city · Fairfax County · Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

6.8

Friction Index High Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

52 days

7-8 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$19,100

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$14,500

per lot

Permit Fee

$3,200

residential

Plan Review Fee

$1,400

per application

Delay Risk

42%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application via PLUS portal
✓ Site plan with survey and tree conservation
✓ Proffer agreement (rezonings)
✓ Comprehensive plan compliance documentation
✓ Stormwater management plan (Chesapeake Bay Act)
✓ Erosion & sediment control plan
✓ Fire Marshal review
✓ Health Department review (septic)
✓ Environmental review (RPA/floodplain)
✓ Traffic impact analysis (25+ lots)
✓ Architectural Design Guidelines compliance (HOA)
✓ Utility connection permits (water/sewer)

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Fairfax County Department of Planning & Development handles permits. Virginia's largest jurisdiction by population. Proffers required for most residential rezonings. Comprehensive plan conformance strictly enforced. Online portal available but process can be lengthy for subdivisions. Pre-application meetings strongly recommended.

Recent Changes

January 2026: Updated proffer policy guidelines for residential development. November 2025: Revised comprehensive plan amendments for Route 1 corridor. December 2025: New affordable housing requirements for developments 50+ units. Stormwater management requirements updated per Chesapeake Bay Act Phase III compliance.

Rezone Probability

52%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(703) 222-0801

Official Website

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/landdevelopment/

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