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.

Process  Process Flowchart Checklist
Business License View Flowchart(PDF, 272KB) English Checklist(PDF, 112KB) | Español(PDF, 124KB)

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.

Daycare Type  Process Flowchart Checklist
For 4 or Fewer Children View Flowchart(PDF, 256KB) English Checklist(PDF, 105KB) | Español(PDF, 113KB)
For 5-12 Children View Flowchart(PDF, 261KB) English Checklist(PDF, 108KB) | Español(PDF, 112KB)

Questions? Contact the Development Ombudsman:

Overall Development Process

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

Development Type Process Flowchart
Mixed-Use Development View Flowchart(PDF, 261KB)
Commercial Development - With Site Plan View Flowchart(PDF, 262KB)
Commercial Development - No Site Plan View Flowchart(PDF, 272KB)
Residential Development - With Site Plan View Flowchart(PDF, 264KB)
Residential Development - No Site Plan View Flowchart(PDF, 216KB)

Questions? Contact the Development Review Ombudsman:

Permits

Building and Trade Permits

Permit Type Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 267KB) View Instructions(PDF, 612KB) | Español(PDF, 900KB)
Building Permit - Residential  Building permit for residential demolition, new construction, additions, alterations, and relocatable buildings. View Flowchart(PDF, 292KB) View Instructions(PDF, 991KB) | Español(PDF, 1MB)  
Building Permit - Elevators  Building permits for installation of new elevators or modifications to existing elevators.  View Comm. Flowchart(PDF, 267KB) |
 View Res. Flowchart(PDF, 292KB)		 View Instructions(PDF, 653KB)
Trade Permit - Commercial  Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing permit for commercial structures or any structure 4 stories or greater in height. View Flowchart(PDF, 267KB)   View Instructions(PDF, 565KB) | Español(PDF, 920KB)
Trade Permit - Residential  Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing permit for residential structures up to three stories. View Flowchart(PDF, 292KB)   View Instructions(PDF, 530KB) | Español(PDF, 894KB)

Need help? Contact Code Administration:

 

Zoning Permits

Permit Type  Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 267KB) View Instructions(PDF, 579KB) | Español(PDF, 934KB)
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 292KB)   View Instructions(PDF, 991KB) | Español(PDF, 1MB)  

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

 

Commercial Use & Occupancy Permits and Minor Home Occupations

Permit Type  Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 256KB) View Instructions(PDF, 517KB) | Español(PDF, 949KB)
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 204KB) View Instructions(PDF, 450KB) | Español(PDF, 708KB)

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

 

Fire Safety Permits

Permit Type  Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
Fire Protection Permits Building permits for installation of or modifications to fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or alternate fire extinguishing system. View Flowchart(PDF, 236KB) View Instructions(PDF, 514KB)
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 248KB) View Application(PDF, 4MB)

Need help? Contact Code Administration:

 

Tree Removal Permits

Permit Type Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 222KB) View Instructions(PDF, 491KB) | Español(PDF, 810KB)

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

 

Sign Permits

Permit Type Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
Sign Permit (Permanent) 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. View Flowchart(PDF, 275KB) View Instructions(PDF, 760KB) | Español(PDF, 1MB)

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Site Plans

Permit Type  Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
Site Plan  Required for development disturbing 2,500 SF of land area or more. Involves technical plan review by several City departments. View Flowchart(PDF, 290KB) Application Link(PDF, 3MB)
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 271KB) View Application(PDF, 2MB)

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Land Use and Architectural Review (BAR)

Application Type  Description Process Flowchart How To Apply
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.  View Flowchart(PDF, 272KB) Application Link(PDF, 505KB)
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.  View Flowchart(PDF, 232KB) Application Link(PDF, 198KB)
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.  View Flowchart(PDF, 232KB) How to Apply(PDF, 600KB)  

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Bonding

 Bonding Type Description Process Flowchart Application Package
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.  View Flowchart(PDF, 253KB) Application Link(PDF, 327KB)
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. View Flowchart(PDF, 254KB) N/A 
Telecom Facilities  This specific type of bonding is required for installation of telecommunications facilities and equipment, such as cellular antennas. View Flowchart(PDF, 217KB) Application Link(PDF, 993KB)  

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

 

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