To help homeowners who wish to build decks and other routine improvements, the County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has simplified the building permit process. DPWES Building Plan Review staff developed a series of handouts which contain plan details and related tables for typical homeowner construction projects such as decks, finished basements and retaining walls. These handouts can be used in lieu of a formal plan submission to minimize the level of plan review when applying for a building permit.

      Copies of the handouts may be obtained from DPWES's Permit Application Center (703-222-0801) or downloaded from the County's Website (http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/gov/dem/). If the plan fits within the parameters of the handout, then a permit is issued with the designation per County detail. In some cases, applicants will use the information to assist them in their own designs. These documents contain correct sizes of structural members, connection details and general code-compliant design elements, as well as the review procedures and pertinent phone numbers.