Fairfax County, VA Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Fairfax County is a recognized leader in Virginia for tree preservation, operating under Chapter 122 of the County Code (Tree Conservation Ordinance) and VA Code §10.1-1127.1 (Urban Forestry enabling legislation). All development subject to site plan, subdivision plat, or grading plan review must meet tree canopy coverage requirements calculated over a 10-year growth horizon — typically 10% canopy for commercial/industrial sites, 15% for townhouse developments, and 20% for single-family residential developments. Credits are given for preserved existing trees (with preservation area protected by tree save fencing during construction), new plantings per approved species list, and tree easements. The county identifies heritage trees, specimen trees, memorial trees, and street trees for special protection — removal requires explicit permitting. Street trees within the public right-of-way may not be removed without county authorization. Tree removal on private property outside of regulated development is generally not restricted (in contrast to some stricter California and Oregon jurisdictions), with exceptions for RPAs, conservation easements, and trees on public land. Within the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area RPA buffers, tree removal is heavily restricted to protect water quality. Violations — removing protected trees or failing to preserve required canopy — are subject to civil penalties, replacement requirements (often 2:1 or 3:1 replacement), and bond forfeiture. HOAs across Fairfax County frequently have architectural review covenants requiring approval before removing any mature tree on private lots.