COVID-19 Updates

During the COVID-19 outbreak, City Hall is now closed to the public. For the duration of this disruption, we are asking the public to move to electronic submissions for their Building Safety and Permitting needs. Download the Permitting During COVID-19 Closures flyer for more details. 

See the latest status of City Hall and other City programs and operations on the City's COVID-19 Closures and Cancellations page. 

Latest News

8/21/2020, 4:00 PM: Inspection appointments will not be available on Wednesdays through the end of September. This will allow staff to devote the time to plan review. Depending on workload, additional Wednesdays may be added.

Operating Status: The counter is now open daily 8:00-12:00 and 2:00-4:00. In keeping with the goal of limiting on-site personnel, only one person is staffing the counter. This means there may be some unscheduled closures. Please try to limit counter visits only to those things absolutely requiring them. Use e-mail whenever possible. For the duration of the disruption, we are asking everyone to move to electronic submissions. 

  • Avoid coming to City Hall on Wednesdays. Court sessions have resumed, and City Hall will be much more crowded.
  • If you’re coming from any 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.
  • Applications and plans are not accepted at the counter.
  • All submissions should be made in PDF form 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 conducted with Google Duo.
  • For more complete details, please see this handout.

5/22/2020, 1:30 PM: In support of business reopening there is a special handout on applying for temporary tents. The handout include the standard permit application, plus special guidelines from the Fire Marshal. All applications and supporting documents should be submitted to the permits e-mail. If you have questions about what is allowed, please e-mail the Fire Marshal directly. All fees are waived for these permits during the COVID crisis.

Welcome

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.

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Codes and Fees

Building Code Associations

Related City Divisions