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Fairfax County is testing a new service intended to help small business owners navigate permits for minor renovations, including an expedited review process that could take as little as three to five business days for qualifying submissions.

The Tenant Support Services pilot will offer early guidance, clearer requirements and coordinated assistance from planning through construction. County officials strongly encourage business owners to contact the program before signing a lease so staff can determine whether a space is suitable for the proposed use.

The program generally covers spaces of no more than 5,000 square feet in existing buildings that are three stories or shorter. Projects must involve relatively limited structural work and cannot include changes to load-bearing walls.

Participants will have one county contact throughout their projects. Before a lease is signed, staff can review proposed operations for compatibility with zoning rules and building codes.

The service will also provide a step-by-step outline of the permitting process, identify participating agencies and explain submission requirements. During design, coordinated assistance is intended to limit resubmissions and unexpected delays.

Complete, eligible building permit applications will receive expedited review with a target turnaround of three to five business days. Support will continue through construction, inspections and issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

County staff will review each property before confirming eligibility. A coordinator is expected to contact applicants within two business days to discuss whether they qualify and explain the next steps.

Fairfax County plans to measure the pilot’s performance using factors including review times and on-time completion rates. Those findings will help officials decide whether to extend the service or make it permanent.