Office of the Fire Marshal

CONTACT INFORMATION: Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Lobby Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
703-246-4800 TTY 711
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
John Walser
Assistant Chief, Fire Official - 703-246-4753

Fire Prevention Code Permits

 

Line # 
Code Reference 
Table 107.2 
FIRE PREVENTION FEES AND DETAILED PERMIT REQUIREMENTS 
Flat Fee 
Hourly Fee 
Section 1 - Detailed Operational Permit Requirements.  Note: All permit fees are per line item that applies 
5101.2 
Aerosol Products, Level 2 or 3.  An operational permit is required to manufacture, store or handle, an aggregate quantity in excess of 500 pounds net weight. 
$172 
 
107.2 
Amusement Buildings: Permanent.  An operational permit is required to operate a special amusement building. 
$172 
 
107.2 
403.12.2 
Amusement Buildings: Temporary or Mobile.  An operational permit is required to operate a special amusement building, (e.g., Haunted House). (Permit is valid for up to 60 days, but not past event date.) 
$172
 
4
2001.3 
Aviation Facilities.  An operational permit is required to use a Group H or Group S Occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft fuel-servicing vehicles.  Additional permits required by other sections of this code include, but are not limited to, hot work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes.
$172 
 
107.2 
Assembly, Indoor (to include Exhibits and Trade Shows).  An operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows. (Permit is valid for up to 30 days, but not past event date.)
$172 
 
107.2 
403.12.2 
Assembly, Outdoor (to include Carnivals, Circuses, Fairs, and Festivals).  An operational permit is required to conduct an outdoor gathering of 500 persons or more, at one time.  (Permit is valid for up to 30 days, but not past event date.) 
$172 
 
107.2 
Assembly, Place of or Education.  Occupant Load 50 or Greater  
$172 
 
1206.2 
Battery Systems, Stationary Storage.  An operational permit is required for the operation of stationary storage battery systems regulated by Chapter 12.   
$172 
 
301.2 
Cellulose Nitrate Film.  An operational permit is required to store, handle, or use cellulose nitrate film in a Group A Occupancy. 
$172 
 
10 
2201.2 
Combustible Dust-Producing Operations.  An operational permit is required is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2.  
$172 
 
11 
107.2 
Combustible Fibers.  An operational permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 Cubic Feet. 
Exception: An operational permit is not required for agricultural storage. 
$172 
 
12 
609.3 
Commercial Kitchen Operation Requiring a Type I Hood.  An operational permit is required for the operation of a commercial kitchen requiring a Type I hood.   
Exceptions:
1. Assembly (Group A) or Educational (Group E) Occupancies having a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP).
2. Mobile food preparation vehicles.
$172 
 
13
5301.2
5001.5
5401.2
Compressed Gas: Corrosive.  An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling of corrosive gas in excess of 200 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Exception:  Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle. 
$172
 
14 
5301.2
5801.2
5001.5
Compressed Gas: Flammable.  An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling of flammable gas in excess of 200 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).   
Exceptions:  
1. Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle,  
2. cryogenic fluids; and  
3. liquified petroleum gases. 
$172 
 
15 
5301.2
6001.2
5001.5
Compressed Gas: Toxic or Highly Toxic.  An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling of any toxic or highly toxic gas in any amount. 
$172 
 
16 
5301.2
5001.5
Compressed Gas: Inert or Simple Asphyxiant.  An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling of inert or simple asphyxiant gas in excess of 6,000 cubic feet at normal temperate and pressure (NTP).  
Exception: Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle. 
$172 
 
17 
5301.2
5001.5
6301.2
5001.5
Compressed Gas: Oxidizing (including Oxygen).  An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling of oxidizing gas in excess of 504 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).   
Exception: Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle. 
$172 
 
18 
5301.2
6401.2
5001.5
Compressed Gas: Pyrophoric.  An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling of pyrophoric gas in any amount. 
$172 
 
19 
107.2 
Covered and open mall buildings.  An operational permit is required for: 
1. The placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly combustible goods and similar items in the mall. 
2. The display of liquid-fired or gas-fired equipment or vehicles in the mall. 
3. The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in the mall. 
$172 
 
