Finishing a basement requires a building permit for the alterations of an existing space. Most of our customers will utilize our finished basement publication as an alternative to drawing detailed plans. Simply draw a floor plan of your intended changes and you can use the publication in lieu of further details.

Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned.

To apply for a residential finish basement permit you will need:

1. Building/Zoning Application completed and signed along with all associated forms below.
   
   
2. Contractor Information Form- VA State Contractor’s license & Fauquier County Business License for all contractor’s associated with the project. 
   
   
3. Asbestos Certification Form
   
   
4. Two copies of a plan view of the basement must be provided identifying each room, existing and new in the basement i.e., study, family room, laundry room, and bedroom. Stairs and other egresses, as required by code, must be shown on the plan view. If an egress window or door is to be added or enlarged, additional plans and a plan review may be required; please contact the plan review staff for more information.
   
   
5.  Adding additional bedrooms on private well and septic must provide a copy of the HD construction permit indicating the total number of bedrooms allowed or the SAP (Safe, adequate & proper) form completed from the Health Department office. 
     
6. If the basement includes a bedroom, full-bath and a wet bar or other kitchen facilities, you may be required to record a basement affidavit in conjunction with the renovations, unless the intent is to create a basement apartment, in which case the procedures for accessory dwelling units must be followed. 
   
   
7. USB thumb/flash drive with all forms and plans preloaded.
    
8. Fees.  Minimum fees are collected at time of application submittal. See our current Fee Schedule for more specific fee information for all fees and the amount of Minimum Fees due with application.  Fees are payable by exact cash, credit card or check – starter checks will NOT be accepted. Credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard & Discover and will only be accepted in person.  A convenience fee will be added to all credit card transactions.  

Review and Approval Process

The Walk-thru program has been suspended indefinitely.  The application is reviewed by the Building Plans Reviewer, and, in some cases, Zoning staff.  See Plan Review for more detail about the Building Plans Review process.

Issuance

When returning to pick up the permit you will need to pay the remaining fees.  The balance due will be provided by Permitting staff when they call.

Construction

During the construction process periodic inspections are required.  See Inspections for more details.

Occupancy

In certain circumstances, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before the space may be utilized.   The CO cannot be issued until the following are completed/provided:

1. All building inspections passed.
2. It may take up to 48 hours to process your CO.