LDS Operational Status

NOTE: If you began your permit application with a paper plan submission, prior to March 25, 2020, please follow the steps available through the ePaper Submissions link.

1. Determine whether you need a permit.
2. Determine what permit you need:
   • Residential Permit Type Guide
   • Commercial Permit Type Guide
3. Apply for a permit using Fairfax Inspection Database Online (FIDO). You will receive your permit at the end of your FIDO application, unless the application requires supplemental plans.
   • If your permit does not require supplemental plans and you have trouble printing your permit, please email LDSbuildingpermits@fairfaxcounty.gov.
4. If plans are required, submit your supplemental architectural plans and documents electronically. (Once uploaded they are referred to as “ePlans.") See also minimum submission requirements.
   • See the following pages for more information about ePlans:  Overview of the ePlans Process for Building and Site; Getting Started with ePlans and Instructions for Uploading Your Building ePlans
   • Residential Truss Shop Drawings
   • Masterfile Permits
   • Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Building Permits
   • Elevators and Vertical Transportation Equipment Permits
5. Check the status of your permit:
   • In FIDO: by permit number | by address  
6. Check the status of your plans:
   • In ProjectDox: track your building ePlan
7. To obtain your permit and approved plans:
   • You should receive an email that confirms you have reached the “Batch Stamp” task, also known as "Plan Issuance" or "Log Out". If you don’t receive an email, view the “Workflow Routing Slip” report (see Track Your ePlan) to verify where your plan is in the process.
   • Ensure all outstanding fees are paid.
   • Email LDSbuildingpermits@fairfaxcounty.gov with your request to obtain your permit.
8. To submit revisions or amendments:
   • If you need to amend or revise an issued ePlan, please follow these step-by-step instructions.
   • If you only need to amend an issued permit (no plan changes needed), please complete a permit application and email it to LDSbuildingpermits@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Contact individual fire or building plan reviewers or send general building plan review inquiries to bprmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

For general questions regarding ePlans, please email LDSbuildingpermits@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit the ePlans webpage for how-to documents, videos and FAQs.

NOTE: You do not need to apply for a building permit extension as explained in the letter to industry sent out on April 14, 2020.

For submission, site plan review, plan approval, and Land Disturbance permit issuance information, go to the Site Application Center web page.

• Building Inspection Services
• Site Inspections
• Elevator Inspections
• Department of Social Services Request for Inspection or Evaluation