The process of seeking a rezoning, special exception, special permit or variance from Fairfax County consists of a detailed review and analysis of the proposal by staff, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and/or the Board of Zoning Appeals.
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.
The Conformance Review and Acceptance Branch reviews rezoning, special exception, special permit and variance applications for compliance with the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance’s submission requirements and to identify any additional applications or waivers that are necessary with the filing of such applications.
With the submission of any zoning application, you are required to submit an Affidavit. Prior to a public hearing, you will be required to reaffirm your Affidavit in accordance with the adopted reaffirmation procedures.
Review the guidelines for submitting requests for interpretations related to approved zoning applications (rezonings, special exceptions, special permits and variances).
A minor variation permits the Board of Supervisors to approve specific and minor changes to an approved rezoning application as an action item at a normally scheduled Board meeting.
The Zoning Glossary is provided to assist the public in understanding the staff evaluation and analysis of development proposals. It should not be construed as representing legal definitions.
Application Weekly Status Reports - The reports list all zoning applications received and accepted in the week prior to the current week. These reports run automatically on a weekly schedule.
The Zoning Evaluation Applications YouTube playlist features videos that demonstrate how to locate information for commonly asked questions related to PLUS applications under the Zoning Evaluation Division.
If you need assistance with a question regarding previously approved entitlements (rezoning, special exception, special permit, or variance), entitlements currently under consideration, or the entitlement process, please contact the Planner of the Day by phone at 703-324-1290 or by email at DPZMail2@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Planning & Development Explorer
Have you seen a sign indicating that a public hearing has been scheduled for a zoning application? The Planning & Development Explorer is an interactive map that provides access to information on active Fairfax County zoning applications scheduled to be heard before the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The information includes locator maps, a summary of the request, staff reports, hearing dates and other data for each application.
