Fairfax, VA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The City of Fairfax adopts the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13 VAC 5-63), which is based on the International Building Code and International Residential Code with Virginia amendments. The USBC is a statewide code and localities cannot adopt more stringent residential construction standards. Permits are issued by the Department of Code Administration located at City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street. Work requiring a permit includes: any new structure, additions expanding footprint or conditioned space, structural modifications such as removing load-bearing walls, electrical panel upgrades or new circuits, replacement of water heaters, HVAC replacement, reroofing, decks over 30 inches above grade, retaining walls over 3 feet, fences over 7 feet, and swimming pools. Exempt work includes painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinet replacement that does not alter plumbing or electrical, and sheds under 256 square feet that are not on permanent foundations. Permit fees are based on construction value. Applications require plans, site plans, and contractor license verification through Virginia DPOR. Work performed without a permit may be subject to stop-work orders, double permit fees, and required exposure of concealed work for inspection. The building official has authority under USBC to order unsafe structures vacated or demolished.