20 
5501.2 
2301.2 
5001.5 
5801.2 
Cryogenic Fluids.  An operational permit is required to produce, store, transport onsite, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the amounts listed below. 
Exception: Vehicles equipped for and using cryogenic fluids as a fuel for propelling the vehicle or for refrigerating the lading. 
Type of Cryogenic Fluid Inside Building (gallons) Outside Building (gallons)
Flammable More than 1 60
Inert 60 500
Oxidizing (includes oxygen) 10 50
Physical or health hazard not indicated above Any amount Any Amount
$172 each
 
 
 
21 
2101.2 
Dry Cleaning Plants.  An operational permit is required to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry-cleaning equipment. 
$172 
 
22 
601.2 
Electrified Security Fence.
$172 
 
23 
5601.2 
Explosives: Explosives Use, Each Site or Location.  (60-day permit)
$207 
 
24 
5601.2 
Explosives: Firm or Company License. 
$172
 
25 
5601.2 
Explosives: Storage and Display of Black Powder or Smokeless Propellant Indoors. 
Exception:  Storage in Group R-3 or R-5 occupancies of smokeless propellant, black powder, and small arms primers for personal use, not for resale, and in accordance with the quantity limitations and conditions set forth in Section 5601.1, Exceptions 4 and 12. 
$172 
 
26 
5601.2 
Explosives: Laboratory Use.  (6-month Permit) 
$172
 
27 
3308.2 
Fire Prevention Program Manager.  A permit is required for the Fire Prevention Program Manager designated by the owner for safeguarding construction, alteration, and demolition operations. 
Exception: Building less than 5 stories above average grade plane and less than 50,000 square feet in size.   
$0 
 
28
5701.4 
Flammable and combustible liquids.  An operational permit is required: 
1. To use or operation of a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids.  This requirement shall not apply to the offsite transportation in pipelines regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), nor does it apply to piping systems. 
2. Class I:  Store, Handle, or Use in Excess of 5 Gallons in a Building or in Excess of 10 Gallons Outside a Building. 
     Exceptions:  
     a. Storage or Use in the Fuel Tank of a Motor Vehicle, Aircraft, Motorboat, Mobile Power Plant, or Mobile Heating Plant, Unless Such Storage, in the Opinion of the Fire Official, Would Cause an Unsafe Condition. 
     b. Storage or Use of Paints, Oils, Varnishes, or Similar Flammable Mixtures When Such Liquids are Stored for Maintenance, Painting, or Similar Purposes for a Period of Not More Than 30 Days. 
3. Class II or IIIA:  Store, Handle or Use in Excess of 25 Gallons in a Building or in Excess of 60 Gallons Outside a Building, except for Fuel oil used in conjunction with oil burning equipment. 
4. To remove Class I or Class II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fuel fueling motor vehicles by any means other than the approved, stationary, on-site pumps normally used for dispensing purposes 
5. To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used. 
6. To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material that poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed. 
$172 
each
 
29 
5701.4 
Flammable/Combustible Liquid Tank.  An operational permit is required for the following: 
1. Underground Storage, with or without dispensing equipment
2. Above-ground Storage, with or without dispensing equipment 
3. Bulk Storage Facility – in Excess of 100,000 Gallons
4. Installation, Above ground or Underground Tank (90-day Permit)
5. Alter or Relocate an Existing Tank (90-day Permit)
6. Place Temporarily Out of Service
7. Underground Abandonment (90-day Permit)
8. Underground Removal (Commercial - 90-day Permit)
9. Underground Removal (Residential - 90-day Permit)
10. Above-ground Removal (Commercial - 90-day Permit)
11. Above-ground Removal (Residential - 90-day Permit) 
12. Install Product Lines/Dispensing Equipment (90-day Permit)
13. Manufacture, Process, Blend, or Refine
Note:  Installation permits are based on the fee Table in Appendix Q of Chapter 61 of the Code of the County of Fairfax. 
$172 
each
 
30
2401.3 
Floor finishing.  An operational permit is required for floor finishing or surfacing exceeding 350 square feet using class I or class II liquids.  (30-day Permit)
$91
 
31 
2501.2 
Fruit or crop-ripening.  An operational permit is required to operate a fruit or crop ripening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas. 
$172 
 
32 
2601.2 
Fumigation, thermal insecticidal and fogging.  An operational permit is required to operate a business of fumigation, thermal or insecticidal fogging and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.  (15-day Permit). 
$172 
 
