This publication provides guidelines for demolition of a residential structure. The requirements herein are the most common and are not representative of all the conditions you may encounter when demolishing a residential structure.
in this publication:
PERMITS REQUIRED
Permits are required for the demolition of a residential structure. Listed below are the types of permits that may be required. Except as noted below, apply for your permits at the Permit Application Center located at the Herrity Building, 2nd floor, telephone: 703-222-0801, TTY 703-324-1877.
- Building permit for the demolition the structure.
- Plumbing permit for tapping off the sewer line, gas and/or water supply.
- Electrical permit for the demolition of an accessory structure when disconnecting electricity from it while maintaining service for the remaining structures on the property.
- Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) permit when a grading plan is required and your property is located on a state maintained road. Apply at the VDOT Permits Office at 14685 Avion Parkway, Chantilly, Virginia 20151, telephone: 703-383-2888, TTY 711.
| HELPFUL HINT: You may obtain permits in your own name; however, if a contractor is to perform the work, it is strongly recommended that the contractor secure the permit and be listed as the responsible party. In this way, the county will be in a better position to assist you in gaining compliance with codes if the work is defective. A contractor must be properly licensed in order to obtain a permit. |
BEFORE OBTAINING A PERMIT
BOND
If an entire structure is to be demolished, a signature bond in the amount of $1,000 must be posted with Fairfax County. The bond is to assure that the work complies with the code and that all debris is properly removed.
The bond will remain in effect until final inspection. A Bond for Demolition of Building Form (PDF) is required to be submitted during the permit application process.
GRADING PLAN vs. HOUSE LOCATION PLAT
A grading plan (a three-dimensional drawing showing existing and proposed topography for the site) is required if the demolition disturbs more than 2,500 square feet of land. A companion guide, Grading Plans (PDF), is available for more information.
| HELPFUL HINT: If new construction is planned for the site, the grading plan for both demolition and new construction can be combined. The building permit for each will be issued simultaneously after grading plan approval. |
If less than 2,00 square feet of land is disturbed, then only two copies of a house location plat for the property are required. The plan must show the size and location of the structure(s) to be demolished.
UTILITIES APPROVAL
Written verification is required from all applicable utility companies (electric, gas, water and sewer) certifying a disconnection from the utility or that the utility does not serve the property or structure.
| NOTE, FOR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES ONLY (i.e., garages, sheds): You may submit an Affidavit for Demolition of Accessory Structures (PDF) affirming that the structure is not and has never been served by electricity, natural gas, public water, or public sewer and you will accept full responsibility for the work performed. |
Listed below are the utility companies that may serve your property.
| Natural Gas | Electricity |
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| Public Water | Public Sewer |
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| Other Water and Sewer serving Fairfax County | |
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WELL AND SEPTIC ABANDONMENT FORM
If your are abandoning a well or septic system as part of the demolition, then you must submit a Well and/or Septic Abandonment Release (PDF) form with the building permit application.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL
Approval by the Architectural Review Board is required if the structure to be demolished is located within a Historic Overlay District.
OBTAINING A DEMOLITION PERMIT
PERMIT PROCESS
STEP 1) Plumbing and/or electrical permits are required to be obtained prior to any demolition work. See Permits Required above to learn when these permits are necessary and where to apply. A final inspection for these permits is required before proceeding to the next step. This step is not required if the structure is not served by the applicable natural gas, water and sewer utilities.
STEP 2) Bring the documents and final inspection approvals described above to the Permit Application Center. Here you will complete a building permit application. Permit technicians will direct you to the appropriate agencies necessary for permit approval. The applicable departments for a residential demolition permit are:
- Zoning will review for development conditions (proffers), if any, and will ensure the Architectural Review Board has approved the demolition if the structure is located in a Historic Overlay District. The Zoning Permit Review Branch is located at the Herrity Building, 2nd floor, telephone: 703-222-1082, TTY 711. NOTE: at this time, Zoning will require a one- to two-day turn-around for a review.
- Site Permits will review the plat for site-related issues and conformance to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. Site Permits is located at the Herrity Building, 2nd floor, telephone: 703-324-1510, TTY 711.
- Sanitation will sign off on the permit provided the plumbing permit has been finaled. The Wastewater Planning and Monitoring Division is located in Suite 358 of the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, telephone: 703-324-5015, TTY 711. Please note: this approval is not required when the permit application is accompanied by both a well abandonment and septic abandonment release form; however a Health Department sign-off on the permit application will be required. The Health Department is located at 10777 Main Street, Fairfax, telephone: 703-246-2201, TTY 711.
STEP 3) The building permit is issued when all required approvals have been obtained and applicable fees have been paid. Once your permit is issued, you must post a copy at the job site until the project has received final inspection.
FEES
For information on related fees contact the following:
- Permit Application Center for building, electrical and plumbing permits at 703-222-0801, TTY 703-324-1877 or view the entire permit fee schedule (PDF).
- VDOT at 703-383-2888, TTY 711.
WALK-THRU PROGRAM
Most residential demolition permits are eligible for the Residential Walk-Thru Program which allows you to walk your submission package to each approving agency with the permit usually being issued on the same day.
AFTER OBTAINING A PERMIT
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
- A final inspection is required for the plumbing, electrical and/or demolition permits when associated work for each is complete.
- To final a demolition permit, inspectors will verify erosion and sediment control measures are in place and established grades have been restored.
- A copy of the approved permit and grading plan or plat must be on the job site and must be available to the inspector during inspections.
SCHEDULING AN INSPECTION
It is the responsibility of the permit holder or the permit holder's representative to notify the county when the stages of construction are reached that require an inspection. Ladders, scaffolds and testing equipment required to complete an inspection must be provided. Inspection requests may be made using one of the methods listed below; please have your permit number available when scheduling an inspection. Requests made prior to 11:59 p.m. on automated systems will be scheduled for the next workday.
- Inspection Request Center: 703-222-0455, TTY 711, during normal business hours.
- Fairfax Inspections Database Online (FIDO): 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also available via telephone at 703-222-2474.
For more information, please contact the Permit Application Center at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.