Do I need a permit to install a new driveway? How about to widen my existing driveway?
Do I need a permit for re-roofing or residing my home?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Do I need a permit for a storage shed?
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
Is a permit required to build a deck?
Do I need a permit to install a
new driveway? How about to widen my existing driveway?
If you are going to disturb more than 2500 square feet in area, cut
or fill more than 18 inches of soil, or block existing drainage patterns,
you will need to submit a Grading Plan, Conservation Agreement*, deposit,
and apply for a land disturbing permit. You do not need a building
permit.
If you are going to add or enlarge an entrance, and you are on a state maintained road, you will need a permit from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), 703-383-2888, TTY 711.
For single family dwelling lots, there are limitations under the Zoning Ordinance on how much a front yard can be devoted to parking and surfaced area for driveways and parking. For information on these regulations, please contact Zoning Administration at 703-222-1082, TTY 711.
When adding any impervious area, such as a driveway, you may be required to pay a Pro Rata Share payment. The Pro Rata Share Program provides the county a funding source for the portion of the cost of drainage improvements necessitated by the increased runoff from new development.
For further information regarding Fairfax County policies, you may call the Site Permits Branch at 703-324-1510, TTY 711.
*The
Conservation Agreement and deposit guarantees that erosion and sediment
control measures on the Grading Plan are installed and maintained and
that the lot will be graded according to the approved grading plan.
Information on the conservation deposit and Conservation Agreement is
available through the Site Permits Section at 703-324-1510,
TTY 711. Forms can be obtained at Site Permits, located
on the second floor in the Herrity Building and Plan & Document
Control on the fifth floor.
Do I need a permit for re-roofing
or residing my home?
No, a permit is NOT required for re-roofing or residing.
Do I need a permit for a retaining
wall?
You must obtain a building permit for the construction of a retaining
wall that retains more than 24 inches of earth. For further information,
review our Retaining
Wall (PDF) publication.
Do I need a permit for a storage shed?
You must obtain a building permit for sheds greater than 150 square
feet. If any electrical installation is done a electrical permit must
also be obtained. For more information, see Garages and Sheds.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
Yes, a building permit is required along with separate permits for any
HVAC, electrical or plumbing work when finishing a basement. For more
information, see Finished
Basements.
Is a permit required to build a deck?
Yes, a building permit is required. For more information on the permit
process for decks, see Decks
(PDF); for information on how to build a deck, see the Fairfax County Typical Deck Details.