33 
5001.5 
Hazardous Materials.  An operational permit is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts shown below: 
 
 
34 
 
Combustible Liquids: refer to flammable and combustible liquids
 
 
35 
 
Corrosive Gases: refer to Compressed Gases 
 
 
36 
5401.2 
Corrosive Liquids: greater than 55 Gallons 
$172 
 
37 
5401.2 
Corrosive Solids: greater than 1000 Pounds 
$172 
 
38 
 
Explosives: refer to Explosive Materials 
 
 
39 
 
Flammable Gasses: refer to Compressed Gases 
 
 
40 
 
Flammable Liquids: refer to Flammable and Combustible Liquids 
 
 
41 
5901.2 
Flammable Solids: greater than 100 Pounds 
$172
 
42 
 
Highly Toxic Gases: refer to Compressed Gases  
 
 
43 
6001.2 
Highly Toxic Liquids: any amount   
$172 
 
44 
6001.2 
Highly Toxic Solids: any amount   
$172 
 
45 
 
Oxidizing Gases: refer to Compressed Gases  
 
 
46 
 
Oxidizing Liquids: 
1. Class 4: any amount
2. Class 3: greater than 1 gallon
3. Class 2: greater than 10 gallons
4. Class 1: greater than 55 gallons
$172 
each 
 
47 
6301.2 
Oxidizing Solids: 
1. Class 4: any amount
2. Class 3: greater than 10 pounds
3. Class 2: greater than 100 pounds
4. Class 1: greater than 500 pounds
$172
each 
 
48 
6201.2 
Organic Peroxides, Liquid:
1. Class I: any amount
2. Class II: any amount
3. Class III: greater than 1 gallon
4. Class IV: greater than 2 gallons
5. Class V: no permit required
$172
each 
 
49 
6201.2 
Organic Peroxides, Solids: 
1. Class I: any amount
2. Class II: any amount
3. Class III: greater than 10 pounds
4. Class IV: greater than 20 pounds
5. Class V: no permit required
$172
each 
 
50 
6401.2 
Pyrophoric Material: 
1. Gas: any amount
2. Liquid: any amount
3. Solid: any amount
$172 each
 
51 
6001.2 
Toxic Materials: 
1. Gases: refer to compressed gases
2. Liquids: 10 gallons
3. Solids: 100 pounds
$172
each
 
52 
6601.2 
Unstable (Reactive) Materials:   
Liquids:  
a. Class 1: greater than 10 gallons
b. Class 2: greater than 5 gallons
c. Class 3: any amount
d. Class 4: any amount
Solids: 
a. Class 1: greater than 100 pounds
b. Class 2: greater than 50 pounds
c. Class 3: any amount
d. Class 4: any amount
$172
each 
 
53 
6701.2 
Water-reactive Materials:   
Liquids:  
a. Class 1: greater than 55 gallons
b. Class 2: greater than 5 gallons
c. Class 3: greater than any amount
Solids: 
a. Class 1: greater than 500 pounds
b. Class 2: greater than 50 pounds
c. Class 3: any amount
$172 
 
54 
5001.5 
Hazardous Production Facilities (HPM).  An operational permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.  
$172 
 
55 
3201.2 
High Piled Storage.  An operational permit is required to use a building or portion thereof as a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet.  
$172
 
56 
3501.2 
Hot Work and Welding: Public Exhibitions and Demonstrations. (Each Exhibitor/Demo – Permit is valid for up to 10 days, but not past event date.) 
$91
 
57 
3501.2 
Hot Work and Welding.  An operational permit is required for: 
1. Small Scale Hot Work
2. Fixed-Site Hot Work Equipment (Example: Welding Booth)
3. Cutting or Welding, All Locations
4. Open Flame Device Roofing Operation, to include Rubberized Asphalt Melter Operations (Each Site/Location – 90-day Permit)
5. Torch or Open-Flame Operations other than Roofing (Each Site/Location – 30-day Permit)
 
$172 
$172 
$172
$172
 
$91 
 
58 
3001.2 
Industrial Ovens.  An operational permit is required for operation of industrial ovens regulated by Chapter 30. 
$172 
 
