Submitting a Reservation 

To submit a reservation for use of space at the Fairfax County Government Center, please follow these steps: 

Step 1: Submit Your Application 

• Complete and submit the Government Center Campus Use Application along with additional supporting documents. 

• It is advised that applications be submitted at least 10 business days before your event date. 

Step 2: Application Review 

• County staff will review your application based on the details provided. 

• If additional information is needed, we will contact you promptly. 

Step 3: Evaluation & Priority 

• Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, applications for later dates will be reviewed closer to the requested date. 

• Reservations follow the County’s Priority Scheduling hierarchy. 

Step 4: Confirmation 

• A county representative will send you an email to confirm your reservation 

   

Processing Time:  

• Due to high demand, applications for the current and upcoming month are prioritized. Applications for later dates will be reviewed closer to the requested time. 

• For recurring events and meetings, please include a separate list with all dates and times.

   

Hours of Operation and Holidays:  

• Monday- Friday: The Fairfax Government Center closes at 10:00 PM. All meetings/events must conclude early allow time for cleanup and exiting the building NLT 10:00 PM.  

• Saturday: The building closes at 5:00 PM. All meetings/events must conclude early enough to allow time for cleanup and exiting the building. We suggest 30 minutes. 

• Sunday and Holiday Weekends: The building is closed to meetings/events. 

Inclement Weather Policy:  

• If County government closes due to weather or emergencies, all reservations are automatically canceled. Users are responsible for notifying participants. 

• Check Status: Visit the County’s Weather Advisory page for updates. 

Additional Information and Forms:  

• Please review the Procedural Memorandum 04-11 for regulations for the use of the Government Center Campus. 

• Regulations specific to the governmental use of Government Center Conference Center Rooms 11 and 232 are outlined in Fairfax County Procedural Memorandum No. 04-15 (Boards, Authorities, and Commissions). 

• The use of alcoholic beverages in county facilities is strictly prohibited except when and where specifically authorized by the County Executive, pursuant to Fairfax County Procedural Memorandum No. 08-04, Alcoholic Beverage Use Policy. 

• Regulations for the Governmental and Public Use of Fairfax County Magisterial District Governmental Centers, please refer to Fairfax County Procedural Memorandum No. 04-17.  

Additional Information and Restrictions 

Any group using County facilities or grounds shall: 

• By using a Fairfax County Government facility, you agree to release Fairfax County from any liability for damages to the user or their property during use of the facility.  

• Accept responsibility for holding Fairfax County harmless from any claims or liability for injuries to third parties caused by the group or its attendees.  

• Be responsible for any damage to County property or injuries to County employees or agents caused by the group or its attendees, whether due to negligence, intentional acts, or accidents.  

• After a reservation request is confirmed, it may be subject to change later if a request supporting county operations is received (yes, it’s still possible your reservation could be bumped). 

• Refreshments are strictly prohibited in the Board Auditorium. Bottled water only. No other food or beverages. 

• The County provides limited reconfiguration of tables and chairs in the conference center. 

• Events or Meetings with 100+ attendees may be required to pay a fee for custodial support for non-county business use. Applies to Saturday events only. 

• For certain spaces, like Outdoor spaces, and the North and South Atriums, customers must coordinate with an outside vendor to deliver equipment rentals to the Government Center loading dock. Customers are responsible for transporting all of their equipment from the loading dock to the event space, setting it up, and returning it to the loading dock for same-day pickup after the event. Please note that equipment, materials, or other similar items, cannot be stored at the Government Center overnight. Hand carts may not be available for use, please plan accordingly.  

• The County reserves the right to deny applications for use if the user has previously violated the rules set forth in this policy or if the use would pose health or safety risks.  

Parking  

Free public parking is available in front of the Government Center.  Please park in visitor spaces. 

Firearms Prohibited on County Property 

Please note that firearms and ammunition are not allowed in Fairfax County facilities. Learn more about the firearms ordinance. 

Other Spaces Available  

For information on reserving space operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Public Library or Neighborhood and Community Services, please contact them directly.  

FAQ 

Q: I submitted my application 10+ days ago and haven’t heard back, what should I do? 

A: Due to high demand, applications for the current and upcoming month are prioritized. Applications for later dates will be reviewed closer to the requested time. 

Q: I’m not a county resident and my group is not located in Fairfax County. Can we still use the Fairfax County Government Center?  

A: No, only residents and groups located within Fairfax County can reserve space. 

Q: Can my group sell tickets to the meeting/event we are holding at the Fairfax Government Center?  

A: No, this changes the status of your event to for-profit, and this isn’t allowed under PM 04-11 

Q: I need to rent tables/chairs for my event. Who is responsible for moving them?  

A: Customers are responsible for renting and transporting tables and chairs from the loading Dock to the event space, setting up tables and chairs, removing them after the event and returning all items to the Loading Dock before leaving. We suggest bringing volunteers to assist. 

Q: Can my reservation be changed or cancelled after it is confirmed?  

A: All confirmed reservations are subject to change or cancellation due to the Priority Scheduling Hierarchy. If your reservation is canceled, the Meetings and Events Team will work with you to identify alternative dates or locations whenever possible. 

Q: Why can’t we hold our event on a holiday weekend?  

A: During these dates, meeting and event space reservations at the Fairfax County Government Center will be paused to ensure observance of county holidays. We encourage planning ahead to secure your preferred dates outside of these  

blackout periods. 

Q: Is my group/organization able to move in to store items the day/night before?  

A: No. The Fairfax County Government Center cannot accommodate early deliveries or storage of items prior to your event. All items must arrive and be removed on the same day as your event. 

Q: I’m using an outdoor space for my meeting/event. How do I reserve trash cans? 

A: Trash cans are not provided by the Government Center.  You will need to contact Waste Management to purchase trash cans and bring trash bags that fit.  Please ensure all litter is picked up from the grounds. At the end of your meeting/event, all trash must be placed in the dumpster at the loading dock.  Failure to do so could result in future applications being denied.  

Q: Can I visit the Government Center before my meeting/event to see the space? 

A: Yes. We encourage you to visit and look around. If you would like a member of the Meetings and Events Team to meet with you, please contact us.  

Q: What if I want to change or cancel my meeting/event?  

A: Please contact reservations@fairfaxcounty.gov as soon as possible. 

Q: Can I post signage to direct attendees to our room/space? 

A: The use of tape, glue, nails, tacks, screws, staples, or other fasteners that may scratch or otherwise damage surfaces are prohibited. It is recommended that you bring non-permanent signage (such as Aframes or sign holders) that can be placed where needed to direct attendees.  Materials must be provided by the customer and must be placed/removed by the customer. 

Q: How does the Fire Marshal Code and ADA requirements impact the layout I can request? 

A: All room configurations must comply with Fire Marshal Code requirements, which include adhering to maximum room capacity, maintaining clear and unobstructed emergency exits, and ensuring that tables, chairs, or equipment do not block doorways or pathways. In addition, layouts must meet ADA accessibility standards, which require that pathways remain wide enough for a wheelchair to pass safely and comfortably. Because of these safety and accessibility requirements, only certain preapproved layouts can be used, and some configurations may not be possible depending on your expected attendance. Our team is happy to help you choose a layout that meets your event needs while fully complying with both Fire Code and ADA guidelines.