Land Development Services
12055 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-324-1780, TTY 711

October 22, 2003
03-20

Alterations to Construction Documents

Building Plan Review Division wish to remind our customers of our responsibility and limitations with regards to altering plans during plan review.

Building Plan Review is responsible for reviewing construction documents to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and other related ordinances. When instances of noncompliance are found, our responsibility under state law is limited to informing our customer of the reasons of rejection and providing any necessary clarification (USBC § 111.5.3). We do not have the authority to make changes to plans in order to correct deficiencies. Design services, plan revisions, and amendments are the responsibility of the Virginia registered design professional (Architect or Professional Engineer) or the designer/author whose name appears on the plans (USBC § 113.1).

In addition, no one other than the Virginia registered design professional or designer/author of the plans are permitted to edit construction documents without permission (Virginia Administrative Code, Title 18, Agency 10, Chapter 20, § 740). Effective December 1, 2003, anyone wishing to edit construction documents other than the designer must complete the Permission to Edit Construction Documents form. This form may be submitted and kept as part of the plans. Building Plan Review will not accept plans edited by anyone other than the designer or those with the appropriate permission.

If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact Brian Foley via e-mail or telephone at 703-222-0114, TTY 711 .