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Fairfax County Virginia

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Land Use and Development

Land use and development in Fairfax County is governed by the Zoning Ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan, the Subdivision Ordinance (County Code), and the Public Facilities Manual.

Find answers to your planning and zoning frequently asked questions. For maps and information on your neighborhood, see My Neighborhood or Virtual Fairfax. For the latest news in building permits and development, view Land Development News.

Locate staff reports related to land use and development.

Use the Land Development System (LDSnet) to research zoning cases, site plans, grading plans, and waivers.

• Land Development Process Overview

News and Information

Commonly Asked Land Use Questions

1. How do I start the Rezoning, Special Exception, Variance, or Special Permit process?
2. What can I do with my property?
3. What's going on in my neighborhood?
4. What does the Comprehensive Plan say about my area?
5. What is the process for changing the Comprehensive Plan?
6. When do I need county permits to dig up dirt, dump fill dirt or clear land?
7. What is the bond release process for new home developments?

Complaints and Concerns

• Department of Code Compliance
• Report Land Development Environmental Concerns

Comprehensive Planning

• Comprehensive Plan
• 2232 – Public Facilities Review Process
• Nominations to Amend the Plan (Area Plans Review)
• Staff Reports for Proposed Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan

Hearings, Notices, Appeals

• Board of Supervisors Meetings
• Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings
• Planning Commission Meetings

Major Planning Projects and Studies

• Baileys Crossroads Planning Study
• BRAC Process
• Dulles Metrorail
• Laurel Hill
• Reston Master Plan Special Study
• Springfield Connectivity Study
• Transforming Tysons
• More Projects

Site Development

• Applications Under Review
  • Active Zoning Applications Interactive Map
• Bonds and Agreements Processes
• Building Permits
• Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance
• Grading Plans
• Places of Worship and Non-profit Organizations
• Public Facilities Manual
• Site Fee Schedule
• Site Plan Status
• Site Development Forms
• Site Development Publications

Special Programs

• Capital Improvement Program
• Exceptional Design Awards
• Historic Preservation
• Revitalization

Zoning

Application Process

• Application Process (Rezoning, Special Exception, Special Permit, Variance)
• Forms
• Interpretations of Proffers and Development Conditions
• Research Zoning Cases

Requirements

• Find your Zoning District
• Lot Subdivision
• Residential Setback Requirements
• Temporary Special Permits

Zoning Ordinance

• Index / Table of Contents
• Proposed Amendments and Staff Reports
• Recently Adopted Amendments