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CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 9AM-5PM M-F
703-324-7329 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Contact Name
Chairman

Diversion First

Diversion First logoDiversion First is a more efficient use of public resources designed to:

  • Prevent repeat encounters with the criminal justice system.
  • Improve public safety.
  • Promote a healthier community.

The goal is to intervene whenever possible to provide assessment, treatment or needed supports. 

Do you need help for yourself or someone you know with a mental health issue or substance use disorder?

The following services are available 24/7, every day of the year, including holidays:

9-1-1
Call: 9-1-1
Text: 9-1-1
Request a CIT-trained officer to respond.
 

Regional Crisis Call Center and Textline
Call: 9-8-8 or 703-527-4077 | TTY: 711
Text: "CONNECT" to 855-11
 

CSB Emergency Services
Call: 703-573-5679 | TTY: 711


Fairfax Detoxification Center
Call: 703-502-7000 | TTY: 703-322-9080

For non-emergencies: Call the CSB Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 or come directly to the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health.

How Diversion First Helps

  • Intervening at the earliest point possible to de-escalate situations and avoid arrest.
  • Too many people are in jail due to mental health issues. Jail is not the appropriate place to provide mental health treatment.
  • There is a need to prevent the incarceration of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
  • It’s the right thing to do to offer treatment to people who need it, instead of jail being the default solution
  • It’s less costly for people to receive treatment instead of spending time in jail
  • Treatment offers hope by helping people recover and take control of their lives.
  • 1 in 5 Americans has a mental illness. Having a mental illness is not a crime.

Diversion First Programs & Services

Learn more about the programs and services that help the diversion effort in Fairfax County.

There are three Specialty Dockets: Veterans Treatment, Mental Health and Drug Court.

More: Specialized Court Dockets Honor Graduates

Data and Resources

Our resources include presentations, reports, videos and more to help you better understand the benefits of diversion.

Read the Annual Report

Diversion First was launched following recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission and Board of Supervisors adoption of a resolution to decriminalize mental illness by supporting the national Stepping Up initiative.

Diversion First Video Playlist

Need more information or want to schedule a presentation? Reach out!

Director of Diversion Initiatives
703-324-7088 | TTY 711

DiversionFirst@fairfaxcounty.gov

Diversion First Partners

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board  Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness

Fairfax County Court ServicesFairfax County Department of Fire and RescueFairfax County PoliceFairfax County Department of Public Safety CommunicationsFairfax Sheriff's Office 

Pedestrian, Bike and Traffic Safety

Every year, the number of pedestrian and bicycle related fatalities and injuries continues to rise at an unacceptable rate.

Fairfax County is committed to enhancing pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety by implementing a multi-faceted plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate traffic-related deaths and injuries.

News: Speed Camera Pilot Program Approved; Improving Safety is Focus (Dec. 2022)

"Take a Moment" Campaign Toolkit

Take a Moment flyerOur communications toolkit provides social media posts, newsletter messages, signs, flyers and more. Help spread the word about pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety!

Explore the Toolkit:

Pedestrian, Bike and Traffic Safety Communications Toolkit (PDF)

Pedestrian Safety is a Public Health Concern

thumbnail: first of two pages of Fact SheetThe Fairfax County Health Department developed a fact sheet, Pedestrian Safety Isn’t Just a Transportation Problem, to highlight factors related to pedestrian safety as a public health concern. 

On average, there are 172 crashes involving pedestrians every year in Fairfax County and new data shows that Black and Hispanic people are both injured and killed at more than double the rate of Whites.

Fact Sheet (PDF)
News Story / Transcript of Fact Sheet

How Can I Make Things Safer?

How Drivers Can Help

Driving a vehicle is a great responsibility. You could seriously injure or kill another person in a blink of an eye, even at lower speeds. Take this responsibility seriously. 

  • Slow down and avoid distractions while driving. 
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • Do not pass other cars stopped in the street.

Before turning right on red or at a stop sign, STOP then LOOK for pedestrians and cyclists: Left-Right-Left-Straight. 

Stay three feet away from cyclists and pedestrians when passing. Drivers may legally cross the yellow line in order to safely pass a cyclist or pedestrian.

