The City of Fairfax operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under a Virginia DEQ permit and enforces the Virginia Stormwater Management Act. Land-disturbing activities over 2,500 square feet typically require erosion and sediment control and stormwater management plans. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited.
The City of Fairfax is a regulated MS4 locality under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (VA Code Β§62.1-44.15:24 et seq.). The City has its own Virginia DEQ-issued MS4 permit and enforces state stormwater regulations locally. Any land-disturbing activity of 2,500 square feet or more in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (which covers the entire City) requires an erosion and sediment control plan approved by the City. Projects over 10,000 square feet require a full stormwater management plan demonstrating water quality and water quantity controls meeting state technical criteria. New development must manage runoff to meet phosphorus load reduction targets. Existing single-family residential redevelopment has streamlined but not exempted requirements. The City prohibits illicit discharges to the storm drain system including wash water, paint, oil, sediment, chlorinated pool water, and yard waste. Violations can result in fines up to $32,500 per day under the state act for serious violations. The City has active stream restoration programs on Accotink Creek and Daniels Run and participates in Chesapeake Bay TMDL compliance. Residents are encouraged to install rain gardens, rain barrels, and conservation landscaping; some of these qualify for grant programs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fairfax, VA
City of Fairfax Code Chapter 62 (Noise) establishes nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends and holida...
Fairfax, VA
The City of Fairfax primarily enforces noise using a plainly-audible standard, but commercial and industrial zones carry implied decibel limits of roughly 65...
Fairfax, VA
Commercial establishments in the City of Fairfax must keep HVAC, loading, trash compaction, and amplified sound within limits set by Chapter 62 and the zonin...
Fairfax, VA
City of Fairfax prohibits using RVs or campers for habitation on public streets. VA Code Β§46.2-1222.1 authorizes Fairfax City to regulate or prohibit parking...
Fairfax, VA
Commercial vehicles in the City of Fairfax are restricted from overnight parking on residential streets and in residential zoning districts. Vehicles over 12...
Fairfax, VA
On-street parking in the City of Fairfax is generally permitted in residential areas unless posted. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, on sidewalks, b...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fairfax County.
See how other cities in Fairfax County handle stormwater management.
See how Fairfax's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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