Fairfax County, VA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Status
- Encouraged, not mandatory
- Approved uses
- Irrigation, fire protection, toilets/urinals
- Governing section
- County Code § 124.1-4-7
- State authority
- Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:28
Summary
Fairfax County's stormwater ordinance encourages rainwater and stormwater harvesting for irrigation, fire protection and toilet flushing, so long as systems meet applicable regulations.
Section 124.1-4-7. - Stormwater Harvesting. In accordance with Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:28, stormwater harvesting is encouraged for the purposes of landscape irrigation systems, fire protection systems, flushing water closets and urinals, and other water handling systems to the extent such systems are consistent with federal, state, and County regulations.
Full Breakdown
Section 124.1-4-7 of the County Code, tracking Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:28, states that stormwater harvesting is encouraged for landscape irrigation systems, fire protection systems, flushing water closets and urinals, and other water handling systems, provided such systems remain consistent with federal, state and County regulations. There is no permit ban or numeric size cap in this section; a rainwater harvesting system used as a stormwater BMP on a development site can also qualify for a plan-review fee credit under Appendix Q.
Violations & Fines
No violation applies to installing a harvesting system itself; failure to keep the system consistent with applicable federal, state and County regulations (e.g., plumbing cross-connection rules) is what triggers enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fairfax County allow rainwater harvesting systems?
Is a permit required for a rain barrel or cistern?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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