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

Code Compliance FAQs

The Department of Code Compliance investigates neighborhood quality of life complaints, involving most zoning, noise, property maintenance, building, fire, blight, grass and health codes. The department consolidates many of the county’s code enforcement activities into a single agency.

Animals

Article 4 of the Zoning Ordinance regulates keeping animals on your property.  If you have any questions, please contact the planner of the day in the Zoning Administration Division of the Department of Planning and Development at 703-324-1314, TTY 711.

Article 4 of the Zoning Ordinance regulates the number of dogs allowed on your property.  If you have any questions, please contact the planner of the day in the Zoning Administration Division of the Department of Planning and Development at 703-324-1314, TTY 711.

Businesses

Article 4 of the Zoning Ordinance regulates businesses being conducted in homes.  More information on the use standards for home-based businesses  is available  by calling the planner of the day in the  Zoning Administration Division of the Department of Planning and Development at 703-324-1314, TTY 711.

Construction

Visit What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know for specific information regarding tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities or call Consumer Affairs at 703-222-8435, TTY 711.

The Permit Application Center can be reached at 703-222-0801, TTY 711, or visit the Building Permits and Inspections Web page for more information.

Residential Inspections can be reached at 703-631-5101, TTY 711, or visit the Building Permits and Inspections Web page for more information.

Use the Zoning District Analyzer to find out how your property is zoned.

DCC Processes

process chart

It depends whether complainant information for the type of complaint must be released under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  For complaints regarding potential violations of the Zoning Ordinance, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, your identity is exempt from FOIA, so DCC does not provide your identity for these types of complaints.  If you file a complaint for running bamboo or grass height, your identity is not FOIA-exempt, and DCC must release your identity if a FOIA is submitted.  DCC would not release your identity prior to a FOIA request.  Anonymous complaints are accepted but not preferred. A DCC Investigator may need to contact you for relevant information, and the Investigator may have to close your complaint if information can’t be obtained.

This depends on the nature of the code violation. Fire Code violations and Building Code violations (which include property maintenance violations of the Virginia Property Maintenance Code) are all appealed to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals. Please contact the Secretary to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals at 703-631-5101, TTY 711, for more information.  Appeal applications of Zoning Violations must be properly filed with the Clerk to the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Zoning Administrator.  Information and forms can also be obtained on the Board of Zoning Appeals webpage.

Civil penalties entered by the General District Court shall be paid to the Office of the County Attorney.  Investigators may not accept any payments, including those associated with fines and fees.

A Code Compliance investigator will notify the responsible parties in writing by issuing a Notice of Violation. The Notice of Violation will itemize code violation(s), require correction within a reasonable timeframe, and direct how to bring code violation(s) into compliance. Once the specified timeframe for compliance has expired, the investigator will conduct a follow-up inspection. If violation(s) are still found to be present, further action will be taken. This may result in the initiation of criminal or civil litigation.

New cases do not all carry the same level of priority for investigation, as some cases will need the investigator’s attention more urgently than other cases. The general practice for prioritizing cases is as follows: first, matters concerning a threat or potential threat to life-safety and welfare; secondly, high profile or matters of significance; and then other cases. Life safety and welfare cases should always receive the utmost attention, so that injury and death can be avoided. This may include, but is not limited to, such cases as: a vacant house on the verge of collapse, exposed sewage backup in an occupied building, or children, the sick or disabled, or the elderly living without utilities.

Maintenance

No. There is no county regulation regarding the removal of tree debris unless in a Resource Protected Area.  More information regarding tree care and removal is available online

To report a drainage issue, please fill out and submit the Report a Storm Drainage Problem online form or call the Maintenance and Stormwater Management at 703-877-2800, TTY 711. 

Homes and properties must be well maintained both inside and outside, according to the Virginia Property Maintenance Code. The Department of Code Compliance enforces the Virginia Property Maintenance Code. Fill out the online complaint form to file a complaint or call 703-324-1300, TTY 711.

Mold

The county does not have codes or regulations addressing mold. For more information, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency online.

Too Many People in Home

The Zoning Ordinance regulates how many people can occupy a single residence.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the planner of the day in the Ordinance Administration Branch of the Department of Planning and Development at 703-324-1314, TTY 711.

Vehicles

DCC does not have jurisdiction on public streets. Parking Restrictions and Related Issues gives more detailed information.

Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance regulates vehicles parked on the grass and in the front yard. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Planner of the Day in the Zoning Administration Division in the Department of Planning and Development at 703-324-1314, TTY 711.

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