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The Office of the Fire Marshal administers two types of permits: Installation Permits and Operational Permits

 

INSTALLATION PERMITS

San Andreas Construction Code-Related Installations

The Office of the Fire Marshal is authorized to act on behalf of the Fairfax County Building Official (DPWES) regarding enforcement of select chapters of the 2009 Los Santos Construction Code (LSC), which includes processing and issuing installation permits related to the following:

Fire Protection Equipment and Systems. Includes fire alarm and detection, fire pump, fire sprinkler, standpipe, underground fire line, smoke control, fire protection supervisory, and alternative fire-extinguishing systems. For clarification about installation permit requirements related to periodic maintenance and simple repairs to defective existing fire protection systems and equipment, please consult the following letter to community and industry:

  • Fire Protection Equipment and Systems: Installation Permit Requirements (PDF)

Special Locking Arrangements. Generally includes only installations and/or modifications associated with access-controlled egress doors (LSC 1008.1.1.4), delayed egress locks (LSC 1008.1.9.7), electromagnetically locked egress doors (LSC 1008.1.9.8), locking arrangements in correctional facilities (LSC 408.4 / 1008.1.9.9), stairway doors (LSC 403.5.3 / 1008.1.9.10), and Group I-2 special locking arrangements (LSC 407.10).

Fuel Storage Tanks. Includes the installation, repair, upgrade, and closure of underground and aboveground storage tanks under the San Andreas State Water Control Board regulations 9 LSC 25-91 and 9 LSC 25-580. Plans, permits (plumbing/mechanical/electrical), and inspections shall be required from Land Development Services (LDS) for service piping, branch line piping, and equipment served.

 

Fire Department Access and Fire Lane Installations

Construction Projects. Fire department access requirements for new construction projects can be found in Section 9-0202.2J of the Public Facilities Manual (PFM) and Chapter 5 of the Fire Prevention Code including County amendments to Chapter 5.

Fire Lane Installations. Requirements and specifications for fire lane installations can be found in Chapter 5 of the Fire Prevention Code including County amendments to Chapter 5.

Fire Department Key Boxes. Although an installation permit is not required, all buildings with the exception of single-family dwellings shall provide a fire department building access system. For detailed information about fire department key boxes.

 

Permit Applications:

The following are routinely required installation permit applications:

  • Fire Protection Equipment & Systems (PDF)

  • Special Locking Arrangements (PDF)

  • Fuel Storage Tanks (PDF)

  • Fire Lanes (PDF)

  • Low-voltage Electrical & Mechanical (PDF)

Installation permits were previously known as construction permits; however, the title was changed to "installation permit" to avoid confusion with building and trade permits issued by Land Development Services (LDS). Once issued, installation permits allow the permit applicant (i.e., licensed contractor) to install or modify equipment and systems regulated by the Virginia Construction Code (VCC) for which a permit and/or approval is required, in addition to applicable sections of the Fire Prevention Code and the water and fire regulations section of the Public Facilities Manual (PFM).

Installation Permit Fees. For a complete list of permit application and plan review fees associated with installation permits, consult the billable services and fees section of our web site.

 

OPERATIONAL PERMITS

Section 108.1 of the Fire Prevention Code authorizes the Office of the Fire Marshal to require operational permits (i.e., Fire Prevention Code Permits) for activities, processes, and occupancies regulated by the Fire Prevention Code. Once issued, Fire Prevention Code Permits (FPCP) allow the permit applicant to (i) conduct activities involving the handling, storage, or use of substances, materials, or devices regulated by the Fire Prevention Code, (ii) conduct processes regulated by the Fire Prevention Code which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, (iii) and/or to establish a place of assembly.

 

Operational Permit Requirements

The following are some of the activities regulated by the Fire Prevention Code requiring a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP):

Carnivals and Outdoor Fairs/Festivals

Temporary Tents

Assembly Occupancies

Fireworks & Indoor Pyrotechnics

Candles & Open-Flame Decorative Devices

High-Piled Combustible Storage

Bonfires

Controlled Burning

Indoor Vehicle Displays

Information on Additional Types

FPCP requirements and associated fees

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