The Energy Storage System record is required to install Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS) as defined and regulated by the Virginia Construction Code (VCC). ESS installations in a commercial property and residential installations exceeding capacities prescribed by the Virginia Code (VRC) section R328.5 shall comply with International Fire Code (IFC) section 1207 requirements.
Required documentation for review and approval of ESS installations is processed within this record, including plans review, Third-party's Inspection qualifications, and Final Inspection Report.
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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?
The ESS installation requires a building permit. The building record will be the parent record to the Energy Storage System (FESS) record, which houses the required documentation for ESS installation.
PLAN AHEAD
Before submitting your application, ensure you are aware of all applicable regulations and conditions that could affect your project.
- Future code compliant guide to be included
- Fairfax County Special Inspection Program (SIP) Chapter 17
- Hire a registered professional engineer or a testing agency to perform the Special Inspections (SI). An approved agency responsible for laboratory testing or special inspections, or both, is required.
- Design codes and standards
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY RECORD?
PLUS Application
Apply for your Energy Storage System 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 (Commercial New, Addition/Alternation, and/or Critical Structures, which addresses all special inspection items)
- 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 FESS and be listed in your PLUS account.
Requirements
Submission
The following documents are required for submission:
- Location and layout diagram of the room or area in which the ESS is to be installed.
- Details on the hourly fire-resistance ratings of assemblies enclosing the ESS.
- The quantities and types of ESS to be installed.
- Manufacturer's specifications, ratings, and listings of each ESS.
- Description of energy (battery) management systems and their operation.
- Location and content of required signage.
- Details on fire suppression, smoke or fire detection, thermal management, ventilation, exhaust, and deflagration venting systems, if provided.
- Support arrangement associated with the installation, including any required seismic restraint.
- Other documents required by IFC-1207, including Hazard mitigation report, large-scale fire test, etc., if applicable.
The following documents are required before ESS record approval is granted:
- A commissioning plan complying with Section 1207.2.1.
- A decommissioning plan complying with Section 1207.2.3 to include assigned Fire mitigation personnel per IFC-1207.1.6.
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 relevancy to any applicable code modification and Building records. You will be notified of any deficiencies. Plan corrections and additional documents may be required.
Document Review
After your submission is processed and accepted, it will be routed for Fire Plans review. In addition to the Fire Plan review, the record will have parallel sub-review tasks to include Building, Mechanical, and Electrical. The necessity of these tasks will be determined by a fire plan reviewer during the Review Distribution task.
Once the plans review task(s) are approved and fees have been paid, a notification will be sent informing such and requesting the Third-party Inspector's Qualifications be submitted next. This process repeats itself for the Final Inspection Report.
When all three sets of documents have been submitted and approved, review fees will invoice. Upon payment, the record will close, communicating internally to the critical structures team that dependencies here are complete.
Inspections
Inspections for ESS installation is governed by the special inspections program. For details of special inspection, refer to Fairfax County Special Inspection Program (SIP) Chapter 17.
Additional Resources
Need More Assistance?
For questions or additional information, please contact staff:
Plan Review >> Call the Engineering Plans Review Branch at 703-246-4806, TTY 711 or email Fire.engplansreview@fairfaxcounty.gov.