Stop for pedestrians in the street, period. Virginia law requires drivers to stop (not just yield) to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks until the pedestrian has cleared the lane. This includes all lanes and both directions at clearly marked crosswalks; any regular pedestrian crossing (such as residential intersections) even if unmarked; or at any intersection where the maximum speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour.

View ShareVAroads Safety Resources

Stay Safe While Walking

Walking is great for your health, the environment and your community. Stay safe while walking by following these safety recommendations:

Don’t assume drivers can see you: 

  • Use your phone’s flashlight when walking in the dark to increase your vision and visibility, and to signal bus operators.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.

Crossing a road safely:

If you need to cross the road look left and right for the closest place to cross safely. Use a marked crosswalk if available; otherwise cross at a location with good sightlines in both directions.

  • Wait for a safe gap in traffic or for all traffic to stop before crossing.
  • Do not attempt to cross the street in front of an approaching vehicle or stopped bus. 
  • Look and make eye contact with drivers before you cross.
  • While crossing, make sure to look out for other approaching vehicles in case they don’t see you and won’t stop for you.
View ShareVAroads Safety Resources

 

Stay Safe While Biking and Riding

Biking and riding is an affordable, fun, convenient, sustainable and healthy form of transportation for all ages and abilities, especially when you need to cover a bit more of a distance.

Sidewalks, Paths and Trails

There are many multi-use trails, bike lanes and neighborhood streets in Fairfax County that can be used by people on bikes, mopeds and scooters and other micromobility devices. Biking and micromobility devices are legal on sidewalks in Virginia, unless restricted by signage.

Streets

When riding on a street, you have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Ride with traffic and obey traffic rules, signals and stop signs; stay as close to the right edge of the road as possible. On very narrow roads, it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane.

  • Ride with the flow of traffic; do not pass stopped vehicles.
  • Avoid blind spots and never pass a vehicle on the right. 
  • Leave enough room between your bike and other vehicles.

Always be ready to yield. Though drivers must share the road, you can’t make them. What you can do is go slowly enough that you could stop or give the right of way at a moment’s notice to avoid a collision.

Be aware of your surroundings. Don't assume other drivers can see you.

  • Use lights and reflectors at night, twilight and in rainy conditions. 
  • Make eye contact with other road and trail users to ensure they see you before moving into their line of travel.
  • Watch for turning vehicles particularly from side streets and driveways, and ride outside the door zone of parked cars.
  • Be on the lookout for loose gravel, ice, sand, puddles, branches, broken glass and other road or trail hazards.
View ShareVAroads Safety Resources


Additional County Resources:

Safety in Every Season

Take a moment:

  • To stop and wait for school buses to safely load and unload children.
  • To give yourself enough time to allow for students walking and biking to and from school.
  • To slow down and take extra care in school zones and in neighborhoods.
  • To make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians at stoplights and intersections before proceeding.
Road Rules for School Buses, School Zones and Crossing Guards

Take a moment:

  • To make sure you will be seen by lighting up and wearing reflective, light-colored clothing.
  • To put your lights on at dusk and be aware of your surroundings so you don’t kill or hurt someone.
  • To allow extra time for errands and commuting when it’s dark.
  • To slow down in neighborhoods during winter weather when roads are icy or slick.

Take a moment:

  • To make sure a family doesn’t have an empty chair at their Thanksgiving table.
  • To not ruin your holiday with a ticket or time in jail by driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • To take a breather from the stress of the holidays before you get in the car.

Take a moment:

  • To remember to slow down when you turn into a neighborhood.
  • To look out for children playing and riding bikes.
  • To stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are crossing roads.
  • To take extra time to walk or bicycle at the crosswalk.

Slow Down safety campaign logoSpeeding is a major issue in our neighborhoods:

80% of recent survey respondents believe speeding is a problem. 

On certain roads, 82% of motorists travelled 10+ mph over the posted limit. 

Slow Down Website

 

Countywide Strategy: Mobility and Transportation

icon blending imagery of bus, car and bicycleMobility and Transportation is one of 10 Community Outcome Areas within the Countywide Strategic Plan. One success indicator is creating a plan to eliminate traffic-related deaths and injuries. 

As an ongoing commitment to the safety of Fairfax County residents, the Board of Supervisors unanimously supports the establishment of a cross-agency pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety team that includes the Board of Supervisors staff, Virginia Department of Transportation, and the following agencies:


Electric-Powered Lawn Equipment

Why Avoid Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment?

