Zoning and size
- What can you build? Setbacks, maximum height and lot coverage set the size of the house. Arlington, for example, asks for height and lot coverage figures with every new-home permit (Arlington County, residential building permits).
- Is the lot part of an approved subdivision? In the Town of Vienna, that brings a subdivision lot grading plan (Town of Vienna, residential projects).
- Historic district? Arlington and the Town of Vienna both require a Certificate of Appropriateness in historic districts.
Land and water
- How much land will you disturb? Past 2,500 sq ft, Fairfax County usually wants an infill lot grading plan (Fairfax County, infill lot grading plans).
- Floodplain or Resource Protection Area? Both bring extra permits and limits in Arlington (Arlington County, residential building permits) and Fairfax County.
- Well and septic or public water and sewer? A well or septic system adds a Health Department review in Fairfax County.
- Slopes, rock and soil. The City of Alexandria requires a soil report for new construction ([City of Alexandria, new residential plan submittal requirements](https://www.alexandriava.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/New Residential Plan Submittal Requirements - checklist_0.pdf)).
The existing house
- Asbestos in older homes adds testing and possibly abatement before demolition.
- Utility disconnects and a sewer cap-off are required before a Fairfax County demolition permit (Fairfax County, residential demolition permit).
Get help before you buy
Several builders will look at a lot before you commit. Curtis Ventures offers a feasibility visit before you buy, AZA Builders a free 15-minute feasibility review, and Fisher Custom Homes can help you find a lot. Some, like Park Bradley Homes and Bespoke Builder, buy lots themselves.
