Permitting Process Improvements Initiative

The Prince William County Department of Development Services, Building Development Division, is proud to announce the official relaunch of its Expedited Plan Review Program, effective February 16, 2026.

In collaboration with the County’s Commercial Development Committee members, the comprehensive program has been modernized to support a high-tech, virtual workflow that integrates seamlessly with ePortal, the County’s electronic review system.

The relaunch program is specifically designed to fast-track permit issuance for the smaller commercial projects within existing buildings, as well as, for shell buildings that have already received final inspection approval. By transitioning the previous “same day” in-person model into a streamlined online digital process, the County aims to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with permit submissions.

“We recognize that for small businesses and commercial developers, time is literally money,” said Ricky O’Connor, Acting Director, Department of Development Services, Prince William County. “By reimplementing this process with information technology improvements, we are delivering a more flexible, efficient service, that is customer focused.” This program ensures that high-quality, smaller scale projects can move from the drawing board to construction in a fraction of the time, supporting the County’s growth and economic vitality.

The key features of the enhanced program are online collaboration, leveraging electronic plan review (e-Review), real-time communications between design professionals and county reviewers, optimization for tenant fit-outs and interior alterations in existing and approved shell buildings and reduced timelines. The consolidation of multiple review cycles into a single coordinated virtual online session will significantly minimize associated costs for small business owners by accelerating their transition to building occupancy.

Customers interested in the Expedited Plan Review Program can find eligibility requirements on the website and the application form.

The Department of Development Services facilitates the development of a safe and sustainable community. The Building Development Division is responsible for ensuring all structures comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

For more information, please contact the Building Development Division at [email protected] or (703) 792-6930.

Launched by the Department of Development Services, Building Development Division, the Express Commercial Plan Review Program is a significant update for commercial building projects that accelerates the review of plans and the issuance of permits for less complex commercial construction projects.

Customers that have eligible projects will benefit from faster permitting processes and reduced plan review fees, as there is no initial plan review fee associated with express reviews.

The Express Program is for select like-for-like replacements and other defined scopes of work where minimal plan review is typically warranted.

How to Facilitate a Faster Process

Use ePortal: ePortal is the central access point for submitting permits, managing projects, and tracking status.

Perform a Quality Audit: Before submission, check for common mistakes such as un-bookmarked plans, missing documents, restricted files, or incorrect application types to prevent common denial reasons and delays.

Follow the ePlan Guide: Adhere to the ePlan guide to ensure your submission meets all formatting and content requirements.

Submit All Required Documents: Ensure you include all necessary documents, such as GIS information, zoning documentation, and specific forms required for your project type.

Ensuring high-quality submissions, utilizing ePortal, and applying for specific permits like most reroofing projects, mechanical/gas/plumbing replacements, low-voltage work, temporary services, and minor demolition can accelerate the review process. The goal is to reduce the permitting time to three business days, while maintaining building safety and code compliance.

The introduction of the new express plan review program for commercial building projects not only elevates the Department’s customer services solutions portfolio but also aligns with ongoing Prince William County initiatives. In recent years, the Department of Development Services has implemented several initiatives and programs, including Virtual Appointments, to help customers get immediate answers and move projects forward faster, a SolarApp+ Pilot Program, a Residential Solar County Typical Plan, and a Commercial Partial Permitting Process for Shell Buildings, to fast-track permit applications.

To learn more about the permitting process improvements initiative, visit PWC Works. For more information, email [email protected] or call (703) 792-6930.