Trailers meet temporary needs for additional enclosed space. They accommodate construction crews, students, teachers and other populations. When installing a trailer, see the requirements below.
Requirements for All Trailers
- A building permit
- A photograph of the certification label(s) and the serial number supplied by the compliance assurance agency that includes the name and address of the compliance assurance agency and the numbers of the certification label(s) per the Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Regulations*
- Site plan indicating the location of the trailer(s)
- Pier and tie-down information based on a minimum wind speed of 115 mph
- If there is an electrical service connection, you will need an Electrical Permit.
- If there is a restroom in the trailer, you must provide information on the waste connection and water service. You will need a Plumbing Permit.
- Detail of the stairs and footing for stairs that complies with Virginia Construction Code (VCC) Section 1009
* Any alterations to a certified industrial building require a permit and must comply with all pertinent code sections, per Virginia Construction Code (VCC) Section 425.6.
Additional Requirements for Non-construction Trailers
Non-construction trailers might provide space for uses such as schools, offices and sales.
- If the trailer will be Use Group E, Educational, then the plans must be signed and sealed by a registered design professional.
- Site plan indicating the location of the trailer(s). Site plan must include property lines and the proximity to other structures; fire separation distance and fire rating must comply with VCC Table 602.
- If you are combining the trailer with new or existing trailers, the building area calculations must show compliance with VCC Chapter 5.
- If there is a restroom, it must be permanent. Plans must provide information on the waste connection and water service.
- If the trailer does not have a restroom, the plans must include:
- The distance to the nearest accessible toilet facilities
- The accessible route to the nearest accessible toilet facilities
- Fixture calculations (based on the Virginia Plumbing Code section 403) to indicate that the toilet facilities can serve the additional occupant load based on VCC Table 1004.1.2
- Trailers must comply with the accessibility requirements of VCC Chapter 11 and ANSI A116.1-2009; plans must include the accessible route and ramp details in compliance with VCC section 1010 and ANSI A116.1-2009 section 405.
Scheduling Inspections
Once your permits have been approved, you must schedule inspections to ensure the safety and proper progress of the project.
Fees
Fee Schedules provide the range of fees charged for each type of application or activity related to land development in Arlington. Fees cover permitting, plan review, enforcement, inspection, service delivery, performance agreements and conditions. There are separate fee schedules for the Inspection Services Division (ISD), Zoning and the Department of Environmental Services (DES). Some permits involve fees from more than one schedule.