Read the original April 19, 2022, notification.

Two changes occurring over the next eight months in Fairfax County will impact the submission of residential Masterfile plans. The first occurs on July 1, 2022, when all new permit applications and plans are expected  to comply with the 2018 Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC); the second occurs in the fall with the final release of the new Planning and Land Use System, PLUS.

To facilitate a smooth transition to both the 2018 building code and the new Masterfile process, the county will extend the validity of currently approved Masterfiles under the 2015 USBC through February 2023.

To take advantage of this process, the following steps must be taken (this process will be altered with the release of PLUS):

1. Apply for a code modification using PLUS prior to applying for the building permit. The code modification must cite the use of an approved 2015 residential Masterfile number. The fee for the code modification will be waived. 
2. Once the code modification has been approved, apply for a building permit for a single-family dwelling using FIDO/ProjectDox with the approved 2015 residential Masterfile number in the description of work.
   1. The approved code modification described above in (1) must be uploaded into the documents folder of ProjectDox to pass the prescreen review.
   2. It must have a specific lot with an approved grading plan to pass the prescreen review.
   3. Upload of the Fairfax County cover sheet is required (applicable for INF lot transfers).

While the use of the 2015 residential Masterfile will be permitted, each lot specific permit will be required to comply with the energy, mechanical, plumbing and electrical sections of the 2018 Virginia Residential Code (VRC). This includes all inspections required under the 2018 VRC.

Please note the following are not eligible to be updated using this process:

• Revisions or amendments to existing 2015 residential Masterfiles.
• New sub-divisions to be transferred to a 2015 residential Masterfile.
• Masterfiles that took advantage of the 2012/2015 code-update.
• Only the R-5 construction type is permitted in this program. R-3 Townhouse Masterfiles and all commercial Masterfiles are not eligible for this process and must be updated to 2018 code.

PLUS, scheduled for full implementation October 31, 2022, will result in changes to the Masterfile process. Additional information on these changes will be communicated prior to the launch.