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

Department Resources

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Interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance

zoning questionsAn interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance is a written or verbal determination made by the Zoning Administrator that explains the applicability of specific provision(s) of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance based on the set of facts presented in the request. These requests may include use determinations, questions on the placement or use of buildings or structures, and a variety of other zoning-related questions. 

Before submitting a request

Have you called our Planner of the Day (POD)? Many questions do not require an interpretation and can be answered over the phone by our POD staff at 703-324-1314 or by email at ORDAdmin@fairfaxcounty.gov. If you have basic questions on what a use may be, applicable yards or setback requirements, if a proposed use or structure is allowed in a specific zoning district and under what permissions, and other general zoning-related questions, please contact our POD.  

Additional Information

  • A request for an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance may take up to 30 calendar days to process.
  • There is no fee for an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance.

Required Documents

A request for an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance should include a detailed description of the use, structure, or proposal and the following additional information (as applicable):

  • Details about the business or any activities that may occur on the property
  • If a new building is proposed, include details such as proposed height, floor area ratio (FAR), setbacks, and how the space inside will be used
  • A floor plan (does not need to be drawn by a licensed professional) with each room or area labeled with the proposed use (such as areas for retail, office, production, outdoor storage, etc.)
  • A house location survey, lot typical, or site plan
  • Photos or illustrations
  • Days and hours of operation
  • Number of employees, clients, customers, seats, or other relevant information
  • Number of company vehicles
  • Any other relevant information that may be helpful in describing the request
  • If you are submitting an interpretation for a group residential facility, please submit the additional information outlined in the Use Determination Requests for Group Residential Facilities form.
  • For installation of electric vehicle charging (EVC) spaces, please fill out and submit the Electric Vehicle Charging Space Review Checklist as your request letter. Please review the EVC memorandum and checklist for more information.   

Contact Us

For additional assistance, please contact the Ordinance Administration Branch by phone at 703-324-1314 or by email.

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