On a single-family house, most routine work does not require a permit. You can: Paint, add or replace carpet, tile or hardwood floors, replace cabinets, and even replace paneling and drywall without a permit. Replace your windows and doors, as long as you don't change the size of the opening in the wall.
Installing a shed, fence, wall, patio or driveway A building permit is not usually required to these structures on residential property.
You must apply for householder planning permission to add or replace a hard standing or paved area. This is if any of the following apply: it will be located between the house and the road and exceed 5m² and: the hard surface will be made of non-porous materials.
Permits are typically required for the following projects: alterations to existing commercial structures; commercial structures; carport enclosures; decks; demolition; electrical systems; finished basements; garages and sheds; HVAC systems; mobile homes; plumbing systems; pools, spas and hot tubs; renovations; ...
A building permit is required for all new residential, commercial, and industrial construction – including alterations and equipment installations in Fairfax County.
Structures over 256 square feet in size require a building permit. Also, most plumbing or electrical lines that are run to a structure require trade permits.
So the information here is what is happening now. You can always check with your local permit office for current approval times. For a typical project in Fairfax County (public utilities, no RPA or Flood Zone, no full geotech report required, etc), you can expect your permit to be approved in 4 – 8 weeks.