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 works to maximize tree preservation on development plans and ensure required tree canopy is achieved through appropriate planting. Staff review plans for consistency with the Public Facilities Manual (PFM), the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO), and other applicable requirements, with particular attention to preserving existing forest resources, including understory vegetation where feasible.
The Branch reviews a range of development applications, including:
- 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 initial submission through final approval. During review, they evaluate opportunities to preserve existing trees and forest structure and coordinate with other agencies to resolve conflicts involving grading, utilities, stormwater management, and other site design elements.
This work also includes a strong field component. Staff conduct site inspections throughout the review process to verify existing conditions, assess tree health and forest structure, identify preservation opportunities, and resolve issues early. Site visits also allow staff to work directly with applicants to identify adjustments that may better protect regulated trees and approved preservation areas, including refinements to limits of disturbance and tree protection fencing where feasible.
Field observations and implementation experience also help identify where existing PFM guidance may benefit from clarification or additional documentation, particularly regarding the preservation of regulated trees and forest structure in both CBPO and non-CBPO areas.
In coordination with the Site Development and Inspections Division’s Site Inspections Group, Forest Conservation staff also participate in inspections of approved plans from pre-construction meetings through final landscape inspections and bond release, including verification of tree protection measures, limits of disturbance, and compliance with approved preservation areas.
A Forest Conservation Plan Review Checklist is available to support applicants and reviewers in understanding submittal and inspection expectations.
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.
