City of Fairfax, VA
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⚠️Important Update
Starting January 18, 2025: All applications and plans must follow the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) for all building construction.
Apply for a Building Permit
Use the link for all building construction permit applications:
Apply for a Fire Code Permit
Use the following link for all Fire Prevention Code permit applications:
Code Administration's Mission
To protect life and property through education, code enforcement, fire and hazard investigations, and an adaptable Community Risk Reduction program.
New Construction Section
What We Do:
- Review building plans
- Issue permits for residential and commercial construction
- Inspect new structures, additions, renovations, and major repairs
Code & Fees:
- Construction codes are set by the state and cannot be changed locally
- Residential: $0.11 per square foot
- Commercial: $0.16 per square foot
- Remodeling: $90 plus 1% of project cost over $1,000
Fire Marshal’s Office
What We Do:
- Enforce the Statewide Fire Prevention Code
- Inspect fire alarm and sprinkler systems during installation and maintenance
- Investigate fires, explosions, and hazardous materials incidents
- Provide fire safety education
- Conduct inspections of high-risk sites like petroleum terminals
About the Fire Code:
- Set by the state; local governments may adopt stricter versions
- Cannot alter construction materials or methods governed by the building code
- Applies primarily to commercial/industrial facilities and common areas of multi-family buildings
Property Maintenance Section
What We Do:
- Respond to tenant complaints about housing conditions
- Conduct neighborhood surveys and proactive inspections
- Manage rental occupancy permits
- Inspect blighted properties and work with owners to resolve issues
- Refer possible ordinance violations to the appropriate agencies
Code & Resident Support:
- Local enforcement of the property maintenance code is optional, but tenant complaints must be investigated
- Exterior issues like grass, weeds, and inoperable vehicles are addressed through City Code or referred
- City funding is available to assist homeowners with critical repairs—secured by a lien to help preserve housing and prevent displacement