Land use and development in Fairfax County is governed by the Zoning Ordinance, the Comprehensive Plan, the Subdivision Ordinance (County Code), and the Public Facilities Manual.

Find out how to get help if you have a neighborhood concern regarding the Zoning Ordinance. Find answers to your planning and zoning frequently asked questions. For maps and information on your neighborhood, see "My Neighborhood." For the latest news in building permits and development, view Land Development News.

Locate staff reports related to land use and development.

Use the Land Development System (LDSnet) to research zoning cases, site plans, grading plans, and waivers.

Commonly Asked Land Use Questions

1. How do I start the Rezoning, Special Exception, Variance, or Special Permit process?
2. What can I do with my property?
3. What's going on in my neighborhood?
4. What does the Comprehensive Plan say about my area?
5. What is the process for changing the Comprehensive Plan?

Complaints and Concerns

• Enhanced Code Enforcement Strike Team
• Neighborhood Concerns
• Report Land Development Environmental Concerns
• Unpermitted Work Complaints
• Zoning/Noise Complaints | Noise Ordinance
• Search Existing Code Enforcement Complaints

Comprehensive Planning

• Comprehensive Plan
• 2232 – Public Facilities Review Process
• Nominations to Amend the Plan (Area Plans Review)
• Plan Amendments | Staff Reports

Hearings, Notices, Appeals

• Board of Supervisors Meeting Schedule
• Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Dates and Agendas
• Planning Commission Hearings and Notices

Major Planning Projects and Studies

• BRAC Process
• Laurel Hill
• Springfield Connections Study (PDF)
• Tysons Corner Transportation and Urban Design Study

Site Development

• Bonds and Agreements Processes
• Building Permits
• Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance
• Grading Plans
• Places of Worship and Non-profit Organizations
• Public Facilities Manual
• Site Plan Status
• Site Development Forms
• Site Development Publications

Special Programs

• Capital Improvement Program
• Exceptional Design Awards
• Historic Preservation
• Revitalization Programs

Zoning

Application Process

• Application Process (Rezoning, Special Exception, Special Permit, Variance)
• Forms
• Interpretations of Proffers and Development Conditions
• Research Zoning Cases | Staff Reports

Requirements

• Find your Zoning District
• Lot Subdivision
• Residential Setback Requirements
• Temporary Special Permits

Zoning Ordinance

• Index / Table of Contents
• Proposed Amendments and Staff Reports
• Recently Adopted Amendments