130 residential plan review fee per review for R3, R4, and R5 additions and alterations. Loudoun's published fees do not show the 2% Virginia USBC state levy or say it is included, so PermitPrice shows each total as a range: the published fees (low) up to the published fees plus 2% of the building permit and plan review (high). The published alteration line does not set a work-area threshold for alterations.
This guide does NOT cover: Residential additions that add square footage - Loudoun charges a $395 bundled fee (building permit, plan review, and county zoning permit) for additions of 1,000 sq ft or less, and 1% of construction cost plus a $335 plan review fee plus the county zoning permit for additions over 1,000 sq ft (see the Loudoun addition guide). Also excluded: trade permit fees (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) for the alteration scope - Loudoun charges these separately; new residential construction (Loudoun uses a separate per-sq-ft formula); zoning applications such as special exceptions or variances; HOA architectural review (Loudoun has a significant HOA community network in places like Brambleton, Stone Ridge, and Lansdowne that may require separate HOA approval before the county permit); the cost of materials, labor, or construction itself; downstream property tax reassessment.
How Loudoun compares with Fairfax County: Loudoun's 1% building permit plus $130 plan review works out to about 1.02% of declared value plus $130, while Fairfax County charges 3% plus the 2% levy plus the 10% technology surcharge (3.36% effective under Appendix Q FY2027). Fairfax is cheaper below roughly $5,800 to $5,900 declared value (a $5,000 update is $168.00 in Fairfax vs $195.00 to $198.90 in Loudoun); above that, Loudoun is cheaper. At $30,000 declared, Loudoun $430.00 to $438.60 vs Fairfax $1,008.00 = Loudoun saves $569.40 to $578.00. At $50,000, Loudoun $630.00 to $642.60 vs Fairfax $1,680.00 = Loudoun saves $1,037.40 to $1,050.00. At $100,000, Loudoun $1,130.00 to $1,152.60 vs Fairfax $3,360.00 = Loudoun saves $2,207.40 to $2,230.00.
Alteration or addition - the classification decides the fee: Loudoun's page separates residential additions (which add square footage) from residential alterations (which change the use of existing square footage). Only additions use the $395 bundle (1,000 sq ft or less) or the 1% + $335 plan review path (over 1,000 sq ft). Alterations always use 1% of construction cost + $130 plan review, so the alteration fee rises with declared value. Confirm with Loudoun County Building and Development how your scope is classified BEFORE filing if it mixes new floor area with remodeling of existing space.
A residential alteration permit in Loudoun County costs 1% of construction cost for the building permit ($65 minimum permit fee) plus a separate $130 plan review fee. Virginia requires a 2% state levy on building-code permit fees (USBC Section 107.2), but Loudoun's published fees do not say whether it is already included or whether it covers plan review, so PermitPrice shows a range up to 2% more on the permit and plan review. A $15,000 bathroom remodel totals $280.00 to $285.60 ($150 + $130, plus up to $5.60 levy), a $30,000 kitchen remodel $430.00 to $438.60, and a $100,000 renovation $1,130.00 to $1,152.60. Any alteration declared at $6,500 or less hits the $65 minimum and totals $195.00 to $198.90. The $395 bundled flat fee applies to residential additions of 1,000 sq ft or less, not to alterations. Loudoun is cheaper than Fairfax County (3% + 2% levy + 10% technology surcharge) for alterations declared above roughly $5,800 to $5,900. Trade permits filed separately under Loudoun's trade permit schedule. Sources: loudoun.gov/5387 and the Loudoun Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2022 - verify with Building and Development before filing.
- Loudoun County residential alteration permits are priced at 1% of construction cost for the building permit plus a separate $130 plan review fee, per the county's Residential Additions and Alterations page. The Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2022 sets a $65 minimum permit fee. A $15,000 alteration totals $280.00 to $285.60 and a $30,000 alteration totals $430.00 to $438.60. Virginia requires a 2% state levy on building-code permit fees (USBC Section 107.2), but Loudoun's published fees do not say whether that levy is already included or whether it is charged on plan review, so PermitPrice shows each Loudoun total as a range: the published amount up to 2% more on the building permit and plan review portion (the levy never applies to the zoning permit).
