Pending New/Updated Policies, Procedures and Forms

Overview of the New Residential Inspection Process
Use Groups R-2, R-3 and R-5
Effective Date: May 1, 2025

Over the past twenty years, the International Residential Building Code and the Virginia Residential Building Code have adopted more requirements for energy conservation. The new energy conservation requirements affect thermal insulation, window fenestration (U-factors), skylights, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components. Based on the new requirements and the associated complexity, the County needs to improve its enforcement of the energy conservation requirements.

Effective May 1^st, Prince William County is transitioning from builders self-certifying the energy envelope to field inspections performed by a County Inspector, an Approved Third-Party Inspector, or an Approved Third-Party Energy Inspection Company.

Implementing the new process requires revisions to several County documents. Below are the draft documents for your review and comment:

NEW Residential Insulation Inspection Policy

REVISED Third Party Building Inspection Certification Program
The policy is being revised as follows:
- Added slab-on-grade insulation under types of inspections (Page 1 of 6)
- Added slab-on-grade insulation definition (Page 4 of 6)

REVISED Building Inspection Certification Form
The form has been revised to include a slab-on-grade insulation inspection performed by an approved third-party inspector who performs concrete inspections.

REVISED Residential Duct Leakage Test Certification
The form has been revised to include ducts within the Thermal Envelope.

RETIRED Energy Envelope and Roof Covering Certification Form
Effective May 1, 2025, this form will be removed from the Building Development Forms and will not be accepted for Close-ins (198R) or Building Concealments (114R/114C) performed after May 1, 2025.