This publication provides guidelines for obtaining an annual permit to an existing commercial building in a revitalization area or a single tenant commercial building in other parts of Fairfax County in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).

in this publication:

GENERAL INFORMATION

WORK ALLOWED

ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

ASBESTOS REQUIREMENT

PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Annual Permit Program allows permit holders to perform minor renovations at a specific location during a one-year period with one permit rather than obtaining individual permits. The program makes process of securing permits easier and eliminates the waiting time associated with individual permit approval.

All work shall be certified by a licensed architect, professional engineer or contractor registered in the commonwealth of Virginia as meeting the requirements of the USBC and the Annual Permit Program.

Building owners and tenants whose work does not meet the minimum requirements of the USBC and the Annual Permit Program will lose the privilege of participating in the program.

 

WORK ALLOWED

 

ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Alterations to architectural and structural components are limited to partitions, doors, modular furniture and ceilings, provided each is replaced with like materials.

Limitations:

1. 1. Alterations shall not change the group, occupancy load or exit access patterns, or increase the fire hazard.
   2. Alterations shall not increase the allowable travel distance or create dead-end corridors.
   3. Modular furniture shall remain 18 inches below sprinkler heads.
   4. Altered elements shall not be part of a fire-rated assembly or smoke partition(s).
   5. Doors which are required to be self-closing may not be altered.
   6. Buildings or areas equipped with an automatic smoke control system shall not be altered. Exception: alterations limited to modular furniture in areas with automatic smoke control systems are permitted.
   7. Fire-rate or plenum ceilings shall not be demolished without being replaced within the same working day.
   8. Fire drill patterns shall be reviewed and approved by the fire marshal prior to commencing any alterations to buildings over 75 feet in height.

 

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Ductwork and diffusers of the mechanical system may be relocated or replaced.

Limitations:

1. 1. Ductwork shall not be installed within or penetrate a fire-related assembly.
   2. Changes shall not affect the smoke evacuation system or fire alarm duct mounted smoke detectors connected to the fire alarm system.

 

PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Sinks, toilets, urinals and electric hot water heaters less than 58 kilowatts may be replaced. Drinking fountains may be replaced or relocated provided the required width of exit access passageways, and proper approaches and clear floor space are maintained. Vent, waste and water piping may be extended from the original location, but new connections are prohibited.

Limitations:

1. 1. Existing fixtures shall not be relocated (except drinking fountains).
   2. New fixtures shall not be added.
   3. New water heaters shall be of the same size and wattage as those being replaced.

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Branch circuits, lighting fixtures and circuits, and receptacle outlets may be removed, replaced or relocated.

Limitations:

1. 1. Altered elements shall not be installed within or penetrate a fire-rated assembly.
   2. Branch circuits shall not exceed 40 amps and 240 volts.
   3. Lighting circuits shall not exceed 20 amps and 277 volts.
   4. Altered elements shall not be part of the fire alarm system.
   5. Branch circuits, lighting fixtures and circuits, and receptacle outlets shall not be installed in hazardous locations as defined by Article 500 of the National Electrical Code.

 

FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEMS

Existing sprinkler heads may be replaced with the same type at the same location.

Limitation: work performed shall be certified as meeting the requirements of the USBC and the Annual Permit program by the licensed sprinkler contractor or the plumbing contractor who performed or supervised the work. An inspection certification form (PDF) is required.

 

ACCESSIBLITY REQUIREMENTS

• The building owner or tenant must certify compliance with accessibility provisions of the USBC by submitting a completed Accessibility Compliance Form (PDF) when applying for a building permit.
• Altered area must comply with the accessibility requirements for new construction.
• Alterations and new components to a space or area shall be fully accessible. The accessible route to the altered area must be upgraded up to a limitation of 20 percent of the cost of the alterations (this includes mechanical, electrical and plumbing).
• Compliance with USBC does not obviate the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• See Accessibility Fundamentals for more information.

 

ASBESTOS REQUIREMENTS

• Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the submission of an Asbestos Inspection Certification (PDF) is required if the building was constructed prior to 1985.
• The Asbestos Inspection Certification must attest that the altered areas of the building have been inspected for the presence of asbestos and that appropriate response actions will be undertaken in accordance with the Code of Virginia.
• In addition, if abatement or a remedial action occurs, the owner must certify that the area will not be reoccupied until all activity has been completed and final air quality clearances have been measured and found to be within the tolerances specified by the USBC.
• If the building has been inspected and is free of asbestos, an asbestos inspection certification form can be filed with the original application for an Annual Permit.

 

PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

Building owners or tenants interested in participating in the Annual Permit Program must complete the following:

• Fill out an Annual Permit Application and apply at the Permit Application Center, 2nd floor of the Herrity Building.
• Provide evidence of current contractor licensing as an owner/developer if licensure is required by State Contractor Licensing Regulations.
• Submit the completed Annual Permit Application and the payment to the Permit Application Center. The fee for an Annual Permit is prescribed by the Land Development Services Fee Schedule (PDF) in Chapter 61 of the Code of the County of Fairfax.
• By the 10th day of the month following the completion of any authorized work, you should:
  1. Apply for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, and maintain plans on file showing all work performed under the Annual Permit.
  2. Pay the fee amount: $25.00 for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits and 2.5 percent of the estimated cost of construction (minimum fee of $65.00) for building permits.
• Random inspections will be performed by the county; any work which does not meet the minimum requirements of the USBC must be corrected and reinspected by the county.
• A reinspection fee of $65.00 can be assessed for each additional inspection that is required due to work not performed in accordance with the applicable codes and plans.

For more information, please contact the Permit Application Center at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.