Permit Checklist

Required permits, inspection timeline, and approval process for construction.

1. Permits Required

PermitAgencyTimelineCost EstimateStatus
Zoning Certificate of Use (ZCU)Planning & Zoning~4 weeks$50-$200Required FIRST
Tenant Improvement PermitInspections & Permits~10 business days/reviewBased on work cost ($2,000-$4,000)Via LUN system
Electrical PermitI&P (via TI permit)Included in TIIncludedSub-permit
Plumbing PermitI&P (via TI permit)Included in TIIncludedSub-permit
Mechanical PermitI&P (via TI permit)Included in TIIncludedSub-permit
Fire Marshal ReviewFire MarshalConcurrent with TIIncludedRequired for CO
Salon PermitVirginia DPOR (Board for Barbers and Cosmetology)2-4 weeks after CO$225After CO
Business LicenseLoudoun CountyAfter CO$15-$50Final step

Total Permit Budget: $3,000-$5,000


2. EZ Tenant Permit Eligibility Assessment

Loudoun County offers an expedited "EZ Tenant Permit" process for qualifying projects. Assessment for Luxa Salon Suites:

CriterionRequirementLuxa StatusEligible?
Space SizeUnder 7,500 sq ft~3,500 sq ftYES
Work TypeNon-structural workInterior build-out onlyYES
Use ClassificationNo change of useVERIFY with countyMAYBE
Appointment ProcessWednesdaysAvailableYES
Submission MethodLUN system requiredOnline capableYES

EZ Permit Process:

  1. Submit application via LUN online system first
  2. If eligible, schedule Wednesday appointment
  3. Bring stamped permit documents to site
  4. Expedited review timeline

Recommendation: Contact Loudoun I&P to confirm salon suites qualify for EZ Tenant Permit before submitting. If not eligible, standard TI permit process applies (~10 business days per review cycle).


3. Required Documents Checklist

For Zoning Certificate of Use (ZCU)

  • Property address and PIN (Parcel Identification Number)
  • Business description (salon suites facility, booth rental model)
  • Lease agreement (draft acceptable for initial application)
  • Site plan showing parking (verify 4-5 spaces per 1,000 sq ft)
  • Owner/landlord information
  • Proposed hours of operation

Submission: Online via Land Use Navigator (LUN) System Contact: Office of Planning & Zoning (703) 777-0246


For Tenant Improvement Permit

  • Construction plans (to scale, single PDF)
    • Floor plan showing suite layout (18 suites)
    • Electrical plan (2x 20A per suite)
    • Plumbing plan (10 shampoo bowl locations)
    • HVAC plan (ventilation, fresh air)
    • ADA compliance details
  • Site/parking plan (engineer scale)
  • Tenant name and suite numbers
  • Landlord authorization letter
  • Contractor license information (verify VA DPOR Class A/B/C license)
  • Scope of work description
  • Cost estimate for permit fee calculation

Required Plan Details:

  • Suite walls: STC 48-52 assembly specification
  • Electrical: 2x 20A dedicated circuits per suite (36 circuits minimum)
  • Plumbing: 10 shampoo bowls (Plus tier and above)
  • HVAC: 15-45 CFM fresh air per suite per occupancy
  • Lighting: CRI 90+, 50 fc at workstation

Submission: Online via LUN System (mandatory since Dec 2025) Contact: Loudoun County Building & Development (703) 777-0220


For Fire Marshal Review

  • Floor plan showing:
    • Exit locations and paths
    • Fire extinguisher locations (within 75 ft travel distance)
    • Emergency lighting locations
    • Exit sign locations
  • Sprinkler system documentation (if building has existing system)
  • Emergency lighting plan
  • Occupancy load calculation
    • Standard: 1 person per 100 sq ft (net occupiable)
    • 3,500 sf facility: ~35 persons maximum occupancy
  • Fire alarm system documentation (if applicable)

Fire Extinguisher Requirements:

  • ABC-rated extinguishers
  • Maximum 75 ft travel distance to nearest extinguisher
  • Mount with top no more than 5 ft from floor
  • Estimate: 8 extinguishers for 3,500 sf facility

Contact: Loudoun County Fire Marshal (703) 737-8600


For Salon Permit (After CO)

Prerequisites (must have BEFORE applying):

  • Certificate of Occupancy from county
  • Zoning Certificate of Use (ZCU)
  • Proof of facility insurance ($1M GL minimum)

Application Documents:

  • Completed Salon Permit Application Form
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy
  • Copy of ZCU
  • Floor plan showing:
    • Suite layout with dimensions
    • Shampoo/wet station locations
    • Storage areas
  • Application fee payment ($225)
  • Proof of insurance (facility as owner)

Post-Application:

  • Schedule Board pre-opening inspection
  • Prepare each suite with:
    • Wet sanitizer with EPA-registered disinfectant
    • Closed dry cabinet for implements
    • Hot and cold running water access

Contact: Virginia DPOR (804) 367-8500


4. Submission Sequence (Critical Path)

WEEK 0 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Apply for ZCU (Planning & Zoning)
│   └── Online via LUN system
│   └── ~4 weeks processing
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Finalize construction plans with architect
│
WEEK 2 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Submit TI Permit (LUN online)
│   └── Can parallel with ZCU (doesn't require ZCU approval first)
│   └── ~10 business days first review
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Place China equipment orders (45+ day lead time)
│
WEEK 4 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ ZCU APPROVED (Critical milestone)
│   └── Required before Salon Permit application
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Address TI plan check comments (if any)
│   └── Resubmittal: additional ~10 business days
│
WEEK 4-6 ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ TI Permit APPROVED
│   └── Post permit at job site
│
WEEK 6 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Construction BEGINS
│   └── Demolition, framing, rough MEP
│
WEEK 6-16 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Construction continues (10-12 weeks)
│   └── Weekly site visits recommended
│
WEEK 16-18 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Request trade inspections
│   └── Electrical, plumbing, mechanical
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Request Fire Marshal final inspection
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Request Building final inspection
│
WEEK 18 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY ISSUED
│   └── All inspections passed
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Apply for Salon Permit (Board of Cosmetology)
│   └── $225 application fee
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Apply for Business License (if required)
│   └── $15-$50
│
WEEK 20-22 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ Board pre-opening inspection
│
ā”œā”€ā”€ SALON PERMIT RECEIVED
│
└── OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Total Timeline: 20-22 weeks from permit applications to opening

Critical Path Items:

  1. ZCU (~4 weeks) - Start FIRST, required for Salon Permit
  2. TI Permit (~2-4 weeks) - Required before construction
  3. Construction (~10-12 weeks) - Depends on TI Permit
  4. Salon Permit (~2-4 weeks) - Depends on CO and ZCU

5. Contact Directory

AgencyPhoneWebsite/EmailHours
Loudoun Building & Development(703) 777-0220loudoun.gov/buildingM-F 8:30am-5pm
Office of Planning & Zoning(703) 777-0246loudoun.gov/planningM-F 8:30am-5pm
Loudoun County Fire Marshal(703) 737-8600loudoun.gov/firemarshalM-F 8:30am-5pm
Virginia DPOR (Cosmetology)(804) 367-8500dpor.virginia.govM-F 8:15am-5pm
Zoning Administration(703) 777-0246-M-F 8:30am-5pm

Online Systems:

  • Land Use Navigator (LUN): loudoun.gov/lun (permit applications)
  • Virginia SCC: scc.virginia.gov (LLC filings) / Virginia Tax: tax.virginia.gov (tax registration)

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Pitfall 1: Starting Construction Before Permit Issued

Risk: Stop-work order, fines, required demolition of unpermitted work Prevention:

