Building permits in Fairfax County — Virginia's most populous county with over 1.15 million residents — are issued by Land Development Services (LDS). Fairfax County enforces the 2021 VUSBC. All applications begin in the PLUS (Planning and Land Use System) portal.
This guide covers what requires a permit, the PLUS and FIDO portals, fees, trade permits, and inspections in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is separate from the City of Fairfax — the independent City of Fairfax has its own permitting through the Accela-based permit portal. This guide covers unincorporated Fairfax County and its communities, which are served by LDS.
What requires a building permit in Fairfax County?
Under the 2021 VUSBC and the Fairfax County Code of Ordinances, a permit is required for most construction activities:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and alterations
- Structural and load-bearing modifications
- Reroofing, windows, siding, and exterior changes
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Decks, pools, fences, and accessory structures
- Change of occupancy or use
- Demolition of structures
- Land disturbance and grading
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, and cosmetic work
- One-story detached accessory structure ≤ 256 sq ft
- Retaining walls ≤ 4 ft (not supporting surcharge)
- Same-type fixture replacements
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. Note that exemption from a building permit does not exempt a project from zoning requirements — confirm edge cases with the building department.
Who handles permitting in Fairfax County?
Land Development Services (LDS) reviews plans, issues building and trade permits, and conducts inspections. All applications start in the PLUS portal. Web permits for simpler projects use FIDO (Fairfax Inspections Database Online). Plan submissions go through ProjectDox for electronic review.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Land Development Services — 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035 (Herrity Building) |
| Phone | (703) 222-0801 (TTY 711) |
| LDSInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov | |
| Portals | PLUS (applications) + FIDO (web permits) + ProjectDox (plan review) |
| Hours | Phone: 8 AM – 4 PM Mon–Thu, 9:15 AM – 4 PM Fri; limited lobby service 9 AM – noon Mon–Fri |
| Code cycle | 2021 VUSBC — effective January 18, 2025 |
All applications start in PLUS. The Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) is the central platform for permit applications, fee payments, and status tracking. FIDO handles web permits for contractor-registered simple projects. Plans are submitted through ProjectDox for electronic review. Use the LDS Fee Estimator to estimate costs before applying.
Fairfax County building permit cost
Fairfax County permit fees are valuation-based and set by the Building Development Fee Schedule. Use the LDS Fee Estimator for cost estimates. A mandatory 2% state levy applies to all permit fees.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Residential building permit | Valuation-based (see Fee Schedule) |
| Commercial building permit | Valuation-based |
| Plan review fee | Included in permit fee structure |
| Trade permits (E / P / M) | Separate fees per trade |
| State levy | 2% on all permit fees |
| Work-without-permit | Double fees + stop-work orders |
Want a precise number for a specific Fairfax County project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Fairfax County trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are filed separately through PLUS/FIDO. DPOR-licensed contractors required.
Electrical permits
Required for service upgrades, panel work, solar PV, and wiring — DPOR-licensed electrical contractor required. Contractors must have a FIDO-issued Contractor ID.
Plumbing permits
Required for plumbing, repipes, water heaters, and gas work — DPOR-licensed plumber required.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC installations, changeouts, and ductwork — DPOR-licensed mechanical contractor required.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Land disturbance permits, grading permits, and site/subdivision plans are also handled by LDS. Projects in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area may have additional requirements.
Verify your contractor's license. Virginia requires a state contractor license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for any project valued over $1,000. Licenses are classed by project value: Class A ($120,000+ per project), Class B ($10,000–$120,000), and Class C ($1,000–$10,000). Each class requires specific experience, education, and financial qualifications. Homeowners may perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license, but all permits and inspections still apply. Verify licensure at dpor.virginia.gov.
How to get a building permit in Fairfax County
Determine permit needs & zoning
Use the LDS website to determine if a permit is required. Check zoning at the Zoning Counters. Exterior projects may need zoning approval even if no building permit is required.
Start application in PLUS
Create an account in the PLUS portal. Submit your building permit application with all required documents.
Submit plans via ProjectDox
Upload construction documents through ProjectDox for electronic multi-department review (Building Plan Review, Fire, Health, etc.).
Plan review & corrections
LDS reviews against 2021 VUSBC, zoning, and other requirements. Address reviewer comments and resubmit. Review 6–8 weeks for complex projects.
Pay fees & receive permit
Once approved and outstanding log-out items are submitted, pay all fees (including 2% state levy). Access approved plans in ProjectDox and permit in FIDO.
Post permit & schedule inspections
Post permit at the project site. Maintain full-size county-approved plans on site. Schedule inspections through FIDO. Final inspection required for CO.
Inspections in Fairfax County
Each phase of construction must be inspected. It is the permit holder's responsibility to contact the county for inspections. Post the permit in a visible location and maintain full-size county-approved plans on site through completion. Schedule inspections through FIDO.
Address correction notices before requesting a re-inspection; a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before legal occupancy or use.
Official Fairfax County permitting resources
- 🏛️ Fairfax County — Plan. Permit. Construct.
- 📋 The Permit Process
- 📋 Permit Library
- 💻 FIDO Web Permits
- 🪪 VA DPOR — verify licenses
- 📘 VA DHCD — building codes
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
Need a Fairfax County building permit?
Get your Fairfax County project permitted right. Alliance Permitting navigates PLUS, FIDO, and ProjectDox — so you build, not wait.
More Virginia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Fairfax County Land Development Services before filing. This is not legal advice.