Fairfax County is committed to maintaining the quality of our natural environment. As a result, there are regulations which address the clearing of land, the dumping of fill dirt and debris such as stumps and trash, and the erosion of soil.
If you observe illegal activities, you should report it to the appropriate agency during normal business hours. This publication will tell you how.
Clues to Illegal Activity
- The activity is occurring before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. or on weekends.
- No company name appears on the construction vehicles or equipment.
- Construction activity is occurring on a site with no advertising sign.
- Land is being cleared without surveyor's flagging on trees.
- There is no construction entrance adjacent to the roadway (an area of large stone and gravel placed to keep mud off of streets).
Guidelines to Ensure Your Safety
- Never challenge the parties' rights. They may have a permit and be acting legally.
- Never trespass onto private property.
- Always gather as much information as possible (dates, times, license plate numbers and states, and descriptions of who, what, where and when).
Illegal Land Clearing and Removal of Trees
Fairfax County acknowledges the environmental benefits that trees provide and has regulations which protect existing vegetation during the land development process. During construction, the areas that are legal to clear on construction sites are delineated with surveyor's flagging or tape.
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Please Note: The removal of trees or disturbance of soil in areas less than 2,500 square feet does not require a permit. Removal of individual trees also does not require a permit. |
Contact:
| Issue | Agency | Telephone |
| Illegal land clearing and tree removal | Code Enforcement Branch | 703-324-1937, TTY 711 |
| Trees that are a public hazard | Urban Forestry Division | 703-324-1770, TTY 711 |
| Tree problems in Fairfax County parks | Fairfax County Park Authority | 703-324-8594, TTY 703-324-3988 |
| For tree problems adjacent to public roads and streets | Virginia Department of Transportation | 703-383-8368, TTY 711 |
Lack of Erosion Control
Like all other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Fairfax County has regulations aimed at containing soil on sites during construction activities. Eroding soil can be very disruptive to the health and water quality. You should report soil that is eroding onto adjacent land or into streams or other bodies of water or is being tracked onto public streets by construction vehicles
Contact:
| Issue | Agency | Telephone |
| Soil eroding onto adjacent land | Code Enforcement Branch | 703-324-1937, TTY 711 |
| Soil eroding into streams and bodies of water | Code Enforcement Branch | 703-324-1937, TTY 711 |
| Soil erosion on private property (non-construction sites) | Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District | 703-324-1937, TTY 711 |
Illegal Dumping of Soil
Illegal dumping and filling using soil and other debris can disrupt established water drainage patterns and cause health problems. A permit is required for the placement or removal of soil in areas of 2,500 square feet and larger and in depths of 18 inches and greater.
Contact:
| Issue | Agency | Telephone |
| Illegal filling or soil removal activities | Code Enforcement Branch | 703-324-1937, TTY 711 |
| Illegal dumping of debris that may cause health hazards | Health Department | 703-246-2300, TTY 703-591-6435 |
| Illegal to dump hazardous waste into storm drains, streams, etc. | Fire and Rescue Department | 703-246-4386, TTY 703-335-4419 |
Construction Noise and Dust
Some off-site impacts such as noise and dust occur with construction. Construction sites are allowed to operate equipment and conduct construction activities between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Contact:
| Issue | Agency | Telephone |
| Dust problems | Environmental and Facilities Inspections Division | 703-324-1950, TTY 711 |
| Noise problems between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. | Zoning Enforcement Branch | 703-324-1300, TTY 711, online |
| Illegal to dump hazardous waste into storm drains, streams, etc. | Fire and Rescue Department | 703-246-4386, TTY 703-335-4419 |
Activities on Public Land
Contact:
| Issue | Agency | Telephone |
| Parkland | Fairfax County Park Authority | 703-324-8594, TTY 703-324-3988 |
| School property | Fairfax County Public Schools | 703-246-3209, TTY 711 |
| Other Fairfax County property | Facilities Management Department | 703-324-5033, TTY 711 |