Permitting Process Improvements Initiative

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Prince William County Development Services building

PWC Works projects reflect our commitment of striving for exceptional customer service, maximizing operational efficiencies, increasing modernization, providing excellent service delivery, and collaborating with the community for a coordinated response that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents and the overall wellbeing of the county.


What is the Permitting Process Improvements Initiative?

Prince William County is implementing a series of improvements aimed at modernizing the permitting process, making it faster, more efficient and easier for residents, developers and contractors. The focus is on eliminating repetitive tasks, removing barriers and leveraging new technologies to enhance customer experience and service delivery.

New online systems will be launched, allowing customers to submit documents and get approvals faster. Tools will also be introduced to keep property owners informed about permit activities, ensuring transparency and ease of access. Additionally, the county is improving the building inspection process to make sure projects are completed efficiently and safely.


Main Goals of the Permitting Process Improvements Initiative

  • Achieve cost and time savings for customers.
  • Reduce uncertainty for developers and contractors.
  • Eliminate unnecessary steps and streamline the process.
  • Promote predictability and improve service delivery.
  • Enhance the customer experience through modernization.


Success Criteria for the Permitting Process Improvements Initiative

  • Shorter permitting times and reduced costs.
  • Implementation of identified process improvements.
  • Reduced staff time per project, allowing for faster service.


Major Milestones Completed (2023-Present)

  • July 2023: Land Development launches eReview, allowing customers to submit land development documents through the ePortal.

  • September 2023: Residential Solar County Typical Plan is implemented, reducing cost and review time to 5-7 business days.

  • October 2023: The Commercial Development Committee (CDC) reviews policies and identifies two for further review.

  • January 2024: CDC finalizes goals, including Owner Notification of Permits and policy/procedure review finalization.

  • February 2024: Building Development launches the SolarApp+ pilot program to streamline residential solar permits.

  • Spring 2024: "Scan Me" QR code cards become available to provide customers quick access to permitting information.

  • May 2024: The Owner Notification of Permit Online Tool allows property owners to voluntarily receive permit activity updates.

  • June 2024: The Building Inspection Order Update improves the inspection process, moving Fire Marshal inspections earlier.

  • Summer 2024: Kickoff of “How To” Guides, a customer experience improvement to aid customers through the permitting life cycle for specific non-complex project types (decks, sheds, etc.).

  • Fall 2024: Quality control improvements reduce review times from 3-5 days to 1-2 days, minimizing administrative denials. In response to industry and customer feedback, county staff implemented multiple improvements, which have lessened administrative denials and have minimized QC Review Times to 1-2 days. Prior QC review was 3-5 business days. This is a significant time savings to the customer.

PWC Works projects reflect our commitment of striving for exceptional customer service, maximizing operational efficiencies, increasing modernization, providing excellent service delivery, and collaborating with the community for a coordinated response that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents and the overall wellbeing of the county.


What is the Permitting Process Improvements Initiative?

Prince William County is implementing a series of improvements aimed at modernizing the permitting process, making it faster, more efficient and easier for residents, developers and contractors. The focus is on eliminating repetitive tasks, removing barriers and leveraging new technologies to enhance customer experience and service delivery.

New online systems will be launched, allowing customers to submit documents and get approvals faster. Tools will also be introduced to keep property owners informed about permit activities, ensuring transparency and ease of access. Additionally, the county is improving the building inspection process to make sure projects are completed efficiently and safely.


Main Goals of the Permitting Process Improvements Initiative

  • Achieve cost and time savings for customers.
  • Reduce uncertainty for developers and contractors.
  • Eliminate unnecessary steps and streamline the process.
  • Promote predictability and improve service delivery.
  • Enhance the customer experience through modernization.


Success Criteria for the Permitting Process Improvements Initiative

  • Shorter permitting times and reduced costs.
  • Implementation of identified process improvements.
  • Reduced staff time per project, allowing for faster service.


Major Milestones Completed (2023-Present)

  • July 2023: Land Development launches eReview, allowing customers to submit land development documents through the ePortal.

  • September 2023: Residential Solar County Typical Plan is implemented, reducing cost and review time to 5-7 business days.

  • October 2023: The Commercial Development Committee (CDC) reviews policies and identifies two for further review.

  • January 2024: CDC finalizes goals, including Owner Notification of Permits and policy/procedure review finalization.

  • February 2024: Building Development launches the SolarApp+ pilot program to streamline residential solar permits.

  • Spring 2024: "Scan Me" QR code cards become available to provide customers quick access to permitting information.

  • May 2024: The Owner Notification of Permit Online Tool allows property owners to voluntarily receive permit activity updates.

  • June 2024: The Building Inspection Order Update improves the inspection process, moving Fire Marshal inspections earlier.

  • Summer 2024: Kickoff of “How To” Guides, a customer experience improvement to aid customers through the permitting life cycle for specific non-complex project types (decks, sheds, etc.).

  • Fall 2024: Quality control improvements reduce review times from 3-5 days to 1-2 days, minimizing administrative denials. In response to industry and customer feedback, county staff implemented multiple improvements, which have lessened administrative denials and have minimized QC Review Times to 1-2 days. Prior QC review was 3-5 business days. This is a significant time savings to the customer.

  • New Express Plan Review Program for Commercial Building Projects Has Launched

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    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.