March 29, 2024
A donation drop-off box can be a convenient place for the often-fulfilling experience of donating. However, because donation drop-off boxes may not work well in every location, like a neighborhood, there are Zoning Ordinance rules. Below are some common standards, with additional information available on our website.
Certain commercial properties (C-5, C-6, C-7 and C-8 Districts) may have donation drop-off boxes. These properties must be at least 40,000 square feet in size and have a building (example: shopping center).
Residentially zoned land with a nonresidential building, like a school, can have donation drop-off boxes.
Properties subject to zoning approvals like a special permit or special exception usually cannot have these boxes, unless specifically allowed through the approval process.
Boxes must:
be limited to two per property.
not exceed 6 ft. in width or length, or 7 ft. in height.
be in a safe and permitted location - meeting front setback and not interfering with vehicles, pedestrians, or fire department access.
display contact information for who’s responsible.
Items left outside the box must be cleared within 24 hours.
Unfortunately, sometimes donation drop-off boxes are relocated to unpermitted locations or the areas near the boxes overflow with items that don’t get picked up as required. If you have concerns, the Department of Code Compliance 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.
February 29, 2024
Many people love sharing their home with an animal, but few may know the Zoning Ordinance regulates the types, numbers, and ways that animals can be kept. Below are some of the most common zoning considerations for the keeping of animals. Additional and more specific information is available on our animals and pets website.
You can have up to two dogs on any lot. If you want more than two, it will depend on the size of your lot. Dogs must be licensed in Fairfax County.
Roosters are only permitted as part of an agricultural operation, like a farm.
You need at least two acres for keeping of chickens and other poultry, and livestock, such as horses, goats, and llamas.
Structures, such as barns, beehives, cages, and pens, must meet location requirements so that they are setback from property lines to minimize impacts on other lots.
There are no zoning limits on cats but residents are encouraged to consider options, such as microchipping, spaying, or neutering to prevent growth of community cat populations.
Since many limits depend on the size of your lot, you may be wondering how large your lot is. Information on how to access this information and more about your property can be found on the county’s map website. Pet owners should also know about the Animal Shelter’s Pet Resource Center which provides information about vaccinations, help with supplies, and finding veterinary care.
The Department of Code Compliance 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.
January 31, 2024
The use of a home for Short-Term Lodging (STL) - the occupancy of a dwelling for less than 30 days in a row - is regulated by the Zoning Ordinance. Only a resident of the home (including renters with owner permission) can operate an STL and must get an STL permit before beginning rentals. Standards exist to keep occupants safe and minimize impacts on the surrounding community. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to reports or complaints of STL conducted in violation of Zoning Ordinance requirements or limitations. STL rules include, but are not limited to:
An STL unit can only be rented for up to 60 nights per calendar year.
Online posts for STL must include the STL permit number.
Only six adults are allowed in an STL rental.
Events or gatherings of anyone other than the short-term renters, such as weddings or reunions, are not allowed.
STL permits are valid for two years, at which point a new permit is required. Permits can be searched or applied for in PLUS. More information about STLs and permitting is available from the Department of Planning and Development.
What happens during an investigation?
Reports or complaints come from the community or are referred to us from other agencies. They can be anonymous, but we encourage people to leave contact information.
Investigators visit the property, take pictures, and try to contact the owner or tenants to explain why we are there.
If problems need to be fixed, we issue a “Notice of Violation,” or NOV, which says what needs to be done to correct issues. The NOV also gives a deadline for bringing the property into compliance.
Investigators communicate with the owner or whoever is responsible, so everyone understands what is expected. More time may be given as long as there is active work being done toward compliance.
After deadlines have passed, a reinspection is done to make sure issues have been resolved.
If the person(s) found responsible refuses to comply with the NOV, and our efforts to motivate and assist them aren’t successful, then we may take legal action, including fines and penalties.
We are 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, 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.