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October 8, 2024
The Virginia Construction Code (VCC) requires permits for new buildings, common renovations, and projects, such as finishing basements and installing gas appliances, and for the work to pass inspection. Construction or other work done without required permits and associated inspections violates the VCC and is called “unpermitted construction.” In Fairfax County, Land Development Services (LDS) oversees the permit review, permit issuance, and inspections processes. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to reports of potential unpermitted construction, and enforces the requirements to get permits and inspections. DCC’s recently updated Unpermitted Construction webpage has additional information to help property owners, contractors, and those with concerns about potential issues in their neighborhood.
A few points to highlight include:
When responding to a report, if DCC finds unpermitted construction, they will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) that explains the issues and responsibilities.
A NOV requires an owner to correct the problem by getting the required permits and inspections or by removing the construction. DCC may allow more time to comply depending on the circumstances – such as waiting for a permit application to be approved.
While DCC’s goal is always to obtain voluntary compliance, the agency may ask the courts to impose fines or issue a court order if parties are unwilling to act.
Receiving a permit and having proper inspections are important steps to ensuring work is done safely. The permit process also allows the County to review other regulations that might apply, such as setbacks and height limitations for structures and other Zoning Ordinance provisions.
DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
September 1, 2024
The Zoning Ordinance regulates fence height and the location of sheds. Here are some key points and resources for residential lots.
Fence height is limited to 4 feet in most front yards. A yard that abuts a street is considered a front yard. For example, a corner lot has more than one front yard. Sight distance requirements apply on corner lots to ensure that people can see around the corner. In side and rear yards, fences can be up to 7 feet in height. Some lots that abut a major thoroughfare may have higher fence heights. More information is available on the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Residential Fences and Walls flyer.
Sheds must meet the same location regulations as detached garages and similar accessory structures. On properties 36,000 square feet or less, sheds cannot be in a front yard. The following location regulations apply in a side or rear yard, depending on the shed’s height.
Not exceeding 8.5 feet tall - no setback from the side or rear lot line required.
Between 8.5 feet and 12 feet tall - must be at least 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines.
Greater than 12 feet tall - must meet the zoning district’s minimum side setback and be located at least a distance equal to the shed’s height from the rear lot line.
More information on these location regulations is available on DCC’s Accessory Structure Location flyer.
Although most fences do not require a building permit, a shed may. The size of the shed will determine if a building permit is needed, and other permits may be required if any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing is installed. Land Development Services’ website provides more information about when a project requires a permit.
DCC is here to help - if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
August 1, 2024
The Zoning Ordinance defines a sign and regulates signs through Article 7 (Sign Ordinance). This ordinance seeks to protect and enhance communities a few different ways, including the prohibition of moving or windblown signs, such as inflatables or feather flags, and any sign that displays flashing or animated lights. For example, a “wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube-man” visible from a street is prohibited. Signs that are temporary and removable, but not prohibited, may be deemed minor signs. Minor signs can include those on storefront windows, which up to 30% coverage is allowed; however, the following applies if a storefront sign is illuminated:
4 square feet maximum
limited to business hours
no flashing on and off
no changeable copy (it can only show one message - example: “OPEN”)
Other signs, like the sign that lets you know the various stores in a shopping center, are allowed through permit processes.
If a sign is along a roadway, it is probably in the Virginia Department of Transportation right-of-way (“VDOT ROW” or “ROW”). Fairfax County obtained VDOT permission for the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) to have an Illegal Sign Removal Program for 99 heavily traveled ROWs. More information is on DCC’s ROW Sign Removal Program flyer.
DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035. DCC does not take in reports of signs illegally placed in the ROW, but we take questions and please rest assured signs subject to removal under our Illegal Sign Removal Program are addressed.