Gas-powered lawn equipment - such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other devices used to clear debris and maintain landscaping - has negative impacts on the environment and poses an immediate and quantifiable risk to our health.

Gas-powered leaf blowerHaving a gas-powered leaf blower operating in your vicinity is like inviting someone to blow a cloud of potentially dangerous chemicals, dust, and other pollutants in your direction. A gas-powered leaf blower produces exhaust containing both hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides both of which are components of smog.

At 200 miles per hour, the “wind” created by these leaf blowers can stir up dust containing pollutants such as dust, pollen, animal feces, mold and chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides applied to lawns. All of these elements contribute to poor health outcomes, especially in vulnerable segments of our population.

 

The noise from gas-powered lawn equipment is noNoiset only annoying, it’s also a health risk, both to the person operating the machinery and to those nearby. This exposure can lead to hearing loss, headaches and hypertension.

Even when you’re standing 50 feet away from a leaf blower, you’re still being exposed to dangerously high noise levels at or above 90 decibels, especially over a period of 30 minutes or more.

That’s equivalent to the noise level of a loud rock concert and just shy of the noise level of a jet engine at takeoff. Scientists agree that prolonged exposure to any noise above 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss in the average person.

Burke LakeApart from the health impacts, gas-powered lawn equipment plays a significant and unfortunate role in our contribution to climate change.

Two-stroke engines, which are used in gas-powered lawn equipment, emit greenhouse gases and are dirtier than engines in most cars and trucks these days.

The Better Alternatives

The good news is, there are alternatives to gas-powered equipment that are better for you and the environment.

Electric Lawn Equipment

Electric versions of lawn equipment such as leaf blowers are generally more cost-effective. Both battery powered and plug-in versions are available.

Electric Leaf Blowers

Native/Natural Lawn Landscaping

Additionally, county residents may choose different "natural lawn" approaches to landscaping such as “leaving the leaves” to decompose, providing valuable nutrients to their lawns. Or gathering and composting their leaves and other lawn debris to create rich topsoil.

 

Fairfax County Natural Landscaping

To further the goals of its environmental agenda, it is the policy of Fairfax County to apply natural landscaping concepts and techniques in the landscape design, implementation and maintenance of County-owned properties and facilities.


Extreme Heat Resources

Cooling Centers

Visit indoor locations during operating hours to stay cool or get relief when code red air quality days are declared (due to wildfire smoke or other causes).

In addition to shopping malls, stores or movie theaters, you may consider cooling off at one of our county facilities designated as Cooling Centers, including:

  1. Libraries.
  2. Community Centers.
  3. REC Centers.
  4. Human Services Regional Offices.
  5. our homeless shelters, available for people experiencing homelessness.
Note: Martha Washington Library is currently experiencing HVAC issues and is not acting a Cooling Center at this time (Tuesday, Sept. 5).

You are encouraged to first check that locations are open before you arrive. Consider using the Fairfax Connector BusTracker to plan your visit.
 

View the Cooling Centers Map

Finding Cooling Center Locations

 

 

View the Video

County Heat Plan Activation

When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory for Fairfax County (usually 24 hours in advance), the county will then activate its heat plan.

The heat plan is activated when NWS issues one of the following alerts:

  • Heat Advisory: issued when the heat index values is expected to reach 105 to 109 degrees within the next 12-24 hours.
  • Excessive Heat Watch: Issued when there is a potential for the heat index to reach or exceed 110 degrees within the next 24-48 hours.
  • Excessive Heat Warning: Issued when the heat index values is expected to reach or exceed 110 degrees within the next 12-24 hours.

Supplies to Beat the Heat

When Fairfax County’s heat plan is activated, supplies will be available for those who need it including water bottles, sunscreen, insect repellant, hats and cooling towels.

Fairfax County distributes supplies through outreach workers and other partners who go out into the community to check on unsheltered residents, shelters, drop-in centers, and meal sites.

The Cooling Assistance program helps keep Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months through:

  • Payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment.
  • Payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment for accounts in danger of being disconnected or when a deposit is needed to begin service.
  • Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump.
  • Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans.
  • Purchase and installation, or self-pick-up, of one air conditioning unit (window or portable).

To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older; 5 or younger; or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration.

Cooling Assistance Program

Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer? 