- The $395 bundled flat fee (building permit, plan review, and county zoning permit) applies to residential additions of 1,000 sq ft or less, not to alterations. Earlier versions of this guide applied the $395 bundle to alterations; that was an error and has been corrected. Alterations have no work-area threshold on Loudoun's published page - the fee scales with declared construction cost at any size.
- Low-value alterations hit the $65 minimum permit fee: any alteration declared at $6,500 or less totals $195.00 ($65 + $130 plan review) to $198.90 (with up to $3.90 levy). Above $6,500, the building permit is 1% of declared value, so the total is 1% of declared value plus $130, or up to 1.02% of declared value plus $132.60 with the levy.
- Loudoun is cheaper than Fairfax County for alterations declared above roughly $5,800 to $5,900, because Fairfax charges an effective 3.36% (3% + 2% levy + 10% technology surcharge). At $30,000 declared, Loudoun saves $569.40 to $578.00 vs Fairfax; at $100,000 declared, Loudoun saves $2,207.40 to $2,230.00. Below about $5,800 Fairfax is cheaper (a $5,000 update is $168.00 in Fairfax vs $195.00 to $198.90 in Loudoun).
- Loudoun has an active HOA community network in places like Brambleton, Stone Ridge, Lansdowne, and Ashburn. HOA architectural review may be required BEFORE the Loudoun County permit application. HOA architectural review fees and timeline are separate from county permit fees and can add $50-$500 and 2-6 weeks to project timeline. Confirm HOA requirements with your HOA board before relying solely on the county permit timeline.
- Compared to other VA jurisdictions at $30,000 declared value: Norfolk City $152.00, Richmond City $237.62, Henrico County $255.00, Virginia Beach $314.00, Loudoun $430.00 to $438.60, DC $735.90, Fairfax County $1,008.00. Loudoun ranks fifth of seven at $15,000, $30,000, $50,000, and $100,000 declared - cheaper than DC and Fairfax, more expensive than Norfolk, Richmond, Henrico, and Virginia Beach.
- Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) for alterations are filed SEPARATELY in Loudoun. The alteration fee (1% building permit + $130 plan review) does NOT include trade permits. Loudoun's trade permit fees are not fully modeled in PermitPrice's source.json - confirm trade permit costs with Loudoun County Building and Development before relying on the building permit figures as a complete budget. Typical trade permit add-ons may range $50-$300 depending on scope.
- For projects that include structural changes (load-bearing wall removal, beam installation, footing modifications), Loudoun may require stamped structural drawings prepared by a Virginia-licensed structural engineer. The engineering review and stamping costs are NOT included in the $130 plan review fee - those are billed by the engineer separately ($1,500-$5,000 typical for residential structural work). Confirm structural review requirements with Loudoun County Building and Development before relying on the building permit figures for any alteration involving load-bearing modifications.
- Source-age caveat - the Loudoun County Fee Schedule is effective July 1, 2022 - over four years old at last verification (November 4, 2026). It is still the schedule Loudoun links from its website, and the Residential Additions and Alterations page (loudoun.gov/5387) states the same 1% + $130 plan review alteration pricing. Always verify current fees with Loudoun County Building and Development before filing a load-bearing budget. Source.json confidence: medium with explicit source-age caveat.
Loudoun Alteration Permit Fee Components
Loudoun's residential alteration fee has three parts: a building permit fee of 1% of construction cost ($65 minimum permit fee), a separate $130 plan review fee, and the 2% Virginia state levy. Virginia requires a 2% state levy on building-code permit fees (USBC Section 107.2), but Loudoun's published fees do not say whether that levy is already included or whether it is charged on plan review, so PermitPrice shows each Loudoun total as a range: the published amount up to 2% more on the building permit and plan review portion (the levy never applies to the zoning permit). The table below shows the component math at four declared values. Unlike the $395 additions bundle, the alteration fee scales with declared construction cost.
