Land Development Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday, 9:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please note that visitors may not be added to in-person queues past 3:45 p.m.
703-222-0801 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035
Bill Hicks
Director

Department Resources

Guide for HOAs Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations


Top three things to know about electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) permitting for homeowner associations (HOAs):

electric vehicle charging

  1. The EVCS installer is responsible for applying for building permits, submitting plans and scheduling inspections.
  2. HOAs are considered commercial property, so keep that in mind when reviewing any guidance about permitting.
  3. The fees for EVCS installation permits and sign permits have been waived for Fairfax County properties for 18 months starting October 2022. The waiver may be continued beyond that after Fairfax County Board of Supervisors review.

FAQs

The following FAQs provide additional information about EVCS installation on HOA property.

  • An Electrical permit is required for new circuits and outlets (no permit is required if you are plugging a stand-alone charging station into an existing outlet).
  • A Commercial New Building permit is required for commercial charging stations with an overhead canopy or other type of structure.
  • A Sign permit is required for commercial charging stations with advertising signs.

The HOA should hire a qualified EVCS installation contractor to install the EVCS properly. The contractor will coordinate the permit, plan review and inspection process. Learn more about hiring a contractor.

Work closely with your contractor throughout the process to ensure all guidelines are being met. Onsite points of contact will also need to be identified when applying for the permits in the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS).

Fees for EVCS permits have been waived starting October 2022 for 18 months. The fee exemption may be extended by the Board of Supervisors in April 2024.

Yes, HOA points of contact should be able to navigate PLUS to check the status of the project and confirm current information is included. Learn more about PLUS.

The EVCS contractor will upload an architectural/structure plan to PLUS. This plan is reviewed by LDS staff.

  • The Zoning Administration Division (ZAD) in the Department of Planning and Development enforces, maintains, and administers the provisions of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance. 
  • HOAs must complete and submit the Electric Vehicle Charging Space Review Checklist. A licensed and qualified contractor may submit the checklist on behalf of the HOA. The checklist must be submitted to ZAD through the PLUS system, as an Interpretation of Zoning Ordinance record (please use the filled-out checklist as your request letter). Once approved by ZAD, the signed and approved checklist must be submitted to Land Development Services via the Plus system, with any electrical, building or site applications.

  • Some HOAs may also need to build a retaining wall before installing an EVCS. Retaining walls are exempt from permits if they have less than 36" of unbalanced fill. If your retaining wall will have more than 36” of unbalanced fill, apply for a commercial retaining wall permit in PLUS. The fee exemption would not apply to a retaining wall permit.
  • A site plan may be needed if land disturbance due to trenching exceeds 2,500 square feet. The fee exemption would not apply to any site-related applications. Learn more about land disturbance and site plans.

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant