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Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia

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Department of Planning and Development

  1. Home
  2. Planning Development
  3. Zoning in Fairfax County

Department of Planning and Development Alert:

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
703-324-1380 TTY 711
Email Us
12055 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Tracy Strunk
Director

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Related Resources

  • Zoning in Fairfax County
  • Noise Ordinance
  • Zoning Applications
    • Zoning Applications & Development Review
    • Appeals Process
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    • Minor Variations
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Zoning in Fairfax County

The Department of Planning and Development enforces, maintains and administers the provisions of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance and Noise Ordinance and is charged with processing all zoning applications submitted to the County, and formulating recommendations to the approving bodies.

Fairfax County Land Development Process

The land development process in Fairfax County involves comprehensive reviews by numerous county and non-county agencies and may involve many steps before a project can be approved. Every project is unique and subject to its own set of requirements depending on the location and complexities of the project.

Learn More

Zoning Ordinance

The Zoning Ordinance of Fairfax County, Virginia, regulates zoning in Fairfax County. It is intended to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public and to implement the adopted Comprehensive Plan for the orderly and controlled development.  The Zoning Administration Division (ZAD) enforces, maintains and administers the provisions of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance and Noise Ordinance.

Related Resources

Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance
Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan
Noise Ordinance
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Zoning Administration Division

Zoning Applications & Development Review

The Zoning Evaluation Division of the Department of Planning and Development reviews applications for rezoning, special exception, special permit or a variance in Fairfax County.

Related Resources

Zoning Applications and Development Review
Application Review Process Overview
Rezoning Process
Special Permit Process
Special Exception Process
Variance Process
Zoning Evaluation Division

Zoning Related Permits

  • Accessory Living Unit
  • Food Truck Permits
  • Home-Based Business
  • Noise Waiver
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Short-Term Lodging
  • Sign Permits
  • Temporary Outdoor Uses
  • View All

Zoning Administrator Requests

Interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance

  • Electric Vehicle Charging Space Review Checklist

  • Solar Collection System Review Checklist

  • Use Determination Requests for Group Residential Facilities

Vested Rights Determinations

Virginia Form for Home Day Care

Zoning Compliance Letters


What Can I Do With My Property?

View frequently asked questions regarding zoning regulations and requirements in Fairfax County.

View Zoning FAQs

How Do I Find My Zoning District?

To determine the Zoning District of your property, please use the Zoning District Analyzer interactive map. After determining the Zoning District of the property the user can determine what specific uses are allowed in this district and other information regarding the district classification and it's requirements in the Zoning Ordinance. 

Learn More

Additional Zoning Related Topics

Front Yard Gardens

Height Certifications

Interpretations of Approved Zoning Applications

Keeping of Animals

Motor Vehicle Fuel Price Signs

Murals

Older Adult Housing in Fairfax County

Outdoor Lighting Standards

Plat Requests 

Proffer Legislation Exempt Mixed-Use Areas

Zoning Appeals

Zoning Complaints

Zoning Glossary of Terms

Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD)

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    Related Resources

    • Zoning in Fairfax County
    • Noise Ordinance
    • Zoning Applications
      • Zoning Applications & Development Review
      • Appeals Process
      • Application Review Process
      • Minor Variations
      • Pre-Application Consultation
      • Rezoning Process
      • Special Exception Process
      • Special Permit Process
      • Variance Process
    • Zoning Ordinance
      • Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance
      • Proposed Amendments
      • Recently Adopted Amendments
      • Work Program
      • zMOD
    • Zoning FAQs
    • Zoning Glossary
    • Zoning Map
    • Zoning Permits
      • Zoning Related Permits
      • Accessory Living Unit
      • Food Truck Permits
      • Home-Based Business
      • Noise Waiver
      • Nonresidential Use Permit
      • Short-Term Lodging
      • Sign Permits
      • Temporary Outdoor Uses
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