April 1, 2026
Spring is here...Finally! Looking forward to your dream deck? This month's Code Compliance Corner has some helpful information.While this deck's handrail replacement and trellis installation are moving along seemingly well, there have been no County permits obtained to help ensure safety requirements are being met.Obtaining Permits - The Virginia Construction Code (VCC) requires permits for new buildings, decks, common renovations, and projects, such as finishing basements and installing gas appliances. The work must also pass inspection. Construction or other work done without required permits and associated inspections is called unpermitted construction and is a violation. 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.A few key points: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, DCC 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.
March 3, 2026
Homes provide the most affordable location for startup businesses. Fairfax County allows home-based business, but it is important to make sure that your business can comply with zoning limitations and other County rules before starting operations in your home.One intended purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to create and maintain conditions where people and their environment can coexist. One way it does this is by separating certain incompatible uses – like preventing businesses such as arcades and gas stations in residential districts. However, residents can operate some businesses at their home. The Zoning Ordinance calls these home-based businesses (HBBs), which require a permit and have use standards to reduce impact. Examples include offices with no customers, or music lessons for a limited number of students at a time and per day. More HBB information is available on the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Home-Based Business flyer.A few other types of commerce or business-like activities can be conducted at home but are not considered HBBs. These are also subject to limits and include: A limited riding or boarding stable (requires 2+ acres and permit);Short-term lodging (with permit);A home day care facility (zoning application approval is required for over seven children in a single-family detached dwelling or five children in other dwelling types);Caring for up to four companion animals (pets). No permit is required. However, the Zoning Ordinance limits the number of dogs on a property, and dogs receiving care from a non-owner count toward the property’s limit.Answers to frequent questions regarding business licensing is available from the Department of Tax Administration. And, for aspiring entrepreneurs, Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs) can help you find the information and support you need to start and grow your business.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.
February 2, 2026
Here We Grow! The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) is pleased to welcome employees from the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement branch to DCC.With the addition of employees from the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (ECE) branch, previously in Land Development Services, DCC brings under its purview another land use topic of common concern to residents. Below are details. Now part of DCC, these employees investigate resident reports and issue Notices of Violation and/or Stop Work Orders related to the following.Unpermitted land-disturbing activities, such as disturbing more than 2,500 square feet of land without an approved site-related planFailure to maintain private stormwater facilities in accordance with County stormwater management regulationsUnauthorized encroachments into a Resource Protection Area (RPA)Unpermitted improvements within a floodplain.While these responsibilities are essentially unchanged, bringing this additional code enforcement expertise in under DCC's purview allows for more opportunities for collaboration on issues that may span multiple codes. For example, on a property where there is excessive land disturbance, sometimes there is also construction occurring without the required building and zoning approvals. Rather than having one department investigate land disturbance while another handles the building and zoning issues, DCC will now be the lead agency for all of these.The Department of Code Compliance (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.