CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND – For homeowners planning renovations in Chevy Chase, the double-permitting system means a Montgomery County building permit is necessary but insufficient. You must also secure independent approval from your local municipality and getting the sequence wrong stops your project before it starts.
Why Your Specific Section Matters
The Chevy Chase area includes the Town of Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase Village, Section 3, Section 5, North Chevy Chase, Martin’s Additions, Chevy Chase View, unincorporated Montgomery County, and a neighborhood across the D.C. line. Each has its own town hall, building permit process, and zoning exemptions.
Jurisdictional boundaries determine:
- Whether you need a local municipal permit in addition to the county permit
- Which setback rules, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions apply
- Whether your project triggers Pre-PAC review or historic district requirements
- Variance fee schedules ranging from $25 to $1,700 depending on the municipality
Your mailing address will say “Chevy Chase” regardless of which sovereign entity governs your lot. Confirm through Montgomery County’s GIS tools or the municipality’s office.
The Double-Permitting Sequence
Most Chevy Chase municipalities require local authorization before Montgomery County will process your building permit application. Having a county permit does not guarantee a municipal permit.
Sequence by jurisdiction:
- Chevy Chase Village: File a Pre-Design Review Meeting (PDRM) application first. The Village issues a municipality letter to County DPS, then processes its own permit after the county permit is issued.
- Town of Chevy Chase: The Town requires a County permit first. Projects adding 500+ square feet or involving demolition require Pre-PAC review before the building permit stage.
- Section 3 and Section 5: Both require separate building permit applications with site plans and stormwater drainage plans for any impervious surface increase.
- Unincorporated County / Chevy Chase DC: Only the county or D.C. DOB permit applies. No local municipal layer.
The Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP)
The entirety of Chevy Chase Village is a designated historic district. Almost any exterior alteration — window replacement, roof replacement, siding, fencing, hardscaping — requires a Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP).
Two levels of scrutiny apply:
- Strict: Front and side elevations visible from the public right-of-way. Materials must match original historic fabric.
- Standard: Rear elevations and interior work. Interior modifications are generally outside HAWP review.
The review process targets 45 days, though incomplete applications restart the clock. Additions must be placed at the rear, lower than the main historic block. Front porch enclosures are prohibited. Front-loading garages are limited to one door at 10 feet maximum width.
The Established Building Line (EBL)
Across all Chevy Chase jurisdictions, the Established Building Line (EBL) is the single most critical zoning constraint for the front facade. It overrides the statutory setback to maintain a uniform “street wall.” If a block features 1920s homes set back 45 feet, a new build cannot use the statutory 30-foot setback. It must align with neighbors.
EBL calculation: Assess all main buildings within 300 feet on the same side of the street, measure from the front property line to the foundation wall, and average the setbacks. The new build must respect this average or the statutory minimum, whichever is greater. In one case, a variance was required for a roof gable extending just 12 inches into a 25-foot setback.
Tree Protection and Stormwater
Chevy Chase municipalities enforce strict tree protection. Any tree with a circumference of 24 inches (approximately 7.6 inches diameter) at 4.5 feet above ground requires a removal permit. Violating this in Chevy Chase Village carries fines of $1,000 per tree, per day. Trees must be assessed by a municipal arborist and meet criteria: diseased, dead, dying, or hazardous.
Stormwater: Projects adding 700+ square feet of impervious surface must submit a Water Drainage Plan. The Town of Chevy Chase requires new construction to retain a 1.25-inch rainfall event over 24 hours on-site.
Why Reflex Builders for Chevy Chase Renovations
Chevy Chase renovations demand navigation of a double-permitting ecosystem where local ordinances supersede county regulations. Reflex Builders brings decades of experience across all Chevy Chase municipalities, with established relationships with Montgomery County DPS and local offices.
Our team handles: HAWP processes, EBL calculations, Pre-PAC requirements, municipal letters, county permits, and trade permit bundles. We coordinate submissions to both jurisdictions simultaneously, saving weeks on the overall timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chevy Chase Permitting
How do I know which jurisdiction my property falls under?
Your mailing address will say “Chevy Chase” regardless. Confirm through Montgomery County’s GIS tools, tax records, or the municipality’s office. Reflex Builders verifies jurisdictional status before design begins.
Do I need both a municipal and a county permit?
For most exterior projects in incorporated municipalities, yes. The sequence matters: most municipalities require their authorization before the county processes your application. Unincorporated properties only need the county permit.
Do I need a permit for window replacement?
If your property is in a historic district, yes. A HAWP is required for window replacement in Chevy Chase Village and other designated historic areas. Unincorporated Chevy Chase may only require a standard building permit.
What triggers Pre-PAC review?
Pre-PAC review is required for new construction greater than 500 square feet, demolition of a main building, or additions adding 500+ square feet to any floor. This public meeting occurs before the building permit stage.
What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit?
In Chevy Chase Village, violating the Urban Forest Code carries a fine of $1,000 per tree, per day. Any tree with a trunk measuring 24+ inches in circumference at 4.5 feet above ground requires a removal permit assessed by a municipal arborist.
Can I build a garage that faces the street?
Chevy Chase Village limits front-loading garages to one door at 10 feet maximum width. Side-loading or detached rear garages are typical solutions. A variance is required for any structure encroaching on the 25-foot front Building Restriction Line.
Ready to navigate Chevy Chase’s double-permitting system with confidence? Contact Reflex Builders for a consultation. Our team understands the HAWP process, Established Building Line rules, and the exact permit sequence your municipality requires — so your project proceeds on time and on budget.
