Approved Sewer Service Area

A building or structure must be in the approved sewer service area to connect to the sanitary sewer system. In addition, public sewer access must be available for the property. In 1979, the Board of Supervisors (BOS adopted a policy about sewer service areas. The policy states that the sewer service area boundary includes the land immediately next to areas that can be served by the smallest allowable gravity lines. Any extension of a sewer line across the approved sewer service area cannot exceed 400 feet or have a manhole depth of 12 feet. Exceptions must be approved by the (BOS).

View the Statement of Policy Regarding Sewage Disposal.

Request Wastewater GIS data and records.

View the GIS and Mapping Services Disclaimer.

Outside the Approved Sewer Service Area?

If someone needs public sewer service but they are more than 400 feet outside the approved sewer service area (ASSA), the ASSA must be expanded. The BOS must review and approve this expansion. An expansion might be approved if a building has a broken or failing on-site sewage system that creates serious health risks to people or the environment. To expand the ASSA, the BOS also requires proof of health or environmental issues, confirmed by the Health Department.

Historically, the BOS has not approved expanding the ASSA for new developments or redevelopment projects. The process to expand the ASSA begins with the Department of Planning and Development, working together with Wastewater Management.

To request public sewer extension beyond 400 feet outside the ASSA, please contact the Department of Planning and Development at 703-324-1380, TTY 711. The above conditions must be met.

Questions about the Fairfax County Sewer Service Area?

Call the Wastewater Planning and Monitoring Division at 703-324-5015, TTY 711.

Public Sanitary Sewer Availability

Permits and Charges

When sewer service is determined to be available for a property, a permit is required to connect the building to the system.

Only a licensed plumber is allowed to get a permit to make the connection (or "tap") to the sewer main. However, if there is an existing spur, the homeowner is allowed to connect to the spur and install the sewer line leading to the house. Permit for this work is issued by the Land Development Services Department.

Charges

• All required sanitary sewer fees must be paid before a permit can be issued. You can find the fee schedule in Chapter 67.1, Article 10 of the Fairfax County Code.
• Payment for the availability charge is not allowed for any project or property that is not located in the approved sewer service area. This rule has been in effect since September 25, 1986.
• For information about which charges apply to a specific property, contact the Wastewater Planning and Monitoring Division at 703-324-5015, TTY 711. You can also visit their public service counter at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 358, Fairfax, VA 22035, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon.