The Office of the Fire Marshal administers installation permits in support of new or altered commercial projects and for the maintenance of existing systems and components through the Fire Protection Systems Branch (Acceptance Testing).
INSTALLATION PERMITS
Virginia Construction Code-Related Installations
The Office of the Fire Marshal is authorized to act on behalf of the Fairfax County Building Official (LDS) regarding enforcement of select chapters of the 2021 Virginia Construction Code (VCC), which includes processing and issuing installation permits related to the following:
- Fire Protection Equipment and Systems. Includes fire alarm and detection, fire pump, fire sprinkler, standpipe, private fire service main (underground /aboveground), smoke control, fire protection supervisory, and alternative fire-extinguishing systems. For clarification about installation permit requirements related to periodic maintenance and simple repairs to defective existing fire protection systems and equipment, please consult the following letter to community and industry:
- Special Locking Arrangements. Generally, includes only installations and/or modifications associated with access-controlled egress doors (VCC 1010.2.10), delayed egress (VCC 1010.2.13), door hardware release of electronically locked egress doors (VCC 1010.2.11), locking arrangements in correctional facilities (VCC 408.4 / 1010.2.7), stairway doors (VCC 403.5.3 / 1010.2.7), and Group I-2 special locking arrangements (VCC 407.10). For additional information, refer to Description and Requirements for Special Locking Hardware. Questions related to special locking arrangements should be directed to the Engineering Plans Review Branch at 703-246-4806.
- Fuel Storage Tanks. Includes the installation, repair, upgrade, and closure of underground and aboveground storage tanks under the Virginia Administrative Code 9VAC25-91 including State Water Control Board standards and Corrective Action Requirements. Plans, permits (plumbing/mechanical/electrical), and inspections shall be required from Land Development Services (LDS) for service piping, branch line piping, and equipment served. Contact 703-324-1555, TTY 703-324-1877 (Permits and Application), 703-222-0114, TTY 711 (Building Plan Review), or 703-324-1910, TTY 711 (Commercial Inspections). Fuel Storage Tank Permitting Matrix
- In-building Emergency Communications Coverage. The requirement to install an Emergency Radio Communications Enhancement System (ERCES) is in the Virginia Construction Code, Section 918. Depending on the type of installation, applicant will be required to obtain some or all of the following permits: Retransmission Authorization from the Department of Information Technology Emergency Communications Branch - Radio Services Center; Building and Electrical Low Voltage from Land Development Services (LDS); and a Maintenance Agreement for Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems and fire permit (FCOMM) from the Office of the Fire Marshal. If the applicant chooses to install an ERCES in lieu of firefighter communication phones, a Code Modification (CDMOD) is also required from LDS. Refer to the In-building Emergency Communications Coverage (ERCES) Web page for all technical, submittal, and inspection requirements. Questions related to ERCES should be directed to the Engineering Plans Review Branch at 703-246-4806, TTY 711.
Fire Department Access and Fire Lane Installations
- Construction Projects. Fire department access requirements for new construction projects can be found in Section 9-0202.2J of the Public Facilities Manual (PFM) and Chapter 5 of the Fire Prevention Code including County amendments to Chapter 5. Questions related to fire department access technical requirements/specifications, permits, and related site plans for new construction projects should be directed to the Engineering Plans Review Branch at 703-246-4806.
- Fire Lane Installations. Requirements and specifications for fire lane installations can be found in Chapter 5 of the Fire Prevention Code including County amendments to Chapter 5. Questions related to the installation of new fire lanes or modification of existing fire lanes should be directed to the fire lanes inspector at 703-246-4871 or 246-4865.
- Fire Department Key Boxes. Although an installation permit is not required, all buildings with the exception of single-family dwellings shall provide a fire department building access system. For detailed information about fire department key boxes, visit the Fire Department Key Box requirements area of our web site.
Installation permits were previously known as construction permits; however, the title was changed to "installation permit" to avoid confusion with building and trade permits issued by Land Development Services (LDS). Once issued, installation permits allow the permit applicant (i.e., licensed contractor) to install or modify equipment and systems regulated by the Virginia Construction Code (VCC) for which a permit and/or approval is required, in addition to applicable sections of the Fire Prevention Code and the water and fire regulations section of the Public Facilities Manual (PFM).
Permit Fees. For a complete list of permit application and plan review fees associated with installation permits, consult the billable services and fees section of our web site.
Guidelines for Installation Applications in PLUS: For a complete list of record types and submission guidelines for each, visit Fire's PLUS page.
Have Questions About Installation Permits?
- Fuel Storage Tank Installation, Repair, Upgrade, and Closure Requirements >> Call the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849
- Fire Protection Equipment and Systems Permit Requirements and Inspections >> Call the Fire Protection Systems Branch at 703-246-4821
- Scheduling a Fire Protection or Special Lock Acceptance Inspection/Test >> Call the Fire Protection Systems Branch at 703-246-4821 or consult the Acceptance Testing of Fire Protection Systems & Special Locks section of our web site.
- Permit Application Process and Fees >> Call the Revenue and Records Branch at 703-246-4803
- Plan Submittal/Review Information >> Call the Engineering Plans Review Branch at 703-246-4806