The Department of Planning and Development, Sign Permits Section (SPS), among other duties, accepts and reviews sign permit applications for compliance with the sign regulations of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 10 of the Code of the County of Fairfax and issues sign permits for the installation of signs on private property located in Fairfax County.
The SPS also reviews sign permit applications and issues sign permits for proposed uses subject to:
- Development conditions of special exception and or proffers of rezoning applications approved by the Board of Supervisors (BOS);
- Conditions, designs, limitations, etc. detailed in comprehensive sign plans (CSP) approved by the Planning Commission (PC);
- Resolutions of special permits approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA); and
- Resolutions approved by the Architectural Review Board (ARB).
HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
Applications may be submitted pursuant to the chart below. For questions, please call 703-324-4300.
| Application Type | Submit by |
|---|---|
| Building Mounted Signs | Email, Mail, Drop-off |
| Sign Refaces | Email, Mail, Drop-off |
| Freestanding Signs |
Email, Mail, Drop-off Note: Applications may be submitted by Email ONLY IF the application package includes a “to-scale” digital copy of a site plan with all other submission requirements. |
| Administrative Comprehensive Sign Plans |
Email, Mail, Drop-off Note: All Email submissions require a copy of the online payment receipt with all other submission requirements. |
| Noise Waivers | Electronically through the PLUS Application Portal |
Please note, sign permit application fees will be assessed after the application has been logged-in by staff. Following log-in, staff will contact the applicant with the fee amount and payment instructions. All permit approvals will be emailed to the applicant.
Email Address
DPDMailforZPB-SPS@FairfaxCounty.gov
Mailing Address
Department of Planning and Development
Sign Permits Section
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 829
Fairfax, VA 22035
Drop-off
Applications may be placed in the Zoning Permits Section drop box bin, located at the front of the Herrity Building, at 12055 Government Center Parkway.
Additional Information
The following links include relevant application forms, process overviews and flowcharts, and other helpful resources:
- Sign Permit Application
- Sign Permit Application Process
- Sign Permit Application Flowchart - Building Mounted and Freestanding Signs 6 ft & below
- Sign Permit Application Flowchart - Freestanding Signs over 6 ft
- Examples of How to Calculate the Area of a Building Mounted Sign
- Examples of How to Calculate the Area of a Freestanding Sign
- How to Determine Your Zoning District
- Awnings & Canopies - Permit Application Process
- Administrative Comprehensive Sign Plan (ACSP) Application Package
- Town of Vienna Permit Application Process
- Noise Waivers
Questions about signs placed in the right-of way should be directed to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). A Waiver of Certain Sign Regulations, pursuant to subsection 7102.2 of the Zoning Ordinance, is an alternative for those interested in seeking approval of proposed signs that exceed area and height limitations. This special exception application process is only available for properties located in the commercial or industrial zoning districts.
Related Resources
Sign Permits - Frequently Asked Questions
Site Records Viewer - Digital versions of approved site plans dating back to the year 2000
Sign Limitations for Motor Vehicle Fuel Price Signs (County Code Section 10.4.1.2)
How to make a complaint about signs on private property or along public roadways (Department of Code Compliance)
