Fairfax, VA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fairfax, VA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Fact
- City arborist permit required for any public right-of-way tree
- Fact
- Tree conservation plan required during site plan review
- Fact
- Chesapeake Bay RPA buffers enforce 100 ft stream protection
- Fact
- Specimen trees over 24 to 30 inches DBH often require review
- Fact
- Illegal removal triggers replacement at appraised value plus fines
Summary
The City of Fairfax has a strong tree preservation program under its tree conservation ordinance. Removal of significant trees on private property requires evaluation and, in many cases, a permit or replacement planting. Trees in the public right-of-way, on city property, and within environmental quality corridors are strictly protected. Illegal removal can result in fines and mandatory replacement at replacement value.
§ 15.2-961. Replacement of trees during development process in certain localities.
A. Any locality with a population density of at least 75 persons per square mile or any locality within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may adopt an ordinance providing for the planting and replacement of trees during the development process pursuant to the provisions of this section. Population density shall be based upon the latest population estimates of the Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia.
B. The ordinance shall require that the site plan for any subdivision or development include the planting or replacement of trees on the site to the extent that, at 20 years, minimum tree canopies or covers will be provided in areas to be designated in the ordinance, as follows:
1. Ten percent tree canopy for a site zoned business, commercial, or industrial;
2. Ten percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned 20 or more units per acre;
3. Fifteen percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned more than 10 but less than 20 units per acre; and
4. Twenty percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned 10 units or less per acre.
D. The ordinance shall provide for reasonable provisions for reducing the tree canopy requirements or granting tree cover credit in consideration of the preservation of existing tree cover or for preservation of trees of outstanding age, size or physical characteristics.
E. The ordinance shall provide for reasonable exceptions to or deviations from these requirements to allow for the reasonable development of farm land or other areas devoid of healthy or suitable woody materials, for the preservation of wetlands, or otherwise when the strict application of the requirements would result in unnecessary or unreasonable hardship to the developer.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The City of Fairfax operates a robust urban forestry program under its tree conservation ordinance, reflecting Northern Virginia's regional emphasis on tree canopy preservation. 1 authorize localities to require tree replacement and conservation during development. Within the City of Fairfax, removal of any street tree, tree in the public right-of-way, or tree on city property is strictly prohibited without a permit from the city arborist. On private residential property, homeowners generally may remove trees on their own land for health or safety reasons, but during site plan review for construction, demolition, or subdivision, a tree conservation plan is required and replacement planting at a specified canopy percentage is mandatory.
Trees within Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act enjoy enhanced protection, and the city enforces the 100-foot RPA buffer along Daniels Run, Accotink Creek, and other streams. Specimen trees (typically defined by diameter at breast height over 24 to 30 inches depending on species) often require special review before removal. Illegal removal of protected trees can result in civil penalties, stop-work orders on associated projects, and mandatory replacement valued by certified arborists. Homeowners should contact the city's Urban Forestry program before removing any mature tree to confirm status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree in my own backyard without a permit?
Who is responsible for street trees in front of my house?
What is an RPA and how do I know if my property is in one?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fairfax County handle tree removal & heritage trees.