Building Safety in Fairfax County, VA (2026)
7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Childcare Center Rules
No building in Fairfax County may be used, in whole or in part, as a private school, nursery school, or child care center until the Director of Health grants an annual occupancy permit, and use must stop the moment a permit expires, is revoked, or is suspended.
Fairfax County Child Care Center Permit
Significant RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 30-2-1
(a)No building or premises shall be occupied or used in whole or in part as a private school, nursery school or child care center within the County until an annual permit has been granted for such occupancy and use by the Director of Health, nor shall any such building or premises be so occupied or used after such permit has expired or after such permit has been revoked or suspended.
Door Locking Hardware
Landlords renting five or more units in one multifamily building must fit code-compliant deadbolt locks and peepholes on every exterior swing entrance door, with glass-paneled doors exempt from the peephole part.
Fairfax County Deadbolt Lock And Peephole Rule
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 12-1-4
(a)Any landlord who rents five (5) or more dwelling units in any one (1) multifamily building shall install:(1)Deadbolt locks that meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, Va. Code §§ 36-97 through -119.1, as amended, for new multifamily construction and peepholes in any exterior swing entrance door to any such unit; however, any door having a glass panel shall not require ...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Licensed home child care facilities in Fairfax County must install an operable carbon monoxide alarm wherever appliances could produce CO, test it monthly and keep the test records for the Fire Code Official. The rule sits inside the county's broader home child care fire safety standards, alongside a matching smoke alarm requirement.
Fairfax County Home Child Care CO Alarm Rule
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 30-3-6.1(v)
(u)An operable smoke alarm shall be provided outside of each sleeping area, with at least one such device on each floor. Each smoke alarm shall be tested at least once a month and records of testing provided to the Fairfax County Fire Code Official upon request. Smoke alarms may be of the fixed-wired or battery type.(v)An operable carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in homes according to t...
Building Permits
Fairfax County requires a building permit to construct, improve, or alter single-family dwellings, multi-family dwelling units, shopping-center spaces, warehouse bays, condo units, and any other commercial or residential structure.
Fairfax County Building Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 61-1-3(c)
(c)A building permit shall be issued to construct, improve or alter the following:1.Each single-family attached or detached dwelling.2.Dwelling units and common interior areas in a multiple-family dwelling.3.Each space within a strip shopping center, and each warehouse bay in a strip warehouse.4.Each unit and interior common area in a condominium office building.5.Each commercial or residential...
Electrical Permits
Fairfax County Code § 66-2-1 bars starting any electrical work until the Building Official issues an electrical permit. Only licensed Virginia Class A, B, or C contractors or licensed tradesmen may pull the permit, and violators face penalties under the state building code or a fallback county fine.
Fairfax County Electrical Work Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsFairfax County Code § 66-2-1
Section 66-2-1. - Electrical permit required. Electrical work shall not be commenced until an electrical permit has been issued by the Building Official. The responsible party shall be obligated to notify the Building Official of any changes in its name, address, license classification or specialty service classification, or master tradesman.
Plumbing Permits
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.
Fairfax County Plumbing Permit Required
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 65-2-1
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...
Building Inspections
In Fairfax County the permit holder, not the county, is responsible for calling for inspections. Section 61-1-5 requires notice to the Building Official at every construction stage that needs one, and nobody may occupy the finished building until a final inspection clears it.
Fairfax County Building Inspection Process
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Code of Ordinances § 61-1-5
It shall be the responsibility of the permit holder or his representative to notify the Building Official or his designated agent when the stages of construction are reached that require inspection and to obtain approval of such construction. No occupancy shall be permitted prior to final inspection. Upon completion of the building, and before issuance of the certificate of use and occupancy, a...
Building Safety by City in Fairfax County
1 cities in Fairfax County have their own building safety rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Fairfax County ordinances
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