Development Services

1. To begin, follow the How To Register step-by-step guide. Additional information can also be found in the FAQs.
2. Access ePortal at: https://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/home.
3. Once on the ePortal homepage, click on the third tile (square) to register in ePortal or visit: https://egcss.pwcgov.org/SelfService#/register.
4. Complete the registration process.
5. Within 24-48 hours, you will receive a confirmation email stating that your registration has been approved.
6. If you need further assistance or have a list of cases you are associated with, please contact (703) 792-6875 or email [email protected]. There is no fee for an ePortal account.

1. Log into your ePortal account.
2. Once on the ePortal homepage, click on the APPLY menu item.

At this point, the plan has been submitted to the County to be processed. It may take 1-3 business days for quality control to be completed. You will receive notification when your resubmission or revision fee has been invoiced for payment. The plans will not be distributed for review until payment is received.

Find ePortal User Guides and Instructional Videos here. Find a step-by-step sample guide here: ePlan Guide. Additional information can be found in our FAQs.

Performing a quality audit of your submission is recommended, to help expedite your project. Below find some of the common mistakes that we recommend are checked, prior to submission:

Our most common denial reasons are as follows:

1. Plans have layers.
2. Plan aren’t bookmarked if over 10 pages.
3. Plans are restricted or locked.
4. Missing documents – GIS, zoning, required forms.
5. Applying incorrectly – applied for a commercial trade permit that isn’t standalone.
6. Not providing comment response letters for resubmissions.
7. Uploading everything in one PDF document.

1,2,3, & 7 are remedied by closely following the eplan guide.

4 is remedied by following the checklist specific to scope of work: i.e., Tenant Layout Alteration and Repair Commercial Checklist Electronic.

5 is remedied by understanding what a standalone permit is and how else to apply if it isn’t standalone

6 is remedied by following these processes: resubmissions & revisions

 

Forms

To find a specific form, you can either search through the Building Forms & Applications list or use the Application Assistant and search by keywords. A step-by-step guide on how to submit a building ePlan in ePortal can be found here.

 

Permits & Applications

Building Permit Process

The permit holder is responsible to be in accordance with State law and for assuring that all required inspections have been conducted and approved by all the applicable County Development Services Agencies. A certificate of occupancy, indicating completion of the work for which a permit was issued, must be obtained from the Building Development Division prior to occupying a building or structure.

 

The Department of Development Services is responsible for enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) within Prince William County. The VUSBC and Prince William County Code of Ordinances require permits for all new construction, additions, installations, alterations/remodeling, demolition, changes of use, changes of occupancy, movement of a lot or property line, removal or disturbing any asbestos and any work not specifically exempted by the Code. Permits must be obtained prior to the commencement of any work. The building permit review process typically requires 6-8 weeks for complex projects.

 

Zoning approval is required for all improvements to a property. A House Location Survey Plat of property showing the improvement and distances to the property line is required with most residential permit applications. Specifically, a house location survey plat is required to obtain approval for: fences, sheds, gazebos, decks, additions, second kitchens, wet bars, retaining walls, driveways, patios, swimming pools, sidewalks ramps, hot tubs, garages, and porches. View a sample plat of property.

 

For more information on ePortal, contact (703) 792-6875 or [email protected].

For more information on ePlan submissions, contact Plan Intake at (703) 792-4040 or [email protected]. For more information on Zoning, contact (703) 792-6830 or [email protected].

Address Validation Form

Building Forms & Applications

Building & Construction Guides

Building Official Interpretations

FAQs

Fees

Guides & Videos

Pay Invoice

Policies & Procedures

Product Approvals

Public Information

Schedule an Inspection

Find My Zoning District:

https://www.pwcva.gov/department/zoning-administration/find-my-zoning-district

Find Pending Planning Cases:

https://gisweb.pwcgov.org/webapps/pendingcases/

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code:

https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/virginia-uniform-statewide-building-code-usbc