Prince William County Relaunches Enhanced Commercial Expedited Plan Review Program to Accelerate Small Business Growth

The Prince William County Department of Development Services, Building Development Division, is proud to announce the official relaunch of its Expedited Plan Review Program, effective February 16, 2026.

In collaboration with the County’s Commercial Development Committee members,  the comprehensive program has been modernized to support a high-tech, virtual workflow that integrates seamlessly with ePortal, the County’s electronic review system.

The relaunch program is specifically designed to fast-track permit issuance for the smaller commercial projects within existing buildings, as well as, for shell buildings that have already received final inspection approval. By transitioning the previous “same day” in-person model into a streamlined online digital process, the County aims to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with permit submissions.

“We recognize that for small businesses and commercial developers, time is literally money,” said Ricky O’Connor, Acting Director, Department of Development Services, Prince William County. “This relaunch is a testament to the strong commitment and collaboration between our industry partners and dedicated county staff, all working together in true partnership.”

The key features of the enhanced program are online collaboration, leveraging electronic plan review (e-Review), real-time communications between design professionals and county reviewers, optimization for tenant fit-outs and interior alterations in existing and approved shell buildings and reduced timelines. The consolidation of multiple review cycles into a single coordinated virtual online session will significantly minimize associated costs for small business owners by accelerating their transition to building occupancy.

This program ensures that high-quality, smaller scale projects can move from the drawing board to construction in a fraction of the time, supporting the County’s growth and economic vitality. Customers interested in the Expedited Plan Review Program can find eligibility requirements on the website and the application form.

The Department of Development Services facilitates the development of a safe and sustainable community. The Building Development Division is responsible for ensuring all structures comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

For more information, please contact the Building Development Division at [email protected] or (703) 792-6930.