COVID-19 Updates

While City Hall is now partially open to the public, we still ask 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

July 20, 2022: Please note the counter will be closed and no inspections will be scheduled on Thursday, July 21; our inspectors will be in training. Our office will be closed and no inspections will be scheduled on Wednesday, July 27. Our office closes on the last Wednesday of every month.

Reminder: The option to make any applications under the 2015 USBC ended on June 30, As of July 1, all submissions must comply with the 2018 USBC.

Operating Status During COVID-19

The counter has returned to standard operating hours, 8:00-5:00 daily. Staff working in City Hall remains limited, so 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. We are now processing everything electronically.

  • 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 again conducted in person.
  • For more complete details, please see this handout.

Reduced Counter Staff

There may be days when only one person will be in the office. Please understand this will lead to reduced hours and the inability to process certain transactions. Specifically when one person is alone in the office:

  • Hours will be 9:00 - 12:00 and 2:00 - 4:00.
  • Permits will not be issued over the counter. If you bring an application it will be accepted and scanned to be processed later.
  • After accepting payment at the counter, permits will generally be e-mailed later.
  • The main phone is more likely to go unanswered.

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.

Useful Links

Codes and Fees

Building Code Associations

Related City Divisions

Building Safety Tips