October 3, 2025
Are you looking at ways to add some shade for your deck? If so, that prefabricated pergola that you saw at the store might have caught your eye. Please keep building and zoning rules in mind.
Shade structures on decks – Here are a few things to keep in mind when installing apergola or other shade structure on a deck.
Decks require a building permit. Also, once your deck is built, if you decide to install a pergola on top, that may require a permit too. Various factors such as manufacturing specifics and dimensions determine if the pergola requires a permit.
Not obtaining required permits violates the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (building code), so please work with a contractor if unsure about permit requirements or how to properly install.
Consider installing your deck and pergola simultaneously under one building permit.
The permit process helps ensure compliance with building code and Zoning Ordinance setback requirements. While some partial extensions into setbacks are allowed for decks with pergolas if certain height and depth limitations are met, oftentimes decks with a pergola must meet the same setbacks that your dwelling is required to meet.
Living in a community with a Condo or Homeowners Association? Check with association management first to be sure that bylaws or other rules don’t restrict your deck project.
While getting a permit when the deck is built helps ensure safety, like all features of your home, decks may deteriorate over time and need to be maintained. Check out this County NewsCenter article for important deck safety information.
If you install your pergola freestanding in your yard, remember the Zoning Ordinance location regulations for such structures. Separately, building code requires a building permit for freestanding accessory structures greater than 256 square feet in area. Even if there’s no permit requirement, hiring a contractor and following all manufacturer installation instructions help make sure your pergola is installed in a way that avoids potential hazards.
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) 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.
September 1, 2025
Looking to rent your property to make a little extra cash? Your property can be a helpful income generator but remember - the County rules to follow.
Renting Space – There are various renting scenarios that allow residents to generate additional income. Each scenario has different processes and limitations. Here are three examples.
Renting your dwelling for stays of 30+ consecutive days may be allowed with no County permits or other approvals, subject to limits on the occupancy of a dwelling in the Zoning Ordinance. However, if you create a separate living space akin to an apartment within your home, that’s an accessory dwelling unit (ALU). Rules for ALUs include but are not limited to obtaining an ALU permit, obtaining required building permits and inspections, and limiting the ALU's occupancy to two people.
Renting your dwelling for shorter stays, typically via a website such as AirBnb or Vrbo, is short-term lodging (STL) and requires zoning approval of a STL Permit. The space used for STL cannot be an ALU, nor can any property be used for both an ALU and STL. Other limitations apply, such as not renting your STL for more than 60 nights per calendar year, not allowing large gatherings or events, and no groups of more than 6 adults.
If you have an entertainer’s back yard, it may be tempting to rent it for parties or events, but that violates the Zoning Ordinance because doing so is commercial use not allowed in any residential zoning district.
For any business endeavor, including renting your property, you may also need a Business License, and can find more information from the Department of Tax Administration. Thinking about starting a business? Start here with helpful information from the Department of Economic Initiatives.
The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) 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.
August 1, 2025
Swimming pools – Swimming pools are great for beating the heat. Here are some rules and recommendations to help keep your pool safe and secure.
The Virginia Property Maintenance Code (VPMC) requires that pools be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good repair. Cracked and crumbling pool floors or murky, green water is likely a violation.
Pool barrier (fence) requirements have changed over time. Before the 1990s, fencing a property’s perimeter may have sufficed for pools for private residential use; however, if that same pool was installed today, there must be a fence at least four feet tall around the pool area. Regardless of what type of fence was required at the time of pool installation, that fence must be maintained in good repair.
Community pools and other pools available for more than private residential use must meet the Water Recreation Facilities Ordinance.
It may be tempting to rent a pool on a site such as Swimply to make a little extra income. However, that violates the Zoning Ordinance because doing so is an outdoor commercial recreation use that cannot be permitted in any residential zoning district.
While the following is not a regulation – it’s recommended to keep away from your pool any outdoor furniture, decorative walls, play equipment or other objects that may afford a small child unintended access to a pool.
DCC 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.