July 1, 2025
Grilling Safety – Summer’s here! If you are firing up the grill anytime soon, here is some information to help keep you safe.
First, make sure you can have a grill or open-flame device at your home. Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code prohibits the use and storage of open-flame, charcoal, gas, and/or propane-fueled grills on apartment or condominium balconies. Ask your apartment or management company about any other rules that apply to grills or open-flame devices.
When being used, grills should be at least 15 feet away from the building.
Propane is a popular fuel source but is also a volatile hazardous material and flammable gas. Always check propane cylinders for excessive rust, pitting, or other visual defects. To avoid leaks, make sure the regulator hose connecting the grill and cylinder is free of tears, dry rot, or other damage. If in doubt, replace your cylinder or any gas accessories that show signs of wear.
The four numbers printed on top the cylinder indicate the manufacture date. For example, 0717 means July of 2017. Any cylinder over 12 years of age must have a requalification sticker.
Along with ensuring the propane cylinder is free of visual defects and within date, it is very important that it is stored, protected, and secured upright, and kept from falling.
Don’t store fuel like charcoal and lighter fluid near your grill.
The Office of the Fire Marshal’s website includes other rules and recommendations for your cookout, and Health Department food safety information is available online.
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.
June 2, 2025
Safe exit – The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) enforces the Virginia Property Maintenance Code (VPMC). Among other requirements, the VPMC helps ensure residents a safe exit in the event of a fire or other emergency. Here are some examples.
Smoke alarms must be maintained capable of alerting occupants to a fire.
Hallways and other areas required for movement out of a space (egress) must not be blocked by belongings or other obstructions.
From inside of a building, doors and windows must be openable without keys or an unreasonable amount of required force.
Basement bedroom windows are considered emergency escape and rescue openings under the VPMC. Any grills or grates installed on these windows must be releasable from the inside of the bedroom, among other requirements.
Porches and decks are a place to recreate but may also become a back-up way to the outside in an emergency. Porches, decks, and any associated staircases must be maintained structurally sound.
DCC accepts and investigates reports of potential VPMC violations related to egress issues, mainly in residential structures. The Office of the Fire Marshal addresses similar requirements in business spaces.
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.
May 1, 2025
Grass Height – On April 14, 2025, the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) began accepting reports of grass height over 12 inches. DCC will take reports through mid-October. Chapter 119 of the Fairfax County Code states grass must not be 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
any commercial or industrial property that is developed but unoccupied (has a building but no tenant).
We support a healthy natural ecosystem for wildlife and pollinators and remind you that trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, flowers, and other managed landscaping are not subject to enforcement.
Since lot size determines if a residential lot must meet grass height limits, the county’s real estate assessment website can help find lot size, among other information.
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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.