Community Development and Planning

The Department of Community Development and Planning is comprised of a team of professionals committed to cultivating a more livable Fairfax. We take pride in consistently providing courteous and efficient service to the community and delivering high-quality plans, programs, and development review.

The department is comprised of three divisions:

The Community Development Division manages the land use and design review approval processes, including the evaluation of applications for rezoning, special use permit, special exception, subdivision variance, and certificate of appropriateness, negotiates proffers and development conditions, and also provides staff support to the city’s Board of Architectural Review.

The Planning Division is responsible for long-range planning, including preparing and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan and other master plans, and oversees the city's urban forestry programs. The division also provides staff support to the Planning Commission.

The Zoning Administration Division administers standards for development, land use and structures in the city in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. The division is responsible for use and sign permits, site plan and subdivision review, administrative approvals and zoning compliance, bond administration, and zoning inspections and enforcement. This division also provides staff support to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Get Assistance

Helpful information on filing applications, contacting department staff, and making appointments can be found on our Current Operating Procedures page.

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