The Forest Conservation Branch within Land Development Services plays a pivotal role in upholding Fairfax County's dedication to enhancing the quality of life within its communities by prioritizing the vitality of the urban forest and preserving the natural environment by acting as the primary County agency responsible for ensuring that development plans comply with the Tree Conservation Ordinance. This ordinance includes:
- Regulations and guidelines aimed at preserving existing trees,
- encouraging tree planting in new developments, and
- mitigating the adverse impacts of construction on the local ecosystem.
By enforcing these regulations, the Forest Conservation Branch ensures that development projects strike a balance between growth and environmental stewardship.
Plan Review and Inspections
The Forest Conservation Branch of Land Development Services maximizes opportunities for tree preservation on development plans and ensures that required tree canopy is achieved through appropriate new plantings.
The services provided by the Forest Conservation Branch are an integral part of the land development process and include review of the following plan types:
- Entitlement cases
- Zoning applications
- Infill lot grading plans
- Conservation plans
- Site plans
- Minor site plans
- Subdivision grading plans
- Public improvement plans
- Rough grading plans
- Interpretations
- Waivers
Forest Conservation staff are involved from first submission through final approval.
In addition to technical plan review, Forest Conservation operates with a strong field component. Staff conduct site inspections throughout the plan review process, providing boots-on-the-ground assessment of existing vegetation, tree health, and site conditions. These site visits help verify plan accuracy, identify preservation opportunities, resolve conflicts early, and advocate for retention of high-value trees whenever feasible.
The Forest Conservation Branch also conducts site meetings and inspections in coordination with the Site Development and Inspections Division’s Site Inspections Group. Forest Conservation staff participate in inspections of approved plan sets beginning with pre-construction meetings and continuing through final landscape inspections at the time of bond release.
Policy and Ordinances
The policies and ordinances that regulate proper protection of our urban forest resources must be reviewed and updated periodically to optimize tree conservation and reflect current best management practices for trees and forest communities. Some of the work Forest Conservation has done to support this goal is reflected in the updates to the Fairfax County Public Facilities Manual, Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and other County public health, livability, and sustainability initiatives and programs.
