To help advance your commercial project at either the beginning or end of its construction timeline, you can use one of the permitting options below depending on the scope of your project.
The Demolition Permit and Stud Permit
Once you’ve submitted a permit application with plans for your commercial interior alterations, you can apply for a demolition and metal stud permit to begin construction while you wait for the building plans to make their way through the review process. The demolition permit allows you to demolish interior walls (if applicable), and the metal stud permit allows you to install metal framing only. Trade installations are prohibited and you proceed at your own risk.
You can apply for these permits after the tenant layout application has been made and the associated building plans have been submitted in PLUS.
Footing and Foundation Permits
While the county does not have footing-to-grade permits, the closest option to this type of permit is part of the Modified Processing program. Using this option, a footing and foundation permit can be issued for qualifying projects. Extensions, approved by the building official, can permit the construction of the structural elements (i.e., columns, shear wall, floor plates) of the floors above. Learn more below.
The Separation Permit
Separation permits are a great tool when you’re at the end of your project, but not all your work is complete. The separation permit process is Fairfax County’s version of issuing a temporary or partial certificate of occupancy. Issued as a building or related trade permit, the separation permit applies to the portion of the work that is ready for final inspection.
Here’s what your need to know when applying for a separation permits:
- Begin the separation permit process by applying for a building permit, trade permit or both depending on what items are complete. In the permit description, include the following:
- For a building permit, list work areas that are ready for final inspection.
- For a trade permits, list equipment that is ready for final inspection.
- No plans are required.
- There are associated fees.
- Permits are issued on an expedited basis.
- Work not ready for final inspection will remain on the original permits.
Once issued, you must request a final inspection for the separation permits only. After final inspection approval, you can apply for your certificate of occupancy/non-Residential Use Permit. Once the outstanding work is complete, you must call for final inspections on the original permits.
Stocking Permission
Many mercantile occupancies are finishing up final construction elements, sometimes right up to opening day. To accommodate tight schedules, the county grants permission to stock shelves prior to a final inspection and certificate of occupancy. Here are the requirements to be granted stocking permission.
- Sprinkler installation must be finalled and accepted by the Fire Marshal
- Fire Alarm - Central Station, Flows and Tampers - completed, tested and approved
- Critical structures projects require a final report of special inspections
- Electrical work must be substantially complete
- All exits and exit components must be completed
- Interior space must be hazard-free and safe for stocking personnel
- Building address posted and visible from the street
- Fire apparatus clear and unobstructed
LDS Building Division Procedure for Granting Stocking Permission
To obtain permission, schedule a routine inspection on the building permit in PLUS and denote that the requested inspection is for stocking permission. During the inspection, the building inspector will review the project with the construction manager to determine compliance with the above requirements. Approval of the routine inspection signifies stocking permission has been granted.
