A telecommunication facility is defined as a facility, site, or location that contains one or more antenna, telecommunications towers or monopoles, a distributed antenna system (DAS), micro-cell or other miniaturization technology, alternative support structures, satellite dish antennas, other similar communication devices, and related equipment and site improvements used for transmitting, receiving, or relaying telecommunications signals.
Fairfax County uses the following processes to review telecommunication facilities:
2232 REVIEW
The term 2232 Review derives from the Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2232. Fairfax County's 2232 review process for telecommunication facilities determines if the general or approximate location, character, and extent are in substantial accord with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan. 2232 review applies to new telecommunication facilities greater than 50 feet in height.
Fee Information
- $1500 for applications with a public hearing
- $750 for Feature Shown applications without a public hearing
- $0 for review of an application with other rezoning, special permit or special exception fees
- $750 for Feature Shown applications for DAS (Note: $750 fee for the first node, $100 fee for each node thereafter, with a maximum of 20 nodes per single application)
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW-ELIGIBLE PROJECT (AREP) FACILITIES
Fairfax County only requires AREP review for the installation or construction of new structures up to 50 feet in height, not the co-location of wireless facilities. Please note that projects qualifying for Federal 6409 review are not eligible for AREP review.
Fee Information
$500 for each application
6409 & 2316 APPLICATIONS
Please Note: On April 9, 2019, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted Zoning Ordinance Amendment ZO-19-480 and the Policy Plan amendment 2017-P-07 that pertain to wireless telecommunication infrastructure. As a result, 6409 applications for the modification of existing telecommunication facilities and 2316 applications for the placement of small cell wireless facilities are no longer required.
