Manassas, VIRGINIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Manassas is an independent city and is legally separate from Prince William County for permit administration.

Department

City of Manassas Department of Community Development, Planning and Development

Address

9027 Center Street, 2nd Floor, Manassas, VA 20110

Phone

703-257-8278

Email

permitstatus@manassasva.gov

Website

https://www.manassasva.gov/community_development/development_services/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Select the correct building, trade, occupancy, zoning, or demolition application from the city's forms and fees page.
2. Submit the permit application, plans, and supporting materials through the portal or permit counter.
3. Pay the insertion or intake fee so the plans enter the review queue.
4. Respond to written review comments and resubmit corrected sheets if required.
5. After approval, pay issuance fees and receive the stamped plans and permit.
6. Obtain separate trade permits through the appropriate contractor as needed.

Typical processing time: Average queue times published by the city are 2.5 weeks for new commercial and residential buildings, new commercial tenant layouts or change of use, and commercial alterations or additions; 1.5 weeks for new residential accessory structures and residential additions or alterations.

Source: City of Manassas Department of Community Development, Planning and Development

General Requirements

Construction permits are required for building and trade work to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Occupancy permits are also required for structures and new business occupancy situations described by the city.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans and specifications
• Project-specific supporting documents such as site utility plans or house location surveys, special inspections forms, soils reports, structural calculations, or accessibility compliance forms depending on scope

Permit validity

The city uses a permit extension form citing VUSBC Sections 108.8 and 110.6, which indicates permits and permit activity are governed by Virginia code timing rules.

Building code

The city states applicable code is the 2018/2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Owner-builder

The building permit form allows the owner of record or an authorized agent to apply.

Contractor requirements

State contractor license number is required on the city form. A City of Manassas business license is required if the contractor office is in the city or if work inside the city exceeds $25,000 in a calendar year or per permit or job.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 minimum for single-family home R-5 building permits; $200 minimum for all new building construction except R-5 construction type

Plan check fee

$50 residential minor R-5 plan review, $150 residential major R-5 plan review, and $150 for all other construction types

Permit fee formula

Mixed schedule. Examples include $0.45 per square foot for single-family homes, $0.40 per square foot for interior renovations and basements with a $230 minimum, and 1.5% of contract price with a $150 minimum for fences, walls, towers, and similar structures.

Penalty (no permit)

Demolition permits require a $150 fee plus a bond; separate permit extension and revision fees also apply.

Payment note

The city encourages online invoice payment through EnerGov; applicants pay issuance fees after plan approval.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Replacement windows and doors of similar operation and opening dimensions in listed residential occupancies
• Replacement plumbing fixtures and well pumps without system alterations
• Replacement switches, receptacles, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans in listed residential occupancies
• Replacement non-gas and non-oil mechanical appliances in listed residential occupancies
• Replacement roof covering, siding, limited roof decking, flooring, interior finishes, cabinets, trim, paint, and wallpaper under the city's published USBC exception list
• Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill without surcharge
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less
• Temporary ramps serving qualifying dwelling units where the entrance height is 30 inches or less

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Permit portal (online)
• Permit counter (in-person)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with transactions to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday walk-through hours are by appointment.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical path is permit issuance, required building and trade inspections, optional virtual inspection for eligible scopes, and final inspection followed by certificate of occupancy or certificate of use where applicable.

Virtual inspections are available for some inspections and third-party inspections are accepted from an approved list of inspectors.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city states applicable code is the 2018/2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Items That Do Not Require a Permit
• Zoning Permits
• Building Plan Review
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Prince William County