The Office of the Fire Marshal administers single-use, cyclical operational permits and inspections not associated with a fire prevention code permit through the Fire Prevention Inspections Branch.
The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code is a maintenance code which is enforced once a structure receives a certificate of occupancy and contains the regulations which must be complied with for the protection of life property from the hazards of fire and explosion. Section 108.1 of the Fire Prevention Code authorizes the Office of the Fire Marshal to require operational permits (i.e., Fire Prevention Code Permits) for activities, processes, and occupancies regulated by the Fire Prevention Code. FPCP requirements originate from Table 107.2 of the Fire Prevention Code (as amended by Fairfax County). Once issued, Fire Prevention Code Permits (FPCP) allow the permit applicant to (i) conduct activities involving the handling, storage, or use of substances, materials, or devices regulated by the Fire Prevention Code, (ii) conduct processes regulated by the Fire Prevention Code which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, (iii) and/or to establish a place of assembly. Permits are valid for one year unless noted otherwise and must be renewed annually.
Short-Term and Single-Use Fire Prevention Code Permits (FPCP) are obtained for a limited amount of time or one-time use and are not renewable. Below is a list of what short-term/single use FPCP can be created in PLUS:
- Blasting
- Bonfire
- Controlled Burn
- Events (includes: Outdoor Assembly, Indoor Assembly, Tent, LP-Gas, Open Flame/Candle, Hot Work, Special Amusement, Building, Explosive: Black Powder)
- Fireworks - Display, Retail
- Floor Finishing
- Fumigation
- Hot Work
- Storage Tank Abandonment/Removal/Out of Service
Renewable Fire Prevention Code Permits (FPCP) are obtained at post-occupancy or annual inspection. Below is a list of what renewable FPCP can be created in PLUS:
- Two types that can be applied for on the Citizen Portal:
- Hot Work: All locations
- Explosives: Firm or Company
- >100 types that will be determined & initiated by a fire inspector when performing an Occupancy Inspection (Examples: Assembly, Commercial Kitchen, etc.)
The Office of the Fire Marshal conducts inspections that are not associated with a fire code permit. Below is a list of what non-permitted inspections can be created in PLUS:
- Regulated Care Facility (County Regulated Home Child Care & State Regulated Care Facility)
- Occupancy
- Inspection testing, Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems
Questions related to certificates of occupancy should be directed to the appropriate jurisdiction listed below. Depending on the occupancy type, a pre-occupancy inspection by a Fire Marshal inspector may be required. To schedule a pre-occupancy inspection, visit our PLUS site or for more information contact the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849. Thereafter, a post-occupancy inspection may be required.
- Fairfax County - Refer to the Non Residential Use Permits Web page, or call the Building Division, Land Development Services at 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
- Town of Clifton - Visit the Town of Clifton Online.
- Town of Herndon - Visit the Town of Herndon Online or call the town at 703-787-7380
- Town of Vienna - Visit the Town of Vienna Online or call the town at 703-255-6341
FPCP Requirements and Related Inspections >> Call the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849
Permit Application Process and Fees >> Call the Revenue and Records Branch at 703-246-4803