Inspections

During construction, various inspections are required by state law to ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

It is the permit holder's responsibility to schedule inspections. Having inspections at various stages throughout construction allows you to feel secure knowing your project is safe and done to code. 

Please note, if an inspection is scheduled without the relevant work being complete, it may result in a reinspection fee.

For new buildings and renovations that involve a change in use, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued after builders pass all required inspections and finalize the associated permits. This certificate confirms that the building is safe and ready for occupancy.

Building inspection types include:

• Preconstruction Meeting
• Footing
• Foundation
• Trench
• Slab
• Backfill
• Wind bracing
• Framing
• Close in
• Insulation
• Final (complete)
• Fire alarm/suppression

Trade inspection types vary according to the trade (i.e. electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing), but typically include:

• Service
• Trenching
• Close in
• Final (complete)

Inspections can be scheduled during two timeframes, AM or PM. The AM timeframe is from 7:00AM to 11:30AM. The PM slot is from 12:00PM to 2:30PM. Your contractor or tradesperson is expected to be onsite during this timeframe to meet our inspector when they arrive. 

These inspections are performed by the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

The following is a general list of improvements, uses, installations, and events for which an FPC Inspection is required. This is not an all-encompassing list.

• Buildings containing safety features such as a fire alarm or fire suppression system
• Fireworks
• Explosives
• Amusement structures
• Carnivals/fairs
• Pyrotechnics
• Hazardous materials
• Places of assembly
• Temporary membrane structures (tents)

Use inspections are conducted by the Fire Marshal as deemed necessary after a Commercial Use and Occupancy Permit (CU&O) is approved by Zoning staff and passed along to Code staff.

Typically, the need for this inspection depends upon whether the structure or space within it is changing use, or if a use inspection hasn’t been conducted at the location in two or more years. If required, Code Administration staff will contact the applicant for the CU&O directly to schedule the inspection.

Though not technically an inspection, preconstruction meetings are scheduled in the same manner as other inspections. See instructions linked below. This meeting type is generally required for development projects affiliated with an approved site plan.

This on-site meeting gathers staff from various departments to meet with the developer/builder to discuss construction sequencing, stormwater management, inspections, and other requirements.

These inspections are conducted by planning, zoning, and public works staff to ensure consistency with site plan, zoning permit, and architectural approvals.

Passing these inspections results in the issuance of a RUP, which is required in order to occupy a new residential dwelling. For multifamily buildings, one RUP is needed to occupy all units. For single-family, duplex, and townhouse dwellings, individual RUPs are required.

The following inspections are performed prior to RUP issuance:

• Zoning: Inspecting for consistency with approved Site Plans or Zoning Permits.
• Public Works: Inspecting for consistency with approved site plans and the standards outlined in the Public Facilities Manual to ensure the site is safe for access and habitation.
• Architectural Review (BAR): Inspecting for consistency with any approved Certificates of Appropriateness.

Public Works Inspectors perform a variety of inspections including:

• Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) Inspections: Required for all land disturbing activities over 2500 sqft.
• Right-of-Way (ROW) inspections: Required when servicing underground utilities, streets, or sidewalks in the ROW.
• Utility Inspections and Coordination: Communication with utility companies and contractors for relocations.
• Bonding Inspections: Required for bond reductions, releases, and warranty inspections.
• Existing Infrastructure Inspections: For privately owned utilities tying into city-maintained utilities.
• Stormwater BMP Facility Inspections – INITIAL: Required when a BMP is constructed.
• Stormwater BMP Facility Inspections – ANNUAL: Required annually to ensure BMPs are maintained.
• VSMP and SWPPP Inspections: Required when disturbance exceeds one acre.

Contact Public Works for inspections not covered in other processes:

703-385-7810

PW-Inspectors@fairfaxva.gov

The city requires other specific inspections. For more information, visit our All Permits and Applications webpage.

• Backflow Prevention
• Elevators
• Home Child Care
• Outdoor/Community Pools
• Rental Units