Franchises and Licenses

Who should apply?

Franchises and licenses are official permissions granted by the City Council.

Any company, organization or individual that plans to install, operate, or maintain infrastructure within the City of Fairfax’s right of way must apply to obtain a franchise or license. This applies to:

  • Aerial, underground, and surface-level facilities
  • City easements, street rights of way, and publicly owned property

Apply for a Franchise

How to Apply

Submit a written request with detailed installation plans to:

City of Fairfax / City Manager
10455 Armstrong St.
Fairfax, VA 22030

About Franchises

  • Required for long-term, permanent infrastructure
  • Granted for up to 40 years
  • Requires public hearings and City Council approval

Approval Process

  1. Submit a written request with detailed plans
  2. City reviews and negotiates terms and conditions
  3. Public hearings are held
  4. City Council votes to approve or deny
  5. If approved, obtain right-of-way permits before construction

Franchise documents from select organizations are available upon request by emailing the City Clerk.

Apply for a License

How to Apply

Submit a written request, including any requested changes to the sample license agreement and justifications, to:

City Manager, City of Fairfax
10455 Armstrong St.
Fairfax, VA 22030

About Licenses

  • Required for short-term or temporary infrastructure
  • Granted for up to five years.
  • Faster approval (only one public hearing)

Approval Process

  1. Submit a written request with requested changes
  2. City Council holds one public hearing and votes on approval
  3. If approved, obtain right-of-way permits before installation

Small Cell and Wireless Facilities

Small Cell Facility Guidelines(PDF, 44KB)

Entities installing small cell or wireless facilities in the City of Fairfax’s right of way must follow the guidelines linked above.

These guidelines:

  • Outline aesthetic requirements for small cell and wireless facilities.
  • Describes the general process for installation.
  • Cover location and co-location guidelines.
  • Apply to installations within the city’s public rights of way.

Who does not need a franchise or license?

Private property owners – If the installation is entirely on private property, it must comply with zoning regulations but does not require a franchise or license.

Temporary right-of-way users – Items like event signs or construction barricades only require City Manager approval, not a franchise or license.

Infrastructure Requiring Approval

Below are some examples of infrastructures that require a franchise or license.

This is not a comprehensive list.

  • Power lines
  • Telephone lines
  • Gas lines
  • Fiber-optic cables
  • Transformers and electric switches
  • Groundwater monitoring wells
  • Private communication lines
  • Radio transmitters
  • Permanent signs
  • Decorative pavement
  • Nonstandard streetlights
  • Other streetscape items not maintained by the city

Need Help?

Call 703.385.7850 or email the City Clerk.

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