| Component | $15k bathroom | $30k kitchen | $50k basement | $100k remodel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building permit (1% of cost, $65 minimum) | $150.00 | $300.00 | $500.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Plan review fee | $130.00 | $130.00 | $130.00 | $130.00 |
| 2% Virginia state levy (upper bound, on permit + plan review) | $0 to $5.60 | $0 to $8.60 | $0 to $12.60 | $0 to $22.60 |
| All-in alteration permit total | $280.00 to $285.60 | $430.00 to $438.60 | $630.00 to $642.60 | $1,130.00 to $1,152.60 |
Sources: Loudoun County Residential Additions and Alterations page (loudoun.gov/5387): "Residential alterations - Building permit fee based on 1% of construction costs, with an additional $130 plan review fee." Loudoun County Building and Development Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2022: "The minimum permit fee for any permit shall be sixty-five dollars $65.00." The 2% Virginia state levy (Va. Code 36-137(7) / USBC 107.2) applies to building-code permit fees, including plan review; Loudoun's published fees do not show it or say it is included, so PermitPrice shows the published fees as the low end and adds 2% of the building permit and plan review for the high end. The alteration fee does NOT include trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), HOA architectural review, zoning applications, or stamped engineering drawings for structural changes. The $395 bundled fee on the same county page applies to residential additions of 1,000 sq ft or less, not to alterations.
Worked Examples - Real Alteration Projects in Loudoun
The four worked examples below apply Loudoun's alteration formula (1% of construction cost, $65 minimum, + $130 plan review, with the 2% levy, if not already included, on both) at a range of declared values. The fee rises with declared construction value. Trade permits are filed separately under Loudoun's trade permit schedule and are NOT included here.
A homeowner files an alteration permit for a full bathroom remodel: demolition of existing bathroom, new tile floor and walls, new bathtub or shower, new vanity with sink, new toilet, new exhaust fan, all new GFCI electrical, full plumbing rough-in for the new layout. Work area: 80 sq ft (typical full bath). Contractor invoice: $15,000.
- Declared value: $15,000
- Work area: 80 sq ft (alteration of existing space - work area does not change the fee)
- Building permit (1% of $15,000): $150.00 + plan review fee: $130.00
- 2% Virginia state levy (on $280.00 permit + plan review), if not already included: $0 to $5.60
- Alteration permit total: $280.00 to $285.60
Note: a $15,000 bathroom in Loudoun ($280.00 to $285.60) costs more than the same scope in Richmond City ($144.75), Norfolk City ($152.00), Henrico County ($163.20), or Virginia Beach ($237.50), but less than Fairfax County ($504.00). Loudoun saves $218.40 to $224.00 vs Fairfax for the same scope.
A homeowner files an alteration permit for a full kitchen remodel: complete demolition, new cabinets and counters, new island with electrical outlet, new dishwasher rough-in, new range with gas line work, undercabinet and pendant lighting, recessed ceiling lighting, full new electrical to support new circuits, and minor plumbing relocation for the new sink. Work area: 200 sq ft (typical kitchen). Contractor invoice: $30,000.
- Declared value: $30,000
- Work area: 200 sq ft (alteration of existing space - work area does not change the fee)
- Building permit (1% of $30,000): $300.00 + plan review fee: $130.00
- 2% Virginia state levy (on $430.00 permit + plan review), if not already included: $0 to $8.60
- Alteration permit total: $430.00 to $438.60
Note: trade permits for the new electrical and plumbing scope would be filed separately. The same $30,000 kitchen remodel costs $1,008.00 in Fairfax County (Loudoun saves $569.40 to $578.00), $735.90 in DC, $314.00 in Virginia Beach, $255.00 in Henrico County, $237.62 in Richmond City, and $152.00 in Norfolk City. Loudoun is mid-pack at this scope - cheaper than Fairfax and DC, more expensive than Virginia Beach, Henrico, Richmond, and Norfolk.
A homeowner files an alteration permit for a partial basement finish: one new bedroom (~150 sq ft), one new full bathroom (~80 sq ft), one new family room (~420 sq ft) - total work area 650 sq ft (1,000 sq ft or less). New egress window, new electrical circuits, new HVAC extension, new bathroom plumbing rough-in, new walls and flooring. Contractor invoice: $50,000.
