Spring is here...Finally! Looking forward to your dream deck? This month's Code Compliance Corner has some helpful information.
While this deck's handrail replacement and trellis installation are moving along seemingly well, there have been no County permits obtained to help ensure safety requirements are being met.
Obtaining Permits - The Virginia Construction Code (VCC) requires permits for new buildings, decks, common renovations, and projects, such as finishing basements and installing gas appliances. The work must also pass inspection. Construction or other work done without required permits and associated inspections is called unpermitted construction and is a violation. In Fairfax County, Land Development Services (LDS) oversees the permit review, permit issuance, and inspections processes. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to reports of potential unpermitted construction, and enforces the requirements to get permits and inspections.
A few key points:
- When responding to a report, if DCC finds unpermitted construction, they will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) that explains the issues and responsibilities.
- A NOV requires an owner to correct the problem by getting the required permits and inspections or by removing the construction. DCC may allow more time to comply depending on the circumstances – such as waiting for a permit application to be approved.
- While DCC’s goal is always to obtain voluntary compliance, DCC may ask the courts to impose fines or issue a court order if parties are unwilling to act.
Receiving a permit and having proper inspections are important steps to ensuring work is done safely. The permit process also allows the County to review other regulations that might apply, such as setbacks and height limitations for structures and other Zoning Ordinance provisions.
DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.