Land Development Services

Click for full-size image Building Safety Month 2026 Poster - SpanishBuilding Safety Month 2026 Poster - KoreanSpring is the time of year when Fairfax County highlights building safety. International building codes and state building codes exist to ensure the integrity and safety of all building occupants in the county, for those in residences such as single-family homes to everyone frequenting commercial buildings such as offices and restaurants. To learn about building safety and health standards, permitting for decks and home improvements, and more, everyone is invited to participate in the first annual Building Safety Month Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Pkwy). RSVP to the resource fair.The resource fair, sponsored by Fairfax County Land Development Services (LDS), will include classes offered to homeowners to learn more about the permitting process and about building decks. Partner agencies in the land development process from around the county will be setting up tables outside of the Herrity building to provide educational information about building safety. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a Building Safety Month proclamation delivered by Sully District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Kathy Smith. There will be snacks and prizes available to residents who engage with the resource fair tables.Classes and Kids Activities offered during the resource fair: Building Permits 101 is offered at 11 a.m. in Room 106.Deck Details Bootcamp is offered at 12:30 p.m. in Room 106.Storytime with a Librarian is offered at 11 a.m. outside the Herrity Building.A librarian will read a construction-related kids book to children at the event.Touch-a-Truck is offered all day including a firetruck, flusher truck, and EV trash truck.We know the permitting process is not the most fun part of improving your home; the fun comes when you invite your family and friends to enjoy the new addition. But the permit, plan review and inspection process ensure that all your loved ones you invite into your home are safe.If you’re not able to attend the resource fair, you can learn about building safety and permitting online: Check if you need a permit for your project. If you do need a permit, navigate the permitting process by visiting the permit library.Make sure you invest time in hiring contractors who will do quality work for you. Safety is ensured by the hardworking professionals at LDS (and other county agencies) who continually train throughout their careers to learn the most up-to-date safety measures related to construction. Of course, building safety is also dependent on the registered designers and professional contractors who do the work on your home. Learn how to hire a trustworthy contractor.To apply for construction permits you will need to use the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) online permitting website. We have some great introductory videos for you to get started.Discovering unpermitted work can be costly and frustrating. How can you be sure the work was done safely? If you are thinking about buying a new home in the area, make sure you do an address search to confirm there is no unpermitted work.If you need more assistance, feel free to visit the Herrity building for in-person customer service at Suite 324 or call at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.During this building safety month, we thank construction workers, contractors, homeowners, building owners and county staff for working together toward safe buildings and safe communities.