- Declared value: $50,000
- Work area: 650 sq ft (alteration of existing space - work area does not change the fee)
- Building permit (1% of $50,000): $500.00 + plan review fee: $130.00
- 2% Virginia state levy (on $630.00 permit + plan review), if not already included: $0 to $12.60
- Alteration permit total: $630.00 to $642.60
Note: the same $50,000 partial basement finish costs $1,680.00 in Fairfax County (Loudoun saves $1,037.40 to $1,050.00), $1,204.50 in DC, $416.00 in Virginia Beach, $377.40 in Henrico County, $361.45 in Richmond City, and $152.00 in Norfolk City. A basement finish inside the existing foundation is an alteration of existing space, so the 1,000 sq ft threshold on Loudoun's page (which applies to additions) does not change this fee. Confirm the classification with Loudoun County Building and Development before filing.
A homeowner files an alteration permit for a coordinated single-story remodel touching the kitchen (250 sq ft), one bathroom (80 sq ft), and the family room (620 sq ft) - total work area 950 sq ft (1,000 sq ft or less). Full kitchen gut and rebuild with high-end appliances, full bathroom gut, new flooring throughout the connected family room, partial new electrical scope, partial new plumbing for kitchen sink relocation. Contractor invoice: $100,000.
- Declared value: $100,000
- Work area: 950 sq ft (alteration of existing space - work area does not change the fee)
- Building permit (1% of $100,000): $1,000.00 + plan review fee: $130.00
- 2% Virginia state levy (on $1,130.00 permit + plan review), if not already included: $0 to $22.60
- Alteration permit total: $1,130.00 to $1,152.60
Note: because the alteration fee scales at 1% of declared value, a $100,000 renovation costs $1,130.00 to $1,152.60 in Loudoun. The same renovation costs $3,360.00 in Fairfax County (Loudoun saves $2,207.40 to $2,230.00) and $2,376.00 in DC (Loudoun saves $1,223.40 to $1,246.00), but only $683.40 in Henrico County, $671.02 in Richmond City, and $671.00 in Virginia Beach. Loudoun is more expensive than all three value-based VA jurisdictions at this scope.
Calculate Your Loudoun Alteration Permit
The PermitPrice fee calculator supports Loudoun's residential alteration formula. Pick "Loudoun County, VA" and "Alteration" in the calculator dropdowns and enter your declared construction cost. The calculator returns the 1% building permit fee ($65 minimum) + $130 plan review + the 2% Virginia state levy, if not already included, on both - for example $285.60 at $15,000 or $438.60 at $30,000, the top of the $280.00 to $285.60 and $430.00 to $438.60 ranges, because Loudoun's published fees do not say whether the required levy is already included. Trade permits filed separately under Loudoun's trade schedule and are not modeled in this calculator.
Loudoun alteration rule of thumb: 1% of declared value + $130 plan review, plus the 2% levy, if not already included, on that sum. Any alteration declared at $6,500 or less totals $195.00 to $198.90 because of the $65 minimum permit fee. Trade permits filed separately under Loudoun's trade schedule. The $395 bundle is for additions of 1,000 sq ft or less, not alterations.
Open the Permit Fee CalculatorTrade Permits for Alterations in Loudoun
Residential alterations with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical scope require SEPARATE trade permits in Loudoun. The alteration fee (1% building permit + $130 plan review) covers the building permit and plan review of the alteration; it does NOT cover circuits, fixtures, gas lines, water lines, ductwork, or HVAC equipment installation.
How to get current trade permit fees: Loudoun's trade permit fees are not fully modeled in PermitPrice's source.json - confirm trade permit costs with Loudoun County Building and Development before budgeting. The county online application portal at loudoun.gov/bdapplyonline accepts trade permit applications and shows current fee rates at the application step. The Building and Development department main contact information is published at loudoun.gov/96/Building-Development.
Why trade permits are separate: Trade permits are scope-specific - a kitchen remodel may need electrical and plumbing trade permits but no mechanical permit; a bathroom remodel may need plumbing only; a basement finish may need all three trades. Loudoun's inspection requirements list trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas) separately from the building permit, and each trade permit is billed by Loudoun at the time of trade application, based on the specific scope of that trade.
