Zoning Administration Division

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
703-324-1314 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, VA 22035
Leslie Johnson
Zoning Administrator

zMOD - Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project

Please note: This page is for historical reference only. 

Zoning Ordinance Modernization

On March 23, 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted a new and modernized Zoning Ordinance as a part of the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) project. This new Ordinance, which replaces the previous 1978 Ordinance, is easier to read and understand and includes more tables, graphics, and hyperlinks. The Ordinance has been integrated into a user-friendly online platform that will be easy to navigate and usable on multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets. The new Ordinance includes modernized land uses and regulations, and corrected gaps and inconsistencies in other regulations. The regulations became effective on July 1, 2021.

Notable changes include:

  • Removing the age and disability requirement for accessory living units (previously known as accessory dwelling units) and changing the process from requiring special permit approval to an administrative permit for interior units
  • Modernizing the home-based business use and permitting customers with special permit approval
  • Adding a maximum flagpole height of 25 feet for lots with single-family dwellings or manufactured homes and 60 feet for lots with all other uses, with the ability to request a special permit for an increased height. No limit on the size of flags was added
  • Allowing accessory structures, such as sheds, children’s play equipment, and gazebos, up to 12 feet in height to be located five feet from the side and rear lot lines

For additional resources, including FAQs and summary documents, please visit our Historic Documents & Presentations page. Previous community meetings and outreach events are listed on the Past Outreach page.

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