Land Development and Zoning Fees Increase on July 1

Starting July 1, Fairfax County will implement the second phase of updated fee schedules for Land Development Services (LDS) and zoning applications. The adjustments are intended to reflect the increase in costs related to inflation and personnel over recent years while ensuring the continuation of high-quality county services.

Background

The Board of Supervisors approved these fee adjustments on April 16, 2024, marking the first significant update since 2015 for LDS, and since 2011 for zoning applications. The new fees will better align with the current costs of providing these services, which have risen due to increased personnel costs and other inflation-related factors.

Details of the Zoning Application Fee Changes

Zoning application fees will increase by an additional 17.5% on July 1, 2025, completing a planned 35% total adjustment that began in 2024. The minimum expenditure for Planned District Recreational Facilities will rise by 13% per residential dwelling unit in specific zoning districts, from $2,150 to $2,400, completing the full 26% increase approved last year.

Certain fees will remain unchanged, including fees for select wireless reviews and family healthcare structures. The fee for appeals increased by 10% in 2024 and will not increase in 2025.

All fee changes will apply only to applications submitted after 12:01 a.m. on the July 1, 2025 deadline. Applications filed before this date will be subject to the fees and expenditures that were in place at the time of filing.

Learn more about the adopted fees and contact the Zoning Administration at 703-324-1314 or OrdAdmin@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions.

Updates to LDS Fee Schedule

On the LDS front, building fees (excluding vertical transportation) will experience an additional 12.5% increase on July 1, 2025, completing a total increase of 25% over two years. Similarly, site fees and technology surcharges will see their second and final increase this year.

Additional updates include adjustments to technology surcharge fees and code academy surcharges. New fees introduced in 2024 for pedestrian bridges and minor revisions to site-related plans will remain in place.

All fee changes will apply only to applications submitted after each respective July 1 deadline. Applications filed before these dates will be subject to the fees that were in place at the time of filing.