  • Never start construction until permit is posted on site
  • Verify permit number with I&P if uncertain
  • Include permit timeline in contractor contract

Pitfall 2: Missing Fire Marshal Coordination

Risk: Failed final inspection, delayed CO, extended carrying costs Prevention:

  • Contact Fire Marshal early in design phase
  • Submit fire safety documentation with TI permit
  • Schedule Fire Marshal inspection concurrent with trade inspections

Pitfall 3: Applying for Salon Permit Before ZCU

Risk: Application rejected, time wasted, delayed opening Prevention:

  • ZCU is prerequisite for Salon Permit - no exceptions
  • Apply for ZCU at Week 0, not after construction
  • Keep copy of approved ZCU for Salon Permit application

Pitfall 4: Incomplete Plan Submissions

Risk: Plan check comments, resubmittal cycles, 2-4 week delays per cycle Prevention:

  • Use architect experienced with commercial salon build-outs
  • Include ALL required elements in first submission
  • Reference Loudoun submittal checklist before submitting

Pitfall 5: Underestimating Permit Timeline

Risk: Construction delays, carrying costs, missed opening targets Prevention:

  • Budget 6 weeks minimum for permits (not 2-3)
  • Have contractor on standby, not locked into hard start date
  • Build 2-week buffer into project schedule

Pitfall 6: Verbal Agreements on Scope Changes

Risk: Budget overruns, disputes, unpermitted work Prevention:

  • All changes in writing before work begins
  • Scope changes may require permit amendment
  • Contact I&P if unsure whether change needs permit modification

7. Permit Tracking Template

Use this template to track permit status throughout the project:

PermitApplication DateStatusApproval DateExpirationNotes
ZCU//2026[ ] Submitted [ ] In Review [ ] Approved [ ] Denied//2026N/A
TI Permit//2026[ ] Submitted [ ] In Review [ ] Comments [ ] Approved//2026180 days from issue
Fire Marshal//2026[ ] Submitted [ ] Inspection Scheduled [ ] Passed//2026With CO
CO//2026[ ] Requested [ ] Inspection Scheduled [ ] Issued//2026N/A
Salon Permit//2026[ ] Submitted [ ] Inspection Scheduled [ ] Approved//20262 years
Business License//2026[ ] Submitted [ ] Approved//2026Annual

Inspection Schedule:

Inspection TypeRequested DateScheduled DateResultInspectorNotes
Rough Electrical//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Rough Plumbing//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Rough Mechanical//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Drywall (before cover)//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Fire Marshal//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Final Electrical//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Final Plumbing//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Final Building//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail
Board of Cosmetology//2026//2026[ ] Pass [ ] Fail

8. Pre-Inspection Checklists

Before Rough Inspections

  • All wiring in place, not energized
  • Electrical boxes installed, circuits labeled
  • Plumbing rough-in complete, water off
  • HVAC ducts installed, not operational
  • Permit posted and visible

Before Drywall Inspection

  • Insulation installed per spec (R-13 minimum)
  • First layer drywall installed (STC assembly)
  • Acoustic sealant applied at perimeter
  • Electrical/plumbing passed rough inspection

Before Fire Marshal Final

  • Fire extinguishers installed (8 minimum)
  • Exit signs illuminated with backup power
  • Emergency lighting operational
  • Exit paths clear and marked
  • Occupancy load posted (if 50+ persons)

Before Building Final / CO

  • All trade inspections passed
  • Fire Marshal inspection passed
  • Finishes complete (flooring, paint, fixtures)
  • ADA compliance verified
  • Address numbers visible from street

Before Board of Cosmetology Inspection

  • Certificate of Occupancy received
  • Each suite has wet sanitizer with EPA disinfectant
  • Each suite has closed dry cabinet
  • Hot and cold water operational
  • Lighting adequate (CRI 90+, 50 fc)
  • HVAC operational
  • Facility clean and ready for operation

Permit Checklist Complete - Phase 09-02 Task 1

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