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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Computer User

July 1, 2024
One intended purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to create and maintain conditions where people and their environment can coexist. One way it does this is by separating certain incompatible uses – like preventing businesses such as movie theaters and car washes in residential districts. However, residents can operate some businesses at their home. The Zoning Ordinance calls these home-based businesses (HBBs), which require a permit and have use standards to reduce impact. Examples include offices with no customers, or music lessons for a limited number of students at a time and per day. More HBB information is available on the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Home-Based Business flyer. A few other types of commerce or business-like activities can be conducted at home but are not considered HBBs. These are also subject to limits and include:   A limited riding or boarding stable (requires 2+ acres and permit); Short-term lodging (with permit); A home day care facility (zoning application approval is required for over 7 children in a single-family detached dwelling or 5 children in other dwelling types); Caring for up to 4 companion animals (pets). No permit is required. However, the Zoning Ordinance limits the number of dogs on a property, and dogs receiving care from a non-owner count toward the property’s limit. Answers to frequent questions regarding business licensing is available from the Department of Tax Administration. And, for aspiring entrepreneurs, Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs) can help you find the information and support you need to start and grow your business. 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.  
Food Trucks
May 30, 2024
Food trucks are only able to operate in certain places, most notably to ensure they locate where there is adequate parking and space to gather around the truck. Here is some information about the types of locations and associated regulations. Food trucks can apply to seek approval to operate as a “mobile food vendor” on a Park Authority property. To operate on commercially or industrially zoned properties, or nonresidential parts of planned district zoned properties (i.e. mixed-use developments), the Zoning Administration Division requires approval of a Food Truck Location Permit and each food truck must have its own Food Truck Operation Permit. Up to three food trucks can simultaneously operate and there are site-specific and operational use standards that must be met for both permits. Through the Health Department, food trucks can seek an agreement to allow them to operate on sections of five public streets. For concerns about food trucks in public streets without permission, please contact the Police Department at 703-691-2131 / TTY 711. Open-air food stands – like those selling fruit or other goods from pickup trucks or cars with folding tables – are generally not considered food trucks and so are not approved to operate in Fairfax County. A Health Department Food Establishment Permit is required for all food trucks, as is a Solicitors License, issued by the Department of Cable and Consumer Services. Information about food trucks is also available in the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Food Trucks flyer. 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.  
Grass
April 30, 2024
Grass Height - On April 15, 2024, the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) began accepting reports of grass height over 12 inches. DCC will continue taking reports through mid-October. Chapter 119 of the Fairfax County Code requires that grass be no taller than 12 inches on: residential property that is developed (has a house) and is less than a half-acre (21,780 square feet); undeveloped residential property less than one-half acre, if 90% of the lots in the subdivision have houses; and commercial and industrial properties of any size that are developed but unoccupied (have a building but no tenants). Managed landscaping is not subject to enforcement, which includes trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and flowers. Thinking about adding these features to your lawn or garden? Check out the Park Authority’s website for more information on planting for pollinators. Since the 12-inch grass height limit may depend on lot size, you can use the county’s map website for help finding lot size and more. Also, DCC’s grass height website has more information about the regulations, exemptions, and what DCC does if property owners do not voluntarily cut their grass (see under How are these Rules Enforced?) 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, 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.  
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