Fairfax County Code Chapter 104 requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan before any land-disturbing activity exceeding 2,500 square feet, enforced by Land Development Services inspectors.
Chapter 104 implements the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act for activities such as grading, clearing, or trenching. Plans must show silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances, and sequencing. A permit, surety bond, and pre-construction meeting are required. Land Development Services (LDS) inspectors visit weekly during active grading. Linear utility work, single-family lots in approved subdivisions, and emergency repairs may follow streamlined agreements in lieu of full plans. Violations can stop work countywide.
Stop-work orders, civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation under state law, restoration costs, and bond forfeiture for unresolved erosion damage.
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See how Fairfax County's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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