March 30, 2026
Proposed Amendments to Appendix Q of The Code of the County of Fairfax, Virginia (County Code) regarding adjusting the fees charged by Land Development Services (LDS) for plan review, permits, and inspection services.On March 3, 2026, the Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized public hearings on amendments to Appendix Q of the Code of the County of Fairfax, Virginia before the Planning Commission on April 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and before the Board on April 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. If adopted by the Board, the amendment will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2026Pursuant to authority granted by inter alia, Code of Virginia §§15.2-2241(A)(9), 15.2-2286(A)(6), 62.1-44.15:27(H)(4), 36-98.3, 36-105(D)(1), 62.1-44.15:28(9), 62.1-44.15:29, 15.2-107, 15.2-2204, the amendment proposes an approximately five percent increase in all fees with certain exceptions. The proposed five percent increase does not apply to elevator permits and inspections, technology surcharge, code academy levy, or zero fee applications–each of which will remain unchanged. The amendment also proposes minor adjustments to the five percent increase for smaller fees where five percent does not round to a penny. The amendment further proposes a 50% increase in fees related to major Water Quality Impact Assessments (WQIA) and exceptions under Article 6 of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 118 of the County Code) which require a public hearing. Additionally, minor editorial changes are being made to Appendix Q (Land Development Fee Schedule). The Board of Supervisors may make appropriate changes or corrections to the proposals as a result of the hearing. Questions regarding these proposed amendments to Appendix Q (Land Development Fee Schedule) may be directed to Tonya Mills of Land Development Services at 703-324-8772, TTY 711. Copies of the proposed ordinance amendment and information relating thereto are on file and may be examined online at Public Facilities Manual and County Code Amendments.
March 25, 2026
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Building Safety Month 2026 Poster - SpanishBuilding Safety Month 2026 Poster - KoreanSpring is the time of year when Fairfax County highlights building safety. International building codes and state building codes exist to ensure the integrity and safety of all building occupants in the county, for those in residences such as single-family homes to everyone frequenting commercial buildings such as offices and restaurants. To learn about building safety and health standards, permitting for decks and home improvements, and more, everyone is invited to participate in the first annual Building Safety Month Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Pkwy). RSVP to the resource fair.The resource fair, sponsored by Fairfax County Land Development Services (LDS), will include classes offered to homeowners to learn more about the permitting process and about building decks. Partner agencies in the land development process from around the county will be setting up tables outside of the Herrity building to provide educational information about building safety. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a Building Safety Month proclamation delivered by Sully District Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Kathy Smith. There will be snacks and prizes available to residents who engage with the resource fair tables.Classes and Kids Activities offered during the resource fair: Building Permits 101 is offered at 11 a.m. in Room 106.Deck Details Bootcamp is offered at 12:30 p.m. in Room 106.Storytime with a Librarian is offered at 11 a.m. outside the Herrity Building.A librarian will read a construction-related kids book to children at the event.Touch-a-Truck is offered all day including a firetruck, flusher truck, and EV trash truck.We know the permitting process is not the most fun part of improving your home; the fun comes when you invite your family and friends to enjoy the new addition. But the permit, plan review and inspection process ensure that all your loved ones you invite into your home are safe.If you’re not able to attend the resource fair, you can learn about building safety and permitting online: Check if you need a permit for your project. If you do need a permit, navigate the permitting process by visiting the permit library.Make sure you invest time in hiring contractors who will do quality work for you. Safety is ensured by the hardworking professionals at LDS (and other county agencies) who continually train throughout their careers to learn the most up-to-date safety measures related to construction. Of course, building safety is also dependent on the registered designers and professional contractors who do the work on your home. Learn how to hire a trustworthy contractor.To apply for construction permits you will need to use the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) online permitting website. We have some great introductory videos for you to get started.Discovering unpermitted work can be costly and frustrating. How can you be sure the work was done safely? If you are thinking about buying a new home in the area, make sure you do an address search to confirm there is no unpermitted work.If you need more assistance, feel free to visit the Herrity building for in-person customer service at Suite 324 or call at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.During this building safety month, we thank construction workers, contractors, homeowners, building owners and county staff for working together toward safe buildings and safe communities.
March 12, 2026
On February 17, 2026, the Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized public hearings on amendments to the PFM before the Planning Commission on March 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and before the Board on April 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Miscellaneous amendments are proposed to the Public Facilities Manual (PFM), including but not limited to: (1) Reducing the recommended sanitary sewer design flow rates for single-family, multi-family, and office developments, and specifying design flow rates for new categories of common commercial and medical uses. (2) Updating and reducing the peak flow rates for existing and new sanitary sewer infrastructure. (3) Updating miscellaneous PFM provisions to align with recent updates to the Erosion and Stormwater Ordinance (County Code Chapter 124.1) and the Virgina Stormwater Handbook. (4) Updating PFM provisions related to stacked townhomes to align with the Zoning Ordinance (County Code Chapter 112.1). (5) Updating Plate 20-7 related to the construction of driveway entrances along existing streets to align with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards. (6) Codifying current policies related to sump pump discharge locations for single-family detached developments.For detailed information on the proposed amendments and public hearing schedule, visit Public Facilities Manual and County Code Amendments.