In accordance with Section 18-701 of the County Zoning Ordinance, no occupancy or use shall be made of any structure or of any premises, and no change in use shall be permitted, unless and until a Non-Residential Use Permit (Non-RUP) has been approved in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. A Non-RUP shall be deemed to authorize and is required for both the initial and continued occupancy and use of the building or land to which it applies.
For more information and the permit application, visit the Certificate of Occupancy webpage or contact the Building Division at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.
A post-occupancy inspection by a Fire Marshal inspector must be scheduled 1) when the business space has opened to the public, 2) after all interior setup is in place, and 3) within 10 days of opening via the Occupancy Inspection record (FOCC-POST-YYYY-NNNNN) based on the county's use and occupancy requirements. From this visit, the inspector will determine which Fire Prevention Code Permits (FPCP) will be required for activities, processes, and occupancies regulated by the Fire Prevention Code. Once issued, Fire Prevention Code Permits 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. A complete list of FPCP requirements and associated fees are available online.
Once a project is completed, several agencies continue to monitor compliance with various codes for the life of the building or structure. Continuation of inspections are necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public after the building is occupied.