Submittal and Inspections Requirements for Energy Storage SystemsLand Development Services received the following information from the Office of the Fire Marshal. Forwarding along these details for awareness. As Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technologies evolve, updated construction codes are being adapted to address the emerging and unique risks posed by these systems. The Office of the Fire Marshal has created a new fire installation record (FESS) in PLUS to facilitate the review and approval process for Energy Storage Systems as defined and regulated by the Virginia Construction Code (VCC). Though the architectural review on a Building record – Building Commercial New (BLDC) and Addition/Alteration (ALTC) - includes review of an Energy Storage System, several of the documents required by the code are not produced or available before the timeframe of the building permit’s issuance. Thus, the FESS record will be used to receive and review all required documents by code. To this point, with this being a child of a Building record, the relationship should not prevent the permit on a BLDC or ALTC from being issued before the FESS record is closed. The new FESS record is available as of April 20th, 2026. Instructions for FESS record submission are outlined in the Energy Storage System. The inspection for ESS installation should be managed through the Special Inspection Program and conducted by pre-approved third-party special inspection agencies. Refer to Fairfax County Special Inspection Program (SIP) Chapter 17 for more information about inspection requirements. Facilities housing ESS with their Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) due for reissuance will be required to create a FESS record and submit required documentation per Virginia’s Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), Section 1207. Contact the Office of the Fire Marshal with any questions at fire.ENGPlansReview@fairfaxcounty.gov.  |
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