|
Important ePortal Server Maintenance Update
Prince William County is performing server maintenance on Friday, August 7, 2026, to improve security and system performance. During that time, ePortal and IVR will not be available. To ensure all customer service transactions closeout prior to this, please note the following schedule:
Customer Service Closures and Downtime Schedule
- 12:30 pm (August 7): Zoning Counters close early.
- 2:00 pm (August 7): All Customer Service Counters close.
- 3:00 pm (August 7): ePortal goes offline for several hours during the upgrade.
All users must complete transactions and log out before 3:00 pm, Friday, August 7. Service is expected to be restored by 5:00 pm, Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Thank you for your patience while we improve your digital experience. For more information, please call (703) 792-6875 or email DMS@pwcgov.org.
| | |
A Guide to the Prince William County
Home Employment Certificate
Running a business from your single-family home where customers or employees visit?
You need a Home Employment Certificate.
1. Does Your Business Qualify?
To be eligible, your business must be located in your primary residence (a single-family detached home on 5,000+ sq. ft.). Common qualifying uses include:
-
Professional Offices: Legal, Accounting, Engineering, Medical, or Administrative.
-
Personal Services: Beauty Salons, Nail Technicians, or Pet Grooming.
-
Creative Arts: Photography, Jewelry Repair, or Floral Design.
-
Instructional: Tutoring (up to 5 children or 2 adults at a time).
2. Key Rules to Remember
-
Space: Business must occupy no more than 10% of the floor area where it's located.
-
Storage: No outdoor storage of business materials is allowed.
-
Signs: Limited to one unlighted sign (1 sq. ft. max) on the house or mailbox.
-
No Retail: On-site manufacturing, retail sales, or commercial cooking are not permitted.
3. Apply Today!
-
Online: Visit ePortal. Select Apply > Plans > Zoning Approval – Home Employment Certificate.
-
In-Person: Visit the Development Services Building at 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA. Counter Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last zoning counter ticket served at 2:00 pm).
4. What to Bring/Upload
- Completed Home Employment Certificate form.
- House Location Survey Plat (with surveyor’s seal and scale).
- Floor Plan showing dimensions and the highlighted business area.
- Proof of Residence (Driver’s License matching the business address).
- Deed for the residence.
For the complete guide visit Home Employment Certificate webpage. For more information, visit the Zoning Counter Directory, email zoningcounters@pwcgov.org or call (703) 792-6830.
| |
Third-party Building Inspection Certification Seminar: Wednesday, September 2
The next Third-party Building Inspection Certification Seminar will be held on Wednesday, September 2 at 10:30 am.
The Third-party Building Inspection Certification Program is an optional program to allow the permit holder to retain a Virginia professional engineer or registered architect to perform certain building inspections. To be enrolled in the program, you must attend a mandatory seminar.
To attend, please fill out the application form and email to BDD@pwcgov.org. A confirmation email will be sent providing details on how to attend.
Learn More
| | |
Are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dream into reality?
The SBPM program is built exclusively to empower true grassroots commerce. To qualify for this personalized support, businesses must be independent (national chains are not eligible), have 35 or fewer employees, and manage their own projects.
Discover how to get started today. For more information about the Department of Development Services' SBPM program, visit www.pwcva.gov/SBPM, call (703) 792-6930, or email dds@pwcgov.org.
| | |
Setting Up a Private Kennel?
What Residents Need to Know
Prince William County requires zoning approval before you can get a kennel license. Before building or applying, keep these quick County rules in mind:
-
Dog Limits: A-1 and SR-5 zones allow up to 8 dogs by right. SR-1 and SR-3 zones—or anyone with 9+ dogs—require a Special Use Permit.
-
Yard Rules: All pens, runs, and structures must go in the side or rear yard and sit at least 25 feet from all property lines.
-
Approval Order: You must secure zoning approval first, approve any detached dog sheds second, apply for the kennel license third, and register your individual dogs online last.
For complete rules, contact info, and step-by-step instructions, visit the Non-Commercial Dog Kennel Webpage. For questions, visit www.pwcva.gov/zoning-counters, email Zoningcounters@pwcgov.org, or call (703) 792-6830.
| | | | |
A permit is required for all projects to construct, enlarge, alter, move, repair a building or change occupancy load, or any outside area being used as part of the building's designated occupancy, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, which are regulated by codes.
| | |
The Prince William County ePortal system is the fast and easy way to apply for permits and inspections online. ePortal offers many benefits to residents, homeowners, and trade contractors. It is fully integrated with the County's Geographic Information System (GIS) and supports the development processes that govern permitting, plan review, inspections, case management and more.
| | | Useful Contact Information | | | | |
5 County Complex Ct
Prince William, VA 22192
(703) 792-6930 (TTY: 711)
Mon – Fri 8am – 4pm
| | | | |
