A new program aimed at expediting the permitting process for less complex commercial building projects will begin on October 13, 2025. The Department of Development Services, Building Development Division, is launching the Express Commercial Plan Review Program to streamline plan reviews and permit issuance.
Eligible projects will be able to take advantage of faster processing times and reduced costs, as the express review comes with no initial plan review fee. “We’re excited to offer ‘express lane permitting’ to speed up permitting approvals for developers and contractors,” said Mandi Spina, Director, Department of Development Services. “Customers will gain greater control of project schedules, while we deliver faster turnaround times and cost savings.”
The program applies to specific scopes of work that typically require minimal plan review, such as like-for-like replacements. More information about eligibility requirements and a detailed checklist will be provided in the coming weeks.
To help facilitate a quicker process, applicants are encouraged to use ePortal for permit submissions and tracking; conduct quality audits before submission to avoid common errors; follow the ePlan guide for formatting and content standards; and submit all required documentation relevant to their project type.
According to county officials, these steps—along with applying for permits involving reroofing, mechanical/gas/plumbing replacements, low-voltage work, temporary services, or minor demolition—can help reduce permitting timeframes. The goal is a three-business-day turnaround while maintaining safety standards and code compliance.
This new initiative builds on other improvements by the Department of Development Services in Prince William County. In recent years, programs such as Virtual Appointments have been implemented for immediate customer support; a SolarApp+ Pilot Program has facilitated solar installations; a Residential Solar County Typical Plan has been introduced; and partial permitting processes for commercial shell buildings have helped fast-track certain applications.
For more details on ongoing improvements or questions about the Express Commercial Plan Review Program, residents can visit PWC Works or contact the department by email or phone.
