This information is the most common for how to obtain the necessary permits for your project and is not representative of all the conditions you may encounter.
As part of its licensing process, the Virginia Department of Education (DOE) requires Fairfax County to evaluate child and adult caring facilities to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Use the information herein to help guide you through the building permit process required for obtaining an evaluation. The applicable facilities include:
- Child day centers
- Religious exempt child day centers
- Preschool/Nurseries
- Children’s residential facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Adult day care center
Permit Process
Once the application has been submitted via the online portal with the documents required (as listed below), a review of the documents provided will be conducted in accordance of the Virginia Construction Code. This review consists of, but not limited to, researching previous uses and an occupancy calculation of the proposed space. Upon approval of our review, the applicant will receive an email including the county approved Request for Evaluation/Inspection and floor layout.
This review and approval is not intended for work to commence, rather it is Fairfax County’s process to memorialize this request.
Inspection Process
Fairfax County does not inspect your facility based on this process. Fairfax County and the Department of Education work in conjunction with one another where the code analysis is performed by the Fairfax County Building Division, and the inspection is performed by the Department of Education based on the county approved documents.
Documents Required
When applying for a building evaluation request, you must submit the following documents with your online submission:
- One copy of a valid or previous Non-Residential Use Permit (non-RUP)
- Minimum Permit/Review Fee
- Floor layout depicting the dimensions, number of children cared for in each room.
- Special Exception or Special Permit development conditions (if applicable)
- Any documentation pertaining to occupancy limitations
- DOE Request for Building Evaluation Form
- Department of Education Referral Form*
*For existing day care facilities where DOE is requiring Fairfax County Building Division review/approval.
