Code Compliance

CONTACT INFORMATION: Code Compliance is open 8AM - 4PM Mon-Thurs and 9:15AM - 4PM Fridays.
703-324-1300 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016
Fairfax, VA 22035
Gabriel M. Zakkak
Director

What We Do

The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to over 9,000 complaints each year related to outdoor storage, multiple occupancy, property maintenance, unpermitted construction and other zoning and building code violations. DCC strives to inform the public about regulations we enforce and seek voluntary compliance when there is a violation. Our efforts support the agency mission – to promote, protect, and maintain a healthy and desirable living environment in Fairfax County.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Code Compliance has answers to many of the questions regarding specific violation types, operational and complaint processes and how to find out more about who we are:



Picture from Animal Shelter

February 29, 2024
Many people love sharing their home with an animal, but few may know the Zoning Ordinance regulates the types, numbers, and ways that animals can be kept. Below are some of the most common zoning considerations for the keeping of animals. Additional and more specific information is available on our animals and pets website. You can have up to two dogs on any lot. If you want more than two, it will depend on the size of your lot. Dogs must be licensed in Fairfax County. Roosters are only permitted as part of an agricultural operation, like a farm. You need at least two acres for keeping of chickens and other poultry, and livestock, such as horses, goats, and llamas. Structures, such as barns, beehives, cages, and pens, must meet location requirements so that they are setback from property lines to minimize impacts on other lots. There are no zoning limits on cats but residents are encouraged to consider options, such as microchipping, spaying, or neutering to prevent growth of community cat populations. Since many limits depend on the size of your lot, you may be wondering how large your lot is. Information on how to access this information and more about your property can be found on the county’s map website. Pet owners should also know about the Animal Shelter’s Pet Resource Center which provides information about vaccinations, help with supplies, and finding veterinary care. The Department of Code Compliance is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300, TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.  
Man and woman walking through the door with suitcase and holding hands
January 31, 2024
The use of a home for Short-Term Lodging (STL) - the occupancy of a dwelling for less than 30 days in a row - is regulated by the Zoning Ordinance. Only a resident of the home (including renters with owner permission) can operate an STL and must get an STL permit before beginning rentals. Standards exist to keep occupants safe and minimize impacts on the surrounding community. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to reports or complaints of STL conducted in violation of Zoning Ordinance requirements or limitations. STL rules include, but are not limited to: An STL unit can only be rented for up to 60 nights per calendar year. Online posts for STL must include the STL permit number. Only six adults are allowed in an STL rental. Events or gatherings of anyone other than the short-term renters, such as weddings or reunions, are not allowed. STL permits are valid for two years, at which point a new permit is required. Permits can be searched or applied for in PLUS. More information about STLs and permitting is available from the Department of Planning and Development.   What happens during an investigation? Reports or complaints come from the community or are referred to us from other agencies. They can be anonymous, but we encourage people to leave contact information. Investigators visit the property, take pictures, and try to contact the owner or tenants to explain why we are there. If problems need to be fixed, we issue a “Notice of Violation,” or NOV, which says what needs to be done to correct issues. The NOV also gives a deadline for bringing the property into compliance. Investigators communicate with the owner or whoever is responsible, so everyone understands what is expected. More time may be given as long as there is active work being done toward compliance. After deadlines have passed, a reinspection is done to make sure issues have been resolved. If the person(s) found responsible refuses to comply with the NOV, and our efforts to motivate and assist them aren’t successful, then we may take legal action, including fines and penalties.   We are here to help! If you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Addition on back of house
December 27, 2023
  Building Permits A common violation found in Department of Code Compliance (DCC) investigations is construction taking place without required permits. DCC issues more Notices of Violation (NOVs) for construction without a permit than any other type of violation. The Virginia Construction Code (VCC) requires building permits for a wide range of projects. Many of these projects are very common property improvements. For example, decks on both commercial and residential buildings require a building permit. The same holds true for most wall installations and removals. Homeowners, landlords, and building managers alike may be unaware of building permit requirements, resulting in violations of the VCC and possible safety hazards, so it’s very important to learn when a building permit is required. Find out more information about permit requirements for various construction projects and installations.   What happens during an investigation? Reports come from the community or are referred to us from other agencies. Complaints can be anonymous, but we encourage people to leave contact information. Investigators visit the property, take pictures, and try to contact the owner or tenants to explain why we are there. If problems need to be fixed, we issue a “Notice of Violation,” or NOV, which says what needs to be done to correct issues. The NOV also gives a deadline for bringing the property into compliance. Investigators communicate with the owner or whoever is responsible, so everyone understands what is expected. More time may be given as long as there is active work being done toward compliance. After deadlines have passed, a reinspection is done to make sure issues have been resolved. If the person(s) found responsible refuses to comply with the NOV, and our efforts to motivate and assist them aren’t successful, then we may take legal action, including fines and penalties.   We are here to help! If you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
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