L A N D    D E V E L O P M E N T    S E R V I C E S
Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
Hours of Operation

Location: Herrity Building
12055 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Telephone: 703-222-0801
TTY: 711

This publication provides guidelines for scheduling and canceling an inspection using the many options available with the Fairfax Inspections Database Online, FIDO.

 

INSPECTION SCHEDULING OPTIONS

To assist you with inspection scheduling the FIDO system provides you with the following options for scheduling and cancelling inspections.

• The FIDO Website.  Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week*, the FIDO website is the preferred method of scheduling and cancelling inspections due to its ease of use and added functionality.
  
  In addition to scheduling and cancelling inspections you can set up user accounts to easily track the status of your inspections.

 

• The FIDO automated telephone inspection scheduling system at 703-222-2474.  Also 24 hours a day, 7 days a week*, the FIDO telephone system will prompt for your permit number, date of inspection and inspection code.  To use the system, you will need instructions and inspection codes.

 

• Inspection scheduling staff at 703-222-0455, TTY 711.  Customer service staff is available Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. and Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. to assist customers in scheduling or cancelling inspections by telephone. 
  
  Staff members can also assist you in scheduling inspections if the our automated systems are temporarily unavailable. 
  
  Staff is equipped to answer most inspection scheduling questions (other than inspection timing questions that should be directed directly to the assigned inspector).  

 

• In person at the Inspection Request Center.  You can visit the Inspection Request Center Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to schedule or cancel your inspections with the center's staff. 
  
  The center is located on the third floor of the Herrity Building at 12055 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.
  
  Staff members can also assist you in scheduling inspections if the our automated systems are temporarily unavailable.

 

*Inspection requests made prior to 11:59 p.m. on our automated systems will be scheduled for the next business day.

 

Please Note:  If your permit number has a letter in the sixth character, you have a legacy permit number that has been replaced.  You must obtain your new permit number before scheduling or cancelling an inspection.  To get your new permit number, please visit our website or contact staff during normal business hours at 703-222-0455, TTY 711.

 

AUTOMATED TELEPHONE SYSTEM

The FIDO automated telephone system allows callers to schedule and cancel inspections for building and trade permits.  The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

SCHEDULING AN INSPECTION

1. Dial 703-222-2474.
   
   
2. Listen to the introductory message, then press 1 to access the system.
   
   
3. When requested, key in your 10 digit telephone number, area code first, e.g., 7035551234.
   
   
4. Press 1 to SCHEDULE an inspection within the next 5 business days.
   
   
5. When requested, key in the permit number followed by the # sign.
   
   
6. Confirm the address as it is spelled out for verification.
   
   
7. Enter the code for the appropriate inspection type (use the table of inspection codes listed on this brochure).
   
   
8. Listen as the request is verified.  If there is an error, please follow the instructions and re-enter the request.

 

CANCELING AN INSPECTION

1. Dial 703-222-2474.
   
   
2. Listen to the introductory message, then press 1 to access the system.
   
   
3. When requested, key in your 10 digit telephone number, area code first, e.g., 7035551234.
   
   
4. Press 2 to CANCEL an inspection.
   
   
5. When requested, key in the permit number followed by the # sign.
   
   
6. Enter the code for the inspection type to be canceled.
   
   
7. Listen as your request is verified.  If there is an error, please follow the instructions and re-enter the request.

 

INSPECTION CODES

 

CODE	INSPECTION DESCRIPTION
01	Backfill
02	Ceiling Concealment
03	Cross Connection
04	Ductwork
05	Electrical Concealment
06	Electrical Service
07	Electrical Service Temp To Perm
08	Final
09	Fireplace Hearth
10	Fireplace Throat
11	Fireproofing
12	First Gas
13	Footing
14	Framing
15	Groundwork Storm
16	Groundwork Sanitary
17	Insulation
18	Lateral
19	Manhole Tap
20	Masonry
21	Mechanical Concealment
23	Plumbing Concealment
25	Reinforced Concrete Pour
26	Retaining Wall
27	Routine Beam Pocket
28	Routine
30	Sanitary Sewer
31	Sewer Tap
32	Slab
33	Storm Sewer
34	Structural Steel
37	Temporary Service On Pole
38	Wall Concealment
39	Water Service
40	Waterproofing

 

HELPFUL HINTS

• Once familiar with the system, you may press the appropriate number at each prompt without listening to the entire message.
  
  
• Information may be entered as soon as FIDO requests it; you do not need to listen to the entire message.
   
• Inspections can only be scheduled for the next 5 business days. Inspections cannot be scheduled for Weekends and Holidays using the automated FIDO systems. 
  
  
• You cannot cancel current day inspections using the FIDO automated systems. To cancel inspections on the day scheduled, please call the appropriate number below:
  • Residential Inspections: 703-631-5101, option # 4, TTY 711
  • Commercial Inspections: 703-324-1910, TTY 711
    
    
• Occasionally, one or more of the automated FIDO systems may not be accessible due to maintenance or technical difficulties; in such an instance, customers may try another scheduling method outlined in this brochure or try the request at a later time. Staff can assist with any inspection scheduling difficulties you may have. For further assistance contact staff during normal business hours at 703-222-0455, TTY 711.