How To Stay Engaged
Before a Plan is Submitted
Early coordination with your consultant is one of the most effective ways to avoid unexpected impacts and revisions. Before authorizing submission, ask your consultant to walk you through:
- The proposed limits of clearing and disturbance.
- Existing and proposed grades and drainage patterns.
- Utility locations and connections.
- Trees proposed for removal or preservation and required protection measures.
- Retaining walls, slopes, easements and construction access.
- Potential impacts on adjoining properties.
- Required permits, approvals, inspections and anticipated review steps.
- The proposed stormwater facilities and how they function.
- Other reasonable designs considered and why the proposed design was selected.
During Plan Review
County comments are generally provided to the submitting consultant through the PLUS review platform. Comments may identify code deficiencies, request additional information or require coordination among design disciplines.
- Follow the permitting progress in PLUS. Access PLUS to follow your project through the permit-review process. Typical process timelines are posted weekly on the LDS metrics webpage. You can compare these timelines with your project’s specific workflow.
- Discuss major revisions with your consultant. Review changes to grading, drainage, utilities, tree preservation, retaining walls, or limits of disturbance before the revised plan is submitted.
- Ask about alternatives. When a comment requires a design change, ask your consultant what technically feasible options are available, and what advantages, disadvantages, costs and impacts accompany each option.
- Document decisions. Keep copies of plans, emails, contracts, reports, approvals and agreed design changes.
- Seek clarification when needed. Your consultant should generally answer project-specific design questions. County staff can explain review comments and requirements but cannot redesign the project or select a private design option for you.
Before Construction Begins
- Obtain a copy of the final approved plan and confirm that your contractor has the same version.
- Ask your consultant to identify required preconstruction meetings, permits, inspections and certifications.
- Walk the site with your contractor and consultant.
- Ensure that your consultant/contractor locates the approved limits of disturbance, tree protection fencing, construction entrances, easements, utilities, drainage features and areas that must remain undisturbed, as applicable.
- Confirm how unexpected field conditions and proposed changes will be handled.
- Establish who will communicate with county inspectors.
- Do not authorize field changes that are inconsistent with the approved plan. Some field adjustments require approval from the project engineer or Fairfax County before work proceeds. Ensure that the necessary approvals are obtained before authorizing the change.
During Construction
Continue to monitor the project and communicate regularly with your contractor and consultant. Raise concerns promptly so issues can be evaluated before additional work occurs. Pay particular attention to:
- Work outside the approved limits of disturbance.
- Removal or relocation of tree protection fencing.
- Unapproved utility trenches, access routes, or material storage areas.
- Damage to adjoining property or protected resources.
- Field changes that do not appear on the approved plan.
County inspectors verify compliance with approved plans and applicable requirements. They do not supervise daily construction, enforce private contracts, or act as the owner’s construction manager.
When to Contact Fairfax County
Contact LDS when you need:
- Clarification of a county review comment or applicable process.
- Information about the status of a submitted plan or permit.
- Help identifying the appropriate review or inspection group.
- Information about obtaining approved plans or public records.
- To report a potential violation of an approved plan or active construction requirement.
For questions involving design, cost, construction methods, professional liability, property boundaries, contracts or disputes with a consultant or contractor, contact the appropriate private professional or legal advisor.
Keep Your Project on Track
The most successful projects involve regular communication between the property owner, consultant, contractor, and county staff. Review your plans, ask questions, document decisions, and remain involved from initial design through final inspection.
