About the Building Safety Division

Welcome to the Building Safety Division of the City of Falls Church. We enforce the codes and regulations established by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City governing the construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings and structures within the City for the protection of residents and property.

Latest News

February 23, 2022The Development Services Counter will be closed and no inspections will be scheduled on Wednesday, March 29.  The office closes to the public on the last Wednesday of every month.

There is a new version of the City's Major Projects Manual available. This is for large commercial projects involving a site plan or special inspections process. It is dated 2018 to match the 2018 building code currently in effect.

Operating Status 

The counter is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. there may still be limited service available, especially at the beginning and end of the day, across lunch hours, and if counter staff is reduced.

Please try to limit counter visits only to those things absolutely requiring them. Use e-mail whenever possible.

  • Avoid coming to City Hall on Wednesdays. Court sessions have resumed, and City Hall will be much more crowded.
  • If you’re coming from a significant distance, call or e-mail first to ensure we are open.
  • If you pay for a permit in person, plans will still be returned electronically.
  • All submissions should be made in PDF format to the permits e-mail. Plans should be in a single PDF, or at most two if there are separate drawings and submittals.
  • To request an inspection, please use the web form. Most inspections are being conducted in person.

Useful Links

Codes and Fees

Building Code Associations

Related City Divisions

Building Safety Tips