Permit FAQs

Review the information below to determine when certain permit types are required and whether a design professional like an architect or engineer is required to prepare your plans.

If you have any questions or are unsure whether a permit is needed, call Code Administration at 703-385-7830 or email CodeAdministration@fairfaxva.gov. 

Permit Types

Building Permits

When is a building permit needed?

The following work requires a building permit. This list is not exhaustive.

  1. Adding, removing, or modifying load-bearing OR non-load-bearing walls
  2. Modifying or adding new framing for a structure (walls, floor, ceilings, rafters, etc.)
  3. Adding or modifying the size of an opening for windows and doors
  4. Removing or disturbing asbestos
  5. Changing the occupancy of a building or space therein
  6. Structure demolition
  7. Repairs not exempted in Building Code Section 108 (see the following section)
  8. Commercial tenant fit-outs
  9. Detached structures such as sheds, greenhouses, trash enclosures, and gazebos > 256 SF in area
  10. Decks
  11. Footings
  12. New foundations and foundation repair
  13. Installation of canopies or awnings
  14. Balcony repair
  15. Sales/leasing trailers
  16. Swimming pools (except as identified below, see #9)
  17. Retaining walls and masonry walls (except as identified below, see #s 7 and 8)
  18. Telecommunications facilities installed, relocated, or replaced on a building.

See step-by-step application guides and flowcharts

When is a building permit NOT needed?

Building Code Section 108 identifies the full list of items that are exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit. Very generally, this includes ordinary repairs, low voltage equipment, small single-story structures, fences, and short walls. Please review the full text linked above for additional exemptions as well as requirements for the exemptions such as maximum dimensions and voltage. 

Electrical Permits

When is an electrical permit needed?

An electrical permit is needed to add, remove, or relocate:

  • Electrical wiring
  • Light fixtures
  • Outlets
  • Switches
  • Ceiling fans
  • Panels
  • Ovens
  • Dryers
  • Electric vehicle chargers
  • Solar panels
  • Similar fixtures and appliances (this list is not exhaustive)

See step-by-step application guides and flowcharts

When is an electrical permit NOT needed?

An electrical permit is not needed for replacement of any of the above in-kind and in the same location.

  • Note: Any electrical work (including in-kind replacement of fixtures, appliances, or wiring) that is located in plenums (unoccupiable cavities of the building utilized for the movement of air) or that penetrates fire-rated or smoke-protected construction requires a building permit. 

Mechanical Permits

When is a mechanical permit needed?

A mechanical permit is needed to add, remove, or relocate:

  • Duct work
  • Mechanical fixtures
  • Furnaces
  • Air-conditioning systems
  • Ventilation systems
  • Exhaust systems
  • Refrigeration system
  • Range hoods
  • Fireplaces
  • Propane tanks
  • Any related components of the above
  • Similar fixtures and appliances (this list is not exhaustive)

See step-by-step application guides and flowcharts

When is a mechanical permit NOT needed?

A mechanical permit is not needed for replacement of any of the above items in-kind and in the same location.

  • Note: Changes to fixtures and equipment fueled by gas (even if in-kind replacement in the same location) requires a gas permit.

Plumbing and Gas Permits

When is a plumbing permit needed?

A plumbing and/or gas permit is needed to add, remove, or relocate:

  • Piping
  • Sinks
  • Tubs
  • Showers
  • Hose bibs
  • Wet bars
  • Water heaters
  • Stoves
  • Ranges
  • Water closets
  • Sewer/water connections or disconnections
  • Similar fixtures and appliances (this list is not exhaustive)

See step-by-step application guides and flowcharts

When is a plumbing permit NOT needed?

Plumbing and/or gas permits are not needed for replacement of any of the above items in-kind and in the same location.

  • Note: Changes to fixtures and equipment fueled by gas (even if in-kind replacement in the same location), including water heaters, stoves, and ranges require a gas permit.

Fire Protection Permits

When is a fire protection permit required?

A fire protection permit, which is a type of building permit, is needed for installing or modifying fire protection systems including fire alarms, fire sprinklers, standpipes, rangehood systems, and other suppression systems and components thereof.

See step-by-step application guides and flowcharts

Do I Need to Hire an Architect or Engineer?

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code spells out exactly when a design professional, that is a licensed architect or engineer, is required to prepare and seal drawings submitted for permits. Note, however, that it is at the discretion of local Building Officials to require professionally sealed plans even if not required by state law.

 

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