The In-building Emergency Communications Coverage record is required to install Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES).
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This information is the most common for how to obtain the necessary approval for your project and is not representative of all the conditions you may encounter.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Property owners may obtain permits in their own name; however, it is strongly recommended a properly licensed contractor pull the permits as the responsible party so the county can better assist in gaining compliance for defective work.
Accepted DPOR License for this record type is:
- ELE (Electrical)
- ESC (Electronic / Communication Service)
PLAN AHEAD
Before submitting your plan, ensure you are aware of all applicable regulations and conditions that could affect your project, to avoid surprises during the review process. Factors that may apply for this permit include:
- Submittal and Permit Requirements Guidelines
- Process and Technical Requirements
- Approved Communication Sheets from architectural plans - These will be part of the approved plan set from a Commercial New or Commercial Addition/Alteration record. If preliminary design is not provided with the initial architectural review, a Building Permit Amendment must be submitted.
- DIT-Radio approval - Applications for approval can be electronically submitted using the Retransmission Application
- Building Commercial Electrical Permit (Low Voltage - Voice/Data)
- Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL)
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY RECORD?
PLUS Application
Apply for your In-building Emergency Communications Coverage record online in PLUS under the Fire tab. If you are a first-time user, you must first register for an account.
Instructional Videos for PLUS
Step-by-step instructions are available to submit this record.
- Reference the parent or related building permit number if the proposed scope of work for the same project and address:
- is relevant to a Building record
- has plans submitted on another Fire record of same type
- has a pending or approved Code Modification
Upon submission, the record number provided will start with FCOMM, then may be "masked" to include the review type being requested as PASV (passive ERCES) or ACTV (Active ERCES).
Requirements
Document requirement:
- Maintenance Agreement for ERCES - To be signed and notarized
- DIT Design Approval - Approval is acquired by submitting the Retransmission Application
- In-building Communication Sheets - Approval is acquired through inclusion of the preliminary design in architectural plans
- Property Ownership Affidavit - Required if a licensed contractor is not being listed on the application.
- Temporary BPOL Certificate - Required if the licensed contractor does not have an active but required Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) with the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA.).
Submission
- Projects located outside of Fairfax County are unauthorized.
What's Next?
To get a step-by-step guide on PLUS statuses and what they mean, see our What is My PLUS Status? infographic.
Below are the necessary steps to follow after your application is accepted in PLUS.
County Review
Staff in Revenue & Records will review your package for completeness and compliance with the fire code and county ordinances. You will be notified of any deficiencies. Plan corrections and additional supporting documents may be required.
Permit Issuance
Once the review is approved and fees have been paid, your permit card will be available to download from PLUS. You will also receive a link via a PLUS email notification.
Acceptance Testing Inspections
Once the permit is issued and you begin construction, you are required to obtain a Communications Visual inspection from the county for your project. The county must be notified when the stages of construction are reached that require an inspection.
Interconnected System Record of Completion is to be completed by the system installation contractor at the time of system acceptance and approval.
Requests for Acceptance Testing fire inspections must be made via email. Send the Acceptance Inspection/Test Request form to Fire.AcceptanceTesting@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Resources
Need More Assistance?
For questions or additional information, please contact staff:
Permit Application Process and Fees >> Call the Revenue & Records Branch at 703-246-4803, TTY 711 or email Fire.revenuepermits@fairfaxcounty.gov.