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Commercial Buildings, Structures, and Additions
This is the most common information on how to obtain the necessary permits for your project and is not representative of all conditions, requirements, or situations you may encounter.
Overview
This page will guide you through the Building Code approval process for the construction of a new commercial building, structure, or addition. For an overview of the overall development approval process, see Starting a Business in Prince William County. For a basic introduction to Building Codes refer to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Use Groups & Certificate of Occupancy.
For assistance, please contact the Building Development Division at 703-792-6930 or email [email protected] for additional questions and clarifications concerning policies, procedures, and interpretations on the plan review, permit issuance, and inspection processes.
Shell Buildings
Policy 1.5 Commercial Partial Permitting Process for Shell Buildings establishes the procedure for the coordination of the submission and issuance of partial permits for the construction of commercial buildings for future tenants. Please see the requirements of Policy 1.5 Commercial Partial Permitting Process for Shell Buildings in addition to STEP 1 through 5 below.
Data Center Buildings
Policy 2.13 New Structure - Data Center Buildings establishes the procedure for the Building Permitting Approval and Occupancy Process for a New Structure – Data Center Building. Please see the requirements of Policy 2.13 New Structure - Data Center Buildings in addition to STEP 1 through 5 below.
- Step 1: Address Validation
Address Validation by the Geospatial Technology Services (GTS) Office is required on all commercial properties including alteration/repairs when applying for a permit. For information, please see Address Validation & Permits. Please also see Policy 2.11 Address Validation Requirements.
For assistance, please contact the Geospatial Technology Services (GTS) Office at 703-792-6830 or [email protected] for further information.
- STEP 2: Site Plan and Zoning Approval
If you are constructing a new building or an addition, an engineer will need to develop a Site Plan for review and approval by the County. Before the engineer begins the design work, the existing Zoning should be evaluated for the proposed use. Also, the engineer should contact the Prince William County Service Authority to coordinate water/sewer design issues.
Site Plan and Zoning Approval is required prior to the construction of any new structure or building. For information, please see the Land Development Division (LDD) page.
For assistance, please contact the Land Development Division at 703-792-6830 or [email protected] for further information.
- STEP 3: Building Plan Approval
Designer Requirements – To determine if a Virginia professional designer or contractor must prepare the design/plans refer to Registered Design Professional Sealing of Plans (Policy 1.11). Note that when a Class A contractor or master tradesman is allowed to design the work, they are also required to control or supervise the work.
Customer Electronic Plan Review (ePlans) Guide - All building plans are required to be submitted via Prince William County’s ePortal system. Consult the Customer Electronic Plan Review (ePlans) Guide for information on how to prepare and submit documents for electronic plan review and the electronic plan review guide for building ePlan submission guidelines.
New Structures and Additions Commercial Plans Checklist – Provide the minimum essential building code information required on plans prior to submission of the Building Permit Application. Providing all the information listed will support positive communication between the designer and plan reviews, which will expedite the overall process. If the building has a fire suppression system and/or fire alarm system, the Fire Marshal’s Office will review and approve the fire protection plans.
Resubmissions After Comments - If the reviewer needs additional information a comment letter will be sent to the customer via email and the ePortal. Once the requested information is re-submitted in the ePortal, it will go through QC again and be re-routed for a review after resubmission fees are paid. Once the review is approved, the submission will be sent to permits for processing.
Revisions After Permit Issuance - All building plan revisions are required to be submitted via Prince William County’s ePortal system. Consult the Customer Electronic Plan Review (ePlans) Guide for information on how to prepare and submit documents for electronic plan review and the electronic plan review guide for building ePlan submission guidelines.
Building Plan Review Status - Check www.pwcgov.org/ePortal or the Automated Phone System at 1-866-457-5280 for building plan review status and comments.
- STEP 4: Licensing and Permit Issuance
Once all county reviews are approved, permits will verify the required documents for permitting (state and county business licensing). After all requirements are met, the permit fee will be invoiced to the customer, payable via the ePortal. Once fees are paid the permit will be issued and can be printed through the ePortal. Pay for permits based on the approved Building Development Fee Schedule.
- STEP 5: Construction Inspections
At various stages during construction, inspections must be performed by County staff to ensure the work has been done according to approved plans and building code requirements.
Scheduling Inspections - You may schedule inspections online at www.pwcgov.org/ePortal or through the automated phone system on 1-866-457-5280. You may view the Daily Inspection Schedule and Inspector Route online at www.pwcgov.org/ePortal.
Special Inspections - Find out When are Special Inspections Applicable?
Complex projects – For larger, more complex projects, it is beneficial to conduct a Pre-Construction meeting with the Building Construction Inspections Branch to facilitate the inspections process. Call 703-792-6930 or email [email protected] for information.