Fairfax County, VA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Fairfax County, VA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max height (≤36,000 sq ft lot)
- 20 feet
- Setback, 8.5-12 ft tall shed
- 5 feet side/rear
- Setback, over 12 ft tall
- District side setback; rear = height
- First violation penalty
- $200 civil penalty
Summary
Fairfax County caps freestanding sheds on typical lots at 20 feet tall and sets side/rear setbacks that scale with height under the zoning ordinance's accessory-structure standards.
(c) Maximum Height On lots 36,000 square feet in size or less, when accessory to a single-family dwelling, the height of an enclosed freestanding accessory structure may not exceed 20 feet; however, the BZA may approve a special permit for an increase in height... 2. If the structure is between eight and one-half feet in height and 12 feet in height, it must be located a minimum of five feet from any side lot line and a minimum of five feet from any rear lot line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
On lots of 36,000 square feet or less, an enclosed freestanding accessory structure such as a shed may not exceed 20 feet in height without a BZA special permit. Setbacks scale with height: sheds up to 8.5 feet need no side or rear setback, 8.5-12 feet need 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, and over 12 feet must meet the district's full side setback and a rear setback equal to the structure's height.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a shed that violates the Zoning Ordinance is an infraction: a $200 civil penalty for the first violation, $500 for each later violation from the same facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a shed be in Fairfax County?
Does a shed need a setback from the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
How Fairfax County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia accessory structures overview
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