Loudoun Alteration Permit Cost vs Neighbors
Loudoun's 1% + $130 plan review alteration fee puts it mid-pack in the verified DMV cluster: cheaper than Fairfax County and DC at every scope in the table, but more expensive than Norfolk, Richmond, Henrico, and Virginia Beach. At very low declared values the $65 minimum applies (a $1,000 minor repair costs $195.00 to $198.90 in Loudoun vs $64.26 in Richmond). The table below compares the all-in alteration permit cost across the verified DMV cluster at four scopes.
| Jurisdiction | Pricing Method | $15k bathroom | $30k kitchen | $50k partial basement | $100k remodel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loudoun County | 1% of cost ($65 min) + $130 PR + the 2% levy, if not already included | $280.00 to $285.60 | $430.00 to $438.60 | $630.00 to $642.60 | $1,130.00 to $1,152.60 |
| Norfolk City | Flat $100 + $35 PR + $15 + 2% levy on $100 | $152.00 | $152.00 | $152.00 | $152.00 |
| Richmond City | $63 + $6.07/$1k over $2k + 2% levy | $144.75 | $237.62 | $361.45 | $671.02 |
| Henrico County | $100 + $6/$1k over $5k (cap $680) + 2% levy | $163.20 | $255.00 | $377.40 | $683.40 |
| Virginia Beach | $50 + $5/$1k + $100 PR + $10 tech + 2% on BP | $237.50 | $314.00 | $416.00 | $671.00 |
| Washington, DC | $30 + 2% + 10% Enhanced + 0.13% GBF + Enhanced | $384.45 | $735.90 | $1,204.50 | $2,376.00 |
| Fairfax County | 3% of value + 2% levy + 10% tech | $504.00 | $1,008.00 | $1,680.00 | $3,360.00 |
All figures are building permit only (building permit + plan review for Loudoun) - trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) excluded. Loudoun ranks fifth of seven at every scope shown, at both ends of its range: cheaper than DC and Fairfax, more expensive than Norfolk, Richmond, Henrico, and Virginia Beach. Virginia requires a 2% state levy on building-code permit fees (USBC Section 107.2), but Loudoun's published fees do not say whether that levy is already included or whether it is charged on plan review, so PermitPrice shows each Loudoun total as a range: the published amount up to 2% more on the building permit and plan review portion (the levy never applies to the zoning permit). Earlier versions of this table showed Loudoun at a flat $402.90 by applying the $395 additions bundle to alterations; that was an error and is corrected here. Source-age caveats: Loudoun is July 2022; Norfolk is July 2021; Richmond is July 2024; Virginia Beach is July 2025 (most current). Chesterfield County not in table - no verified general-alteration line item in source data.
For a full breakdown of how Loudoun and other Virginia jurisdictions price alterations, see the cross-jurisdiction guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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Loudoun County - Residential Additions and Alterations Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2022 (FY2023), re-verified November 4, 2026 - Loudoun County Building and Development - Primary source for the residential_alteration_repair line item: "Residential alterations - Building permit fee based on 1% of construction costs, with an additional $130 plan review fee." The Fee Schedule sets the $65 minimum permit fee ("The minimum permit fee for any permit shall be sixty-five dollars $65.00"). The same page applies the $395 bundled fee to residential additions of 1,000 sq ft or less, not to alterations.
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Loudoun BD Apply Online portal Accessed April 2026 - Loudoun County Building and Development - Official online permit application portal supporting residential alteration applications, plan submission, fee payment, and inspection scheduling. The portal shows current fee rates at the application step and is the destination for verifying current pricing before filing.
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Code of Virginia Section 36-137 - USBC State Levy Authority Current - Virginia General Assembly - Authorizing statute for the statewide 2% building permit surcharge applied in Virginia jurisdictions, which PermitPrice shows as an upper bound on Loudoun's alteration building permit and plan review fees because Loudoun's published fees do not show it.
Calculate your specific Loudoun alteration permit cost or compare against neighbors.