Permit Process Guides

Find step-by-step flowcharts and how-to-apply guides to help you navigate permitting and development processes.

For applications currently available in our permit portal, get detailed, step-by-step instructions for applying, including the required submission materials for each type. 

For record types not yet available in the permit portal, the tables on this page will include a link to the application package, which contains further information on how to apply.

To see a complete list of applications and permits available in the city, please visit our Permit & Application Hub.

Business License Acquisition

Determine what permits, inspections, and approvals are needed prior to acquiring a Business License.

Business License

Questions? Contact the Development Ombudsman:

In-Home Daycare

In the City of Fairfax, in-home daycares are called Family Daycare Homes and are divided into two categories: 4 or fewer children, or 5-12 children. Each category has its own unique set of requirements. The guides below will outline all of the approvals needed to operate one of these establishments, including County and State approvals.

For 4 or Fewer Children

For 5-12 Children

Questions? Contact the Development Ombudsman:

Overall Development Process

High-level flowcharts for the overall development process from concept meetings to construction to occupancy.

Mixed-Use Development

Commercial Development - With Site Plan

Commercial Development - No Site Plan

Residential Development - With Site Plan

Residential Development - No Site Plan

Questions? Contact the Development Review Ombudsman:

Building and Trade Permits

Building Permit - Commercial

Building permit for commercial structures or any structure 4 stories or greater in height. Includes demolition, new construction, additions, alterations, tenant fit-outs, and relocatable buildings.

Building Permit - Residential

Building permit for residential demolition, new construction, additions, alterations, and relocatable buildings.

Building Permit - Elevators

Building permits for installation of new elevators or modifications to existing elevators.  

Trade Permit - Commercial

Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing permit for commercial structures or any structure 4 stories or greater in height.

Trade Permit - Residential

Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing permit for residential structures up to three stories.

 

Need help? Contact Code Administration:

Zoning Permits

Zoning Permit - Commercial

Zoning Permits accompany Building Permits and allow staff to ensure construction work is zoning compliant. Commercial Zoning Permits are applied for in the permit portal under a separate application from Building Permits. Staff will contact you are you file for a Building Permit if you need to file for a Zoning Permit.

Zoning Permit - Residential 

Zoning Permits accompany Building Permits and allow staff to ensure construction work is zoning compliant. Residential Zoning Permits and Building Permits are applied for at the same time in the permit portal.

 

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Fire Permits

Fire Prevention Permits

Building permits for installation of or modifications to fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or alternate fire extinguishing system.

Fire Prevention Code (FPC) Permits

This permit is required when a Fire Marshal inspection is performed. For commercial spaces, this inspection will take place annually. The Office of Code Administration will contact you if this form/inspection are required as part of any permits you have in review.

 

Need help? Contact Code Administration:

Commercial and Residential Use Permits

Commercial Use and Occupancy (CU&O)

Required for any new businesses in the City, for businesses relocating within the City, or for businesses changing their operations, name, or ownership.

Minor Home Occupations

Required to operate a business out of your personal residence. These include office uses, educational uses for a limited number of students, and in-home kitchen production for commercial sales.

 

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Sign Permits

Required to install permanent signs for businesses (wall-mounted, ground-mounted, window, awning, etc.). A valid Commercial use and Occupancy Permit must be approved prior to a sign permit being issued.

 

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Tree Removal Permits

Required to remove a tree from your property that is 5 inches in diameter at standard height (4.5 feet above the ground). For properties zoned RL, RM, or RH, a permit is only needed if the property is larger than half an acre.

 

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Site Plans

Site Plan

Required for development disturbing 2,500 SF of land area or more. Involves technical plan review by several City departments.

House Grading Plan

Required in order to build a new single-family detached house in the City. Involves technical plan review by several City departments.

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Land Use and Architectural Review (BAR)

Land Use - Special Use, Special Exceptions, Planned Development, Rezoning

Needed in order to construct or operate something that is not consistent with Zoning Requirements (e.g. doesn't meet by-right or dimensional standards). Requires a public hearing where either the Board of Zoning Appeals or City Council vote to approve or deny the request.

BAR (Certificate of Appropriateness) - Major

Architectural review for major changes to the exterior of a structure or property, including but not limited to: New buildings, additions, painting. Excludes most residential uses.

BAR (Certificate of Appropriateness) - Minor

Architectural review for minor changes to the exterior of a structure or property, including but not limited to: Awnings, changes to windows and doors, lighting, and signage in certain Overlay Districts. Excludes most residential uses.

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Bonding

Site, Siltation, Warranty

Bonding must be in place for development that required a site plan or house grading plan to guarantee completion of site and utility improvements. 

Bond Release, Single-Family Construction

This flowchart demonstrates the bond release process for single-family detached house construction. This is part of the Residential Zoning Permit process.

Telecom Facilities

This specific type of bonding is required for installation of telecommunications facilities and equipment, such as cellular antennas.

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

 

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