59 
2801.2 
Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial Solid Biomass and Woodworking Plants. Storage or Processing of Lumber Exceeding 100,000 Board Feet (8,333 ft3) (236 m3). 
$172 
 
60 
109.1 
Live/Work Units.  An operational permit is required for each Live/Work Unit that does not function solely as a dwelling unit. 
$172 
 
68 
6101.2 
LP-Gas.  An operational permit is required for Storage or use of LP-gas, (inside or outside any structure). 
$172 
 
69 
6101.2 
LP-Gas.  An operational permit is required for storage and/or use outside, portable installation, per event, more than 10 gallons aggregate (Permit is valid for up to 30 days, but not past event date.) 
Exception:  Single-and two-family dwellings. 
$91 
 
70
6106 
6109 
LP-Gas.  An operational permit is required for: 
1. Dispensing and Cylinder Refill Location
2. Retail cylinder exchange location
3. Automated cylinder exchange location
$172 each
 
71 
315.2 
Miscellaneous Combustible Storage.  Storage inside any building or upon any premises - in excess of 2500 cubic feet. 
$172
 
72 
107.2 
Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle.  A permit is required for mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease laden vapors. 
$172
 
73 
301.2 
Open Burning.  An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground, as follows: 
1. Bonfire (10-day Permit)
2. Silvicultural / Controlled Burning (90 -day Permit)
$172
 
74
301.2 
Open Flame and Candles.  An operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, educational use, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments. 
1. Public meetings or gatherings in assembly or educational use (Each Event - Permit is valid for up to 60 days, but not past event date.)
2. Assembly areas or dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments
 
 
$91
$172 
 
75 
2901.2 
Organic Coatings.  An operational permit is required for any organic-coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon in one day. 
$172
 
76
107.2 
Private Fire Hydrant.  An operational permit is required for the removal from service, use, or operation of private fire hydrants. 
$172 
 
77
5601.2 
Pyrotechnics and Fireworks:  An operational permit is required for Outdoor Fireworks Display (Aerial Audience) (One-day Permit) 
$552 
 
78
5601.2 
Pyrotechnics and Fireworks.  An operational permit is required for Retail Sales (inside mercantile establishment) of Permissible Fireworks - Any Amount.  (45-day Permit)
$828 
 
79
5601.2 
Pyrotechnics and Fireworks.  An operational permit is required for Wholesale Sales of Permissible Fireworks - Any Amount.(21-day Permit.  With a minor site plan, up to 45-day Permit)
$828
 
80
6501.2 
Pyroxylin Plastic.  Storage or handling, more than 25 pounds of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastics and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving pyroxylin plastic. 
$172 
 
81
601.2 
Refrigeration Equipment.  An operational permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6.   
$172 
 
82
2301.2 
Repair garages and service stations.  An operational permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine, and fleet service station.  
$172
 
83
2001.3 
Rooftop Heliports.  An operational permit is required to operate a rooftop heliport. 
$172 
 
84
1204 
Solar photovoltaic power systems.  An operational permit is required for the installation and operation of a solar photovoltaic power system. 
$172 
 
85
2401.3 
Spraying or dipping operations.  An operational permit is required for the following: 
1. Flammable/Combustible Liquid Spray Finishing Operation
2. Flammable/Combustible Liquid Dip Tank Operation
3. Application of Combustible Powders/Spray/Fluidized
4. Organic Peroxides and Dual-component coatings
$172
each
 
86
5001.5 
Swimming Pool Operation.  The operation of a public or community pool requires an operational permit. 
$172 
 
87
3103.2 
Temporary membrane structures and tents.  (Permit is valid for up to 6 months, but not past event date.)
Exceptions: 
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes. 
2. Tents and air-supported structures that cover an area of 900 square feet or less, including all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress and with an occupant load of less than 50 persons. 
$172
 
88 
3401.2 
Tire-rebuilding Plants.  An operational permit is required for the operation and maintenance of a tire-rebuilding plant. 
$172
 
89 
3401.2 
Tire Storage (scrap tires and tire byproducts).  An operational permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500 cubic feet of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts. 
$172
 
90
107.2 
Waste Handling.  An operational permit is required for the operation of wrecking yards, junk yards and waste material handling facilities.  
$172
 
91
2801.2 
Wood Products.  An operational permit is required to store chips, hogged material, lumber, or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet. 
$172
 
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