The Senior Cool Care Program is a program that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home by providing fans for eligible older adults, age 60 and older.

The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2023. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948.

Learn More

 

Heat Flyer thumbnail

This flyer is available in multiple languages:

During hot days, here are eight tips to stay cool and look after others:

  1. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  2. Stay inside and out of the heat if possible. Save the yard work for another day or time.
  3. Visit indoor locations during operating hours to stay cool.
  4. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call or text 9-1-1.
  5. Check on people with vulnerabilities in our community who may need help responding to the heat.
  6. Never leave children, older adults, or pets alone in a car.
  7. Fans create air flow but give a false sense of comfort and they do not reduce body temperature. Stay hydrated and take other steps to get cool.
  8. Our Department of Emergency Management and Security has more information about extreme heat, including important terms to know.

Stay Informed with Fairfax Alerts

Fairfax Alerts logoThe Fairfax Alerts system delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates during a major crisis or emergency.

Watch: Fairfax Alerts Video

Sign up for emergency alerts that include: Heat Emergency; Public Safety, Traffic, Weather; Police Notifications; Emergency Preparedness Drills/Exercises.

Sign Up for Fairfax Alerts

Prevailing Wage Ordinance for County Construction Contracts

The prevailing wage rate is the rate, amount or level of wages, salaries, benefits and other remuneration prevailing for the corresponding classes of mechanics, laborers or workers employed for the same work in the same trade or occupation in the locality where the subject of construction is located.

More Information:

All contracts for construction, including maintenance, that are $250,000 or more in value will require the contractor and all subcontractors to pay wages, salaries, benefits and other remuneration to any mechanic, laborer or worker employed, retained or otherwise hired to perform services in connection with the contract, at or above the prevailing wage rate as established by the VA Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).

These requirements apply to all county-funded construction contracts advertised for bid and executed by:

  • Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES)
  • Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT)
  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
  • Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA)
  • Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the
  • Fairfax County Department of Procurement and Material Management (DPMM).

Wage Determinations are based on the applicable prevailing wage rate determinations under the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act.

Contractor Requirements

The ordinance requires that contractors and subcontractors complete the following:

Upon award of any county construction contract, the contractor must certify, under oath, to follow the current prevailing wage for each craft or trade employed on the project when determining compensation for work to be performed under the county contract.

Within five days of certifying, the contractor must provide a copy of that certification to the purchasing agent or county organization in charge of the contract.

Within 10 days of a notice to proceed, contractors and subcontractors performing construction/maintenance services must post the general prevailing wage rate for each craft and trade involved in prominent and easily accessible places at the work site and/or pay site.

For each individual performing work for the project, each contractor and subcontractor must keep, maintain and preserve records relating to:

  • the wages paid.
  • hours worked.
  • work classification.

These records must be preserved for a minimum of six years from contract expiration or termination.

Records should also be made available within 10 days of a request for information.

Contractor Liability

For any contractor or subcontractor paying less than the prevailing wage rate, the contractor or subcontractor:

  • is liable to the individual for all wages and benefits plus interest at an annual rate of 8%.
  • will be disqualified from bidding on public works projects until full restitution has been made to the individual.

A contractor or subcontractor who willfully violates or refuses payment of a prevailing wage is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

What Workers Can Do / Filing a Claim

Employees who believe they have not been paid the prevailing wage for their classification may file a claim with the Department of Labor and Industry - Labor & Employment Law Division and review other Employee Rights and claim forms.

Employee Rights / File a Prevailing Wage Claim

One Fairfax Equity Impact

This action supports the One Fairfax initiative and benefits the community at-large:

This ordinance includes the increased protection of workers’ rights and ensures that impacted workers are paid wages commensurate with their skills and training. Fairfax County believes that trade workers who build our county buildings and capital projects should have the opportunity to join the middle class.

The prevailing wage ordinance can help close the wage gap between all construction trade workers and help them make progress towards that goal.

More About One Fairfax and Equity

Running Bamboo

Running bamboo is a fast-growing, invasive grass with a complex, horizontal root system called rhizomes that aggressively spread underground, as much as 15 feet per year. 

Once planted, running bamboo can eventually take over yards and travel across property lines, creating issues for adjacent property owners and local jurisdictions.

The new ordinance requires property owners to contain running bamboo on their property and prevent it from spreading beyond their property line. Property owners may incur penalties if they allow bamboo to spread beyond their property.

