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The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ), Zoning Inspections Branch, among other duties, accepts and reviews, by right, sign permit applications for compliance with the requirements, limitations and prohibitions specified in both Article 12 of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 10 of the Code of the County of Fairfax (see link below) and issues sign permits for the installation of signs to be installed on private property located in Fairfax County.
The Zoning Inspections Branch also reviews sign permit applications and issues sign permits for proposed uses subject to compliance with;
- Development Conditions of Special Exception and or Proffers of Rezoning Applications approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), and
- Conditions, designs, limitations, etc. detailed in Comprehensive Sign Plans (CSP) approved by the Fairfax County Planning Commission (PC), and
- Resolutions of Special Permits approved by the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and
-
Resolutions approved by the Fairfax County Architectural Review Board
(ARB).
A separate sign permit application is required to be submitted and
approved for each proposed sign to be installed prior to installation.
The current fee for a sign permit is $95 payable at the time of
submission. Sign permit applications are not accepted when forwarded by;
mail, e-mail, bulk mail carrier, etc. These applications must be hand
carried by the applicant or the applicant's agent to several different
review offices for approval.
Sign Permit Application and Related Instructions (Under
Development)
In most instances, in addition to a Sign Permit, the proposed installation of a sign(s) may also require a Building (and if illuminated) Electrical Permit applications approved by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).
Questions about signs placed in the right-of way should be directed to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). A Waiver of Certain Sign Regulations, pursuant to Sect. 9-620 of the Zoning Ordinace , is an alternative for those interested in seeking approval of proposed signs that exceed area and height limitations. This Special Exception application process is only available for properties located in the commercial or industrial Districts.
Important Links
Sign Limitations Motor Vehicle Fuel Price Signs (County Code Section 10.4.1.2)
How to File a Sign Complaint (Department of Code Compliance)
For additional information call the Fairfax County Zoning Inspections Branch at 703-324-4300. The branch office is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and is located at the Fairfax County Governmental Center in the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 829, Fairfax, Virginia 22035 They can be reached by fax at 703-324-1343.
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