Land Development Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday, 9:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please note that visitors may not be added to in-person queues past 3:45 p.m.
703-222-0801 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035
Bill Hicks
Director

Building Permits

Building Permits

8 a.m. — 4 p.m. (M-Th); 9:15 a.m. — 4 p.m. (F)
12055 Government Center Pkwy., 2nd Floor, Fairfax VA 22035
Contact the Permit Application Center by phone at 703-222-0801, TTY 711 or Email.
A building permit is a document, required by state law, granting legal permission to start construction on a project. This law is enforced by Fairfax County in the permitting, plan review and inspection processes.


Building Inspections

Schedule, Change or Cancel an Inspection online.
Each major phase of construction must be inspected by a county inspector to make certain the work conforms to the code, the permit and the approved plans.


Obtaining a Permit

A completed permit application is required to start the process of getting your permit. Applying for your permit can be done in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 230, Fairfax, VA, or many permit types can be applied for online.

  *NEW Fairfax Permit Q - Avoid the physical line for permits.  Get in line from home, the office or anywhere!

Drawings, plats, site-related plans and other documentation may be required. See Agency Reviews below for more details.

 

Reviews

In order to determine if your project is in compliance with construction codes, the zoning ordinance and other county or state ordinances, other agency reviews may be necessary, depending on your project.

Zoning

Site Review

Building Plan Review

Wastewater Review

Health Department

Fire Marshal

  • Fire Protection Systems Plan Review & Inspections
  • Plans for Site Review
  • Operational Permit Review
  • Non-Residential Use Permit Occupancy Inspections
  • More Information

Many project publications are available online that detail documents required, whether a building plan is required and other pertinent project information.

 

Inspections

  • Schedule, Change or Cancel an Inspection online or call 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
  • Check Inspection Status: by permit | by address
  • Scheduling use permits (certificates of occupancy):
    •  Residential (RUPs): call 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
    •  Non-residential (nonRUPs): call 703-222-1082, TTY 711
  • After-Hour Electrical Inspections are available at additional cost and can be requested by filling out this online form at least 48 hours prior to the inspection date. If you have questions, call 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
  • Commercial Third Party Inspections Program is available for most commercial inspections.  Learn more or call 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
  • Cross connection inspections are performed periodically on all commercial properties. For more information, use the Backflow Notice of Inspection form, see the list of Backflow Prevention Device Testers, or to find out when your inspection is due, reference the Transition Matrix.  Email staff or call 703-631-5101, TTY 711, with any questions.
  • Elevator and escalator inspections must be inspected twice a year. More information on the Elevator Program.
  • Residential third party inspections are available to pre-approved registered design professionals in-lieu of a county inspector. To submit a request, complete the online form. If you have questions, call 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
  • The Special Inspections Program requires owners of qualifying projects to retain a registered design professional to conduct inspections of building elements requiring special expertise. Learn more or call 703-631-5101, TTY 711.
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