Northern Virginia Fairfax Permits

New Residential Permits

Public roads in Fairfax County are built on dedicated land called the right-of-way (ROW). Because the utility strip between the owner’s property and the road is most likely ROW, it is managed and maintained by VDOT. Any activity that modifies or adds features, permanently or temporarily, on, above or below the ROW requires a Land Use Permit. Typical examples of work that requires a permit include:

1. Installing, removing, or modifying a driveway apron or sidewalk. Refer to the appropriate standards when constructing or modifying a driveway entrance. In Fairfax County, no more than two driveways will be approved for access to a lot.
2. Adding a new or relocated entrance to access your property.
3. Construction access, including the use of an existing driveway, whenever a County grading plan is required for demolition, new home construction, major renovation or site improvements.
4. Installing a private sewer and/or water connection to a single residential unit. Refer to the appropriate standard for patching open utility cuts. An open cut application must be submitted and approved prior to cutting the pavement.
5. Removing or installing any structure or landscaping in the VDOT ROW.

Permit Application Requirements

1. Property Owners must complete and sign the Permit Application. Developers must also complete the automated permit application (APAS); APAS software can be obtained at the reception desk.
2. Processing Fee ($55.00) checks only, made payable to Treasurer of Virginia.
3. One copy of the grading plan, sketch or plat detailing proposed work.
4.  Proof of ownership if not shown on the plans.

5.  Surety (Bond, Letter of Credit, or Check (payable to Treasurer of Virginia) posted by the property owner in the following amount:
        a.    Any work in the right of way (minimum $5,000)
        b.    Install or widen a driveway entrance ($5,000)
        c.    Relocate a driveway entrance ($10,000)
        d.    Construction access (minimum $5,000)
        e.    Connect sanitary sewer or water in the pavement (minimum $10,000)
        f.     Connect sanitary sewer and water in the pavement (minimum $15,000)
6. Signed 5th page of the MP-63 (by property owner)

Permit Approval, Inspection and Completion

1. Permit application may be delivered during customer service hours or mailed to the permits office – Contact Us
2. Allow 15 business days for processing.
3.  The approved permit will be emailed to the email address on the application. The name and contact information for your VDOT inspector will be included with the permit.
4.  Must contact your inspector when you are ready to start construction.
5.  Permits are monitored on a regular basis. Inspectors monitor sites for proper erosion and silt control, safety issues, and work affecting the right-of-way.
6. To extend, modify, reinstate or amend your permit, see Existing Permits.
7.  Account receivable will be set up for permits requiring pavement or curb cuts; expect to be charged for inspector’s time and equipment for at least 3 site visits.
8.  f the permit is kept open greater than 180 days permittee will be charged for at least 3 additional site visits for a 6-month re-instatement period. However, all work to be completed within one year.
9.  When the work is complete, submit a Request for Final Inspection.
10. When the final inspection is performed and the completed work is accepted by VDOT, the Completed Permit will be emailed and the surety will be released. NOTE: It may take 8 weeks or more for cash sureties to be refunded.

For any questions, e-mail us at NOVAFairfaxPermits@VDOT.Virginia.Gov or call 703.383.2888.