Article 10 of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance allows certain businesses and occupations to be conducted in a dwelling unit as a home occupation provided a number of limitations are met. Some examples of permitted home occupations are offices for artisans, cleaning services, computer design services, authors, and home crafters. No clients or customers are permitted with a home occupation. The one exception to this standard is a school of special education (i.e., piano or dance instructor) in which a limited number of students is permitted in the home.

It is important to note that home occupations are different from home professional offices. The offices, studios, and occupational rooms located within a single family detached residence of licensed or certified physicians, physical therapists, psychiatrists or psychologists, engineers, architects, real estate appraisers or brokers, insurance agents and other professionals who see clients are allowed as home professional offices. A home professional office requires a public hearing and the approval of a special permit by the Board of Zoning Appeals. If you believe that your occupation is more closely identified with a home professional office, please contact the Zoning Evaluation Division of the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-324-1290, TTY 711 for further information.

A Home Occupation Permit is issued by the Zoning Permit Review Branch and is free of charge. In addition, fourteen use limitations must be met. A copy of these limitations is set forth below. Permit issuance is contingent upon your acceptance of these use limitations and failure to comply can lead to revocation of your permit by the Zoning Administrator.

There are three ways to obtain a Home Occupation Permit:

• Apply in person
• Fax your completed Home Occupation Permit Application
• Mail your completed Home Occupation Permit Application

For applications faxed or mailed please allow up to two weeks processing time. If you have further questions regarding a Home Occupation Permit, please call our office.

In order to view, print, and fill out the application form, you will need to have Adobe Reader version 6.0 or higher installed on your computer.

Home Occupation Permit Limitations (PDF)
Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF)

Department of Planning and Zoning
Zoning Administration Division
Zoning Permit Review Branch
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 250
Fairfax, Virginia 22035-5508

Phone Number: 703-222-1082, TTY 711
FAX Number: 703-324-2301

Office Hours:
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday
9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday