Prince William County’s Department of Development Services has announced the relaunch of its Expedited Plan Review Program, which will begin on February 16, 2026. The updated program is intended to speed up the permit process for small commercial projects in existing buildings and shell structures that have already received final inspection approval.
The modernization of this program was done in partnership with members of the County’s Commercial Development Committee. It now features a virtual workflow that integrates with ePortal, the county’s electronic review system. This replaces the previous “same day” in-person model with an online digital process designed to reduce both time and costs for permit submissions.
Ricky O’Connor, Acting Director of the Department of Development Services, stated: “We recognize that for small businesses and commercial developers, time is literally money. This relaunch is a testament to the strong commitment and collaboration between our industry partners and dedicated county staff, all working together in true partnership.”
Key elements of the enhanced program include online collaboration using electronic plan review (e-Review), real-time communication between design professionals and county reviewers, and a focus on tenant fit-outs as well as interior alterations within existing or approved shell buildings. The new approach consolidates multiple review cycles into a single coordinated virtual session to help minimize costs for small business owners by speeding up their transition to building occupancy.
The initiative aims to allow high-quality smaller projects to move more quickly from planning stages to construction. Customers can find eligibility requirements and application forms on the county website.
The Department of Development Services oversees community development with an emphasis on safety and sustainability. Its Building Development Division ensures all structures meet Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code standards.
For further details about the Expedited Plan Review Program, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Building Development Division by email or phone.
