There is now a faster way to access important property records with the launch of the Zoning Property File Application, a new GIS tool that makes more than 2 million residential documents available online.
The application provides direct access to plats, building permits and occupancy permits for single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. Before its release, residents could only view these records in person at the Zoning Permits Office or by making a request by phone or email, which often took one to two days to process.
Since its launch in December 2024, the application has been viewed more than 20,000 times, showing its quick popularity with the public. Now, residents can search, view and download documents instantly from any computer, saving time and reducing the need for staff assistance.
The project began in 2012 when the county started digitizing Zoning Street Files, a paper archive of zoning review documents dating back to 1941, when the first zoning ordinance was adopted. Many of these records do not exist anywhere else. Staff worked through more than 2 million residential documents for more than 350,000 addresses, completing the process in spring 2023. Commercial documents are now being scanned and will be added to the system when ready.
The new application protects historical records while making property research easier for homeowners, buyers and industry professionals.
For more information, contact the Zoning Permits Section at 703-222-1082 or DPDzoningpermits@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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