Bamboo root barriers made of polypropylene, metal, or high-density polyethylene (plastic) may be effective to contain running bamboo. 

  • The root barrier should be 36” in height, with approximately 30” below ground, and 6” above ground.
  • The above ground portion of the barrier should go straight up toward the bamboo, so that any shoots or rhizomes hitting the barrier will be deflected toward the bamboo owner’s property and away from adjacent properties, making the rhizomes more visible to spot and cut.

Root Barrier Animated Demonstration Video

Quick and early removal of bamboo can reduce the long-term impacts to surrounding trees and vegetation.

  • Continued removal of new plants and sprouts will be necessary to limit new bamboo growth.
  • Monitor treated areas regularly to control new seedlings or regrowth.
  • Various herbicides are available to kill bamboo but should always be used in strict accordance with the label’s instructions.

Digging out bamboo requires heavy equipment and coordination with Virginia 811.

Learn more about Virginia 811

Cut the bamboo as low to the ground as possible and immediately apply a non-selective herbicide, in strict accordance with the label’s instructions. A brush killer containing a high concentration (20-25%) of glyphosate or triclopyr should be applied to the cut tops of the bamboo within one minute of cutting.

Subsequent herbicide applications of the leaves with a 5% concentration of glyphosate or triclopyr will be necessary to contain the bamboo growth for approximately 2-5 years.

Regular mowing (weekly or as needed depending on the season) may help reduce growth. Use the lowest deck setting on the mower. If using herbicide, wait to mow until the leaves die.

Learn more about herbicides

  • Cut bamboo should be in sections no longer than 6 feet for disposal.
  • Residents should include all cut bamboo (roots and culms) with trash pickup - not as yard waste.

Alternately, cut culms can be dried and used as plant stakes, vine supports or materials for craft projects.

Fairfax County Solid Waste Facility Locations

Master Gardeners are trained volunteer educators as part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. They work within their local communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training.

Get advice from Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners at garden plot

Help Spread the Word

Have a community or homeowner association meeting coming up? Here are resources in multiple languages to share: 

Avoid the Fine Flyer

bamboo flyer

Available in:

Avoid the Fine Flyer (English PDF)

Information Sheet

bamboo information sheet

Available in:

Information Sheet (English PDF)

Code Compliance Enforcement Begins Jan. 1, 2023

The county's Department of Code Compliance will enforce the new ordinance beginning January 1, 2023.

If you have questions not answered here, reach out to Code Compliance for help.

Code Compliance Website

Invasive Plant Species

Running bamboo can be destructive to the natural environment and suppress native plant species. Roots can push through brickwork, drains, cavity walls, patios, and exploit cracks or weaknesses in concrete.

Learn more about what property owners can do to help stop invasive species.

Invasive Species Website

Mobile Food Unit (Food Trucks) Permits Guide

Permits for Individual Events

If you are seeking information about permits for individual events, such as fairs, festivals, swim meets and other one-time gatherings, please contact the Zoning Permit Section at DPZMailforZPRB@faircounty.gov or 703-222-1082.

While operating at events that have been issued a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) by the Office of the Fire Marshal, food trucks are also subject to inspection by the Fire Marshal  for compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. For more information, please contact the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849.

Permits for Individual Events (PDF)

Pre-Occupancy Inspection

All mobile food vending units must be inspected by the Health Department prior to occupancy.

Call 703-246-2201 to schedule a pre-occupancy inspection, which is conducted by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A Certified Food Manager must be present at the time of the pre-occupancy inspection. More Information.

Posting Permits and Decals

The following items must be posted and visible:

  • Decal indicating that the unit has been inspected and approved by the Fairfax County Health Department. 
  • Decal indicating that the unit has been authorized to vend from FCPA property, if applicable.
  • A copy of the Food Truck Operation Permit issued by the Department of Planning and Development, if operating on private property.

Planning for Renewals

  • Food Establishment Permits and Mobile Food Vending Agreements expire on December 31 of each year. More Information.
     
  • Location Permits do not need to be renewed unless the property ownership changes. Operation Permits must be renewed annually.
     
  • Mobile Vending Permits expire on December 31st of the year issued, unless the food truck operator requests a shorter duration, in which case the permit period may be shorter. Businesses will not receive renewal information via mail. More Information.
     
  • Business owners must renew their BPOL each year and pay business tangible property taxes each year. Businesses will receive renewal information via mail each year. More Information.
     
  • Solicitor’s Licenses are valid from one year from the date of issue. Businesses will not receive renewal information via mail. More Information. 
     
  • The Certified Food Manager (CFM) Certificate provider will issue a certificate with an expiration date that is five (5) years from date of successful completion of the CFM exam. Renewal requires re-testing.

Contact Us

703-FAIRFAX

General questions? Contact us! 703-FAIRFAX  (703-324-7329) (phone, email and social media) is a contact center for general questions from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

More specific questions? See the additional options on this page.

703-FAIRFAX (703-324-7329)
OPA703Fairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov
@fairfaxcounty
Facebook Messenger
Virtual Assistant

Directory
Hotlines and Emergency Numbers
Website Administrator

911/Public Safety

Our 24/7 public safety staff is always standing by to take your emergency and non-emergency calls (or texts to 9-1-1).

  • Call/Text 911
  • Public Safety Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131, TTY 703-204-2264
More 911/Public Safety Information

Tax Questions

If you have questions about your taxes, then please contact the Department of Tax Administration:

More Tax Information

Road Questions

The Virginia Department of Transportation maintains, plows and fixes most roads in Fairfax County.

More Road Information

Basic Assistance Questions

Need assistance with any difficulties you are facing - including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, healthcare and other needs?

  • Phone: 703-222-0880, TTY 711
  • Multilingual staff can assist callers in Amharic, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Swedish, Tigrinya, and Urdu. CSP services are also available in other languages through the use of an interpreter.
More Basic Assistance Information

Land Use/Building Issues

  • Zoning: Planner of the Day, 703-324-1290, TTY 711
  • Site and Subdivision Plans: Engineer of the Day, 703-324-1575, TTY 711
  • Building Permits: Permit Application Center, 703-222-0801, TTY 711

BizEX Assistance Request Confirmed

Your request has been successfully submitted!

Thank you for contacting Fairfax County’s Dept. of Economic Initiative’s Business Experience (BizEX) Partnership.

  • We have received your inquiry and aim to respond within one business day.
  • Please monitor your junk/spam folder for a response from DEIBizEX@fairfaxcounty.gov.

We look forward to working with you!

Starting a Business Guide

A Note About This Information

The purpose of BizEX is to assist entrepreneurs in learning about the permits and processes, specific to Fairfax County, that are necessary to open a business in Fairfax County. Please note that since each piece of property, every building and every business is unique, the guidance provided on these webpages is general process guidance. As you proceed through the permitting process you may receive site-specific of business-specific guidance, which will supersede this information.

There are federal and state regulations, processes and permits that are also necessary prerequisites to opening a business. Listed below are some of the most common. Please consult business advisors including legal and tax professionals who can help you make the best decisions to set your business on a path to success. We have linked to federal, state and Fairfax County-supported resources to help you. Please check out the links within the five-step Starting a Business guide and ask everyone you talk with where else you may find information.

Pay attention to your sources. Non-County information provided on these pages is shared for general education purposes. Just as you will get some overlapping information about starting a business from an attorney and an accountant, some but not all of the information from each of the resources linked on these pages may overlap. To be sure you have the most current, correct information, your best bet is to go directly to the original host source.

Black / African American Stories

Have more to share?

Your contributions will be added to a collection of resources for county students, historians and the community, entitled Black/African American Experience in Fairfax County.

Interested in recording your oral history on camera or submitting additional materials, including photos or videos? Email CollectingStories@FairfaxCounty.gov.


Black/African American Experiences Submission Form

Black/African Americans have a rich tradition of storytelling and folklore. This is your opportunity to share your stories for our whole community's benefit. Please provide complete information or reach out if you have more to share. 

Be sure to click on "Submit" at the bottom of the page to submit your form to us. You'll be taken to a verification page before finally completing the process.

1. Your Information


Name:
Address:


Call
Text
Email




2. Your Story







Additional Resources: do you have any resources you would like to include with your story? Email them to NCSBlackHistoryCommittee@fairfaxcounty.gov.


Note: when you submit this form you will first be taken to a verification screen and you are giving permission the release your story under these terms and conditions. (pdf)

 
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