Prince William County Revises Commercial Construction Inspection Order to Help Expedite Construction Process

We are pleased to announce that starting on April 29^th, a new commercial construction inspection order will be in effect. The change to the order of inspections enables the Fire Marshal’s Office to grant partial approvals, which greatly enhances overall efficiency in the inspections process.

“We are delighted to roll-out a new inspection order, with thanks to the collaborative efforts of County staff, the Commercial Development Committee, and industry partners,” shared Mandi Spina, Director, Department of Development Services. “This latest update reflects our commitment to facilitating smoother and more timely development services for all stakeholders involved.”

These partial approvals will help expedite construction project progress, leading to quicker completion and occupancy. Furthermore, the update will improve overall consistency by helping all stakeholders to prepare for inspections, address compliance issues, improve communications, and customer expectations.

Working in collaboration with the Fire Marshal’s Office, the Department’s Commercial Construction Inspections team will introduce the new inspection order policy based on the updated Commercial Inspection Guideline, which will be released next month.

Please note the new inspection order policy requirements below:

Inspection Order - Commercial Projects: Finals

1. Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical/Gas: no specific order.
2. Fire Marshal’s final inspection can be scheduled at any time. Hood Finals must include Mechanical/Gas/Electrical Finals.
3. Building. All other trade/Fire Marshal’s Inspections require an approval or partial approval status prior to scheduling.
4. Utilities. Schedule utilities with appropriate Departments (i.e., Site, Sewer, Health Department, etc.)

For more information, please contact the Inspections Office at (703) 792-7006, between 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Mon – Fri, or the Fire Marshal’s Office at (703) 792-6360, between 8:00am - 5:00pm Mon – Fri. Alternatively, please email [email protected] at any time. To learn more visit www.pwcva.gov/DDS, join our email list, reach us at [email protected] or call (703) 792-6930.

About Prince William County Department of Development Services

The Department of Development Services promotes a culture where staff and customers work in partnership to create and sustain a better quality of life and environment in which to live, work, play, worship and retire. Development processes are designed to be effective and efficient, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Department of Development Services supports public safety, revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and the protection of natural resources. We supply customers with development information through effective communication and education and provide the highest quality of service and respect.