The Storage Tank - Install record is required to install a new, permanent storage tank, install a portable, temporary storage tank, relocated and existing tank, modify existing tank lines or dispensing equipment, or make a tank change to a higher hazard.
ON THIS PAGE
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:
- PLB (Plumbing)
- LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas)
- H/H (Highway/Heavy)
- CBC (Commercial Building Contractor)
- JPLB (Journeyman Plumbing)
- MPLB (Master Plumbing)
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:
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY RECORD?
PLUS Application
Apply for your Storage Tank - Install 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
- Reference the parent or related building permit number if the proposed scope of work for the same project and address:
- has plans submitted on another Fire record of same type
- has a pending or approved Fire Code Modification
Upon submission, the record number provided will start with FTNKI, then may be "masked" to include the review type being requested as outlined in the chart below.
| N/A | LP |
|---|---|
| Installation of a new, permanent storage tank Installation of a portable/temporary storage tank Relocation Modification to existing tank lines or dispensing equipment Tank change to higher hazard |
Content = LPG - Propane in Tank Information list |
Requirements
Document requirements will vary based on answers provided during the application process.
- Site Layout - Required for all submissions.
- Technical Data Sheets - Required for all submisisons.
- Calculations - Required if Placement in Tank Information list = Underground
- 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.).
- Property Ownership Affidavit - Required if a licensed contractor is not being listed on the application.
- Address List - Required if multiple addresses are to be permitted under the scope of work.
First Submission
- Provide Site Layout that meets the necessary code requirements.
- Projects located in the towns of Clifton, Herndon, or Vienna require separate approvals from the respective towns.
Subsequent Submissions
If corrections are required, you will receive an email with links and instructions to make corrections and resubmit.
- “Issues” are comments from reviewers, which require an applicant response before resubmitting. Please respond to each “open” comment.
- Once complete, upload updated plans and/or documents, if needed, and complete your resubmission.
For further assistance, please refer to the below videos for step-by-step guidance on the resubmission process:
Helpful Videos:
Reviewing Issues, Conditions, & Notes in PLUS - YouTube
Upload Corrected Plans in PLUS - YouTube
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 and Engineering Plans Review 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.
Engineering Plans Review is responsible for verifying that designs submitted for installation comply with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Code of Fairfax County, and Public Facilities Manual. The Commercial Plan Review Submittal Requirements will explain what needs to be included in your plans/shop drawings.
Permit Issuance
Once the review is approved and fees have been paid, your permit card (if applicable) and approved plans will be available to download from PLUS. You will also receive a link via a PLUS email notification.
Access Approved Plans in PLUS - YouTube Video
Inspections
Once the permit is issued and you begin construction, you are required to obtain inspections from the county for your project. The county must be notified when the stages of construction are reached that require an inspection.
Storage tank installation inspections can be scheduled in PLUS.
.
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.
Plan Review >> Call the Engineering Plans Review Branch at 703-246-4806, TTY 711 or email Fire.engplansreview@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Inspections >> Call the Fire Prevention Inspections Section at 703-246-4849, TTY 711 or email Fire.inspections@fairfaxcounty.gov.