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Fairfax County, VA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee
$0 (no fee charged)
Permit required
Yes, for all installations
Re-inspection fee
Applies if inspection rejected
Issuing office
Fairfax County Building Official

Summary

Installing solar energy equipment in Fairfax County requires a building permit from the Building Official, though the county charges no permit fee for the installation itself.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Solar energy: No permit fee shall be charged to install solar energy equipment, although a permit is required for such installations and the permit holder is subject to the re-inspection fee.24.Team inspections: A fee shall be paid for each inspection involving an application for a change in use, change in occupant or other special request which requires inspection by one or more of the following disciplines: Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and/or the Fire Marshal. These fees are not credited toward the cost of permits. If the inspection is canceled 24 hours in advance by the applicant, and not conducted, the fee is refundable upon application in writing to the Building Official within three months of the date of payment.25.Tenant layouts: Except for those tenant layouts shown on the originally approved plans for a new building, separate building permits shall be required for each tenant layout. The fee shall be based on a percentage of the estimated cost of the work. A fee per plan review discipline. (i.e., building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing) may be assessed for each resubmission of plans for alterations to existing commercial buildings.26.Temporary Structures: The fee for temporary structures includes, but is not limited to tents, produce stands and sales office trailers. Sheeting and shoring are not considered temporary structures for the purpose of determining fees.

Source: Virginia Solar Freedom ActView official code

Full Breakdown

Fairfax County's fee schedