May 30, 2024
Food trucks are only able to operate in certain places, most notably to ensure they locate where there is adequate parking and space to gather around the truck. Here is some information about the types of locations and associated regulations.
Food trucks can apply to seek approval to operate as a “mobile food vendor” on a Park Authority property.
To operate on commercially or industrially zoned properties, or nonresidential parts of planned district zoned properties (i.e. mixed-use developments), the Zoning Administration Division requires approval of a Food Truck Location Permit and each food truck must have its own Food Truck Operation Permit. Up to three food trucks can simultaneously operate and there are site-specific and operational use standards that must be met for both permits.
Through the Health Department, food trucks can seek an agreement to allow them to operate on sections of five public streets. For concerns about food trucks in public streets without permission, please contact the Police Department at 703-691-2131 / TTY 711.
Open-air food stands – like those selling fruit or other goods from pickup trucks or cars with folding tables – are generally not considered food trucks and so are not approved to operate in Fairfax County.
A Health Department Food Establishment Permit is required for all food trucks, as is a Solicitors License, issued by the Department of Cable and Consumer Services.
Information about food trucks is also available in the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Food Trucks 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.
April 30, 2024
Grass Height - On April 15, 2024, the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) began accepting reports of grass height over 12 inches. DCC will continue taking reports through mid-October. Chapter 119 of the Fairfax County Code requires that grass be no taller than 12 inches on:
residential property that is developed (has a house) and is less than a half-acre (21,780 square feet);
undeveloped residential property less than one-half acre, if 90% of the lots in the subdivision have houses; and
commercial and industrial properties of any size that are developed but unoccupied (have a building but no tenants).
Managed landscaping is not subject to enforcement, which includes trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and flowers. Thinking about adding these features to your lawn or garden? Check out the Park Authority’s website for more information on planting for pollinators.
Since the 12-inch grass height limit may depend on lot size, you can use the county’s map website for help finding lot size and more. Also, DCC’s grass height website has more information about the regulations, exemptions, and what DCC does if property owners do not voluntarily cut their grass (see under How are these Rules Enforced?)
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, 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.
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.