Showing ordinances that apply to Difficult Run, VA
Difficult Run is an unincorporated community (population 10,600) in Fairfax County, Virginia. Because Difficult Run is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Fairfax County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The home occupation permits rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Article 4 allows Home-Based Businesses (formerly "Home Occupations") as accessory uses in residential zones. Type 1 (minor) home businesses are allowed by-right without a permit; Type 2 (with clients/employees on-site) requires a Home Occupation Permit. All home businesses must be clearly secondary to residential use, occupy limited floor area, and not change the residential character of the dwelling or neighborhood.
Under Fairfax County's 2021 zMOD zoning reforms (Article 4 of the Zoning Ordinance), home-based businesses fall into two tiers. Type 1 (No-Impact) home businesses are allowed by-right with no County registration or fee — they involve only the residents, no non-resident employees, no client visits, no outdoor activity, no signage, no external evidence, and occupy no more than 25% of the dwelling floor area. Most telework, online selling, freelance writing, and professional consulting fall here. Type 2 home businesses require a Home Occupation Permit and approval from the Zoning Administration Division (ZAD). Type 2 allows: one non-resident employee (two in some zones), up to 4 client visits per day (by appointment), limited commercial vehicle parking, and limited delivery activity. Prohibited uses in any tier include auto repair, animal boarding/grooming for more than 3 animals, adult entertainment, manufacturing, equipment/vehicle storage yards, retail walk-in business, and anything creating noise, odor, smoke, vibration, or traffic beyond normal residential use. No exterior signage or display of merchandise is allowed. Parking for clients must be off-street. Storage of hazardous materials beyond household quantities is prohibited. Home day care is regulated separately under Virginia Department of Education and local zoning. Short-term rental operation requires a separate STR registration. Business license (BPOL tax) is required regardless of Type through the Department of Tax Administration. Violations are civil penalties and potential Special Exception revocation; criminal violations up to Class 1 misdemeanor.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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