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

Flowcharts
Easily follow key processes with clear, easy-to-read flowcharts.
👉 Click links below to jump to a section.

How-to-Apply Guides
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 Library.

Business License Acquisition

Determine what permits, inspections, and approvals are needed prior to acquiring a Business License.
 Process  Process Flowchart  Checklist
Business License  View  English | Español
 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  English | Español
 For 5-12 Children  View  English | Español

 

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
 Commercial Development – With Site Plan  View
 Commercial Development – No Site Plan  View
 Residential Development – With Site Plan  View
 Residential Development – No Site Plan  View
 
Questions? Contact the Development Review Ombudsman:

Permits

Guides for the following permit types:

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  View | Español
 Building Permit - Residential Building permit for residential demolition, new construction, additions, alterations, and relocatable buildings.   View  View | Español
Building Permit - Elevators Building permits for installation of new elevators or modifications to existing elevators.  View Comm
 View Res		  View
Trade Permit - Commercial Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing permit for commercial structures or any structure 4 stories or greater in height.  View  View | Español
Trade Permit - Residential  Electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing permit for residential structures up to three stories.  View  View | Español

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 after you file for a Building Permit if you need to file for a Zoning Permit.  View  View | Español
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  View | Español

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 Permit (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  View | Español
 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  View | Español

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  View
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  Application link

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  View | Español

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  View | Español

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  Application link
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  Application link

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Land Use and Architectural Review

 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 use 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  Application link
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  Application link
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  View

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

Bonding

Need help? Contact Planning and Zoning:

 

 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 Application link
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 (see above).  View  N/A
Telecom Facilities This specific type of bonding is required for installation of telecommunications facilities and equipment, such as cellular antennas.  View Application link