Fairfax County, VA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Building Official
- Governing chapter
- County Code Ch. 65
- License required
- VA Class A/B/C or tradesman
- Penalty basis
- VUSBC, or § 1-1-12
Summary
Fairfax County requires a Building Official permit before any plumbing or gas work begins, issued under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and enforced through County Chapter 65.
Plumbing and gas work shall not be commenced until an appropriate permit has been issued by the Building Official in conformance with the VUSBC and, where applicable, by the Health Official in conformance with the Code of the County of Fairfax. The responsible party shall be obligated to notify the Building Official and, where applicable, the Health Official, of any changes in its name, address, license classification or specialty service classification, or master tradesman. (15-95-65; 18-98-65.)
Full Breakdown
Chapter 65 of the Fairfax County Code bars any plumbing or gas work from starting until the Building Official issues a permit consistent with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with Health Official sign-off where applicable. Applicants must show proof of a valid Virginia Class A, B, or C contractor license or tradesman license before the permit issues, and must notify the Building Official of any change in name, address, or license classification. Permit fees follow the schedule in Chapter 61 and Appendix Q. Work performed without a permit exposes the responsible party to the penalties set out in the VUSBC.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required plumbing or gas permit is punishable under the penalties set in the VUSBC, or under County Code § 1-1-12 if the VUSBC specifies none.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to repipe a bathroom in Fairfax County?
Who enforces Fairfax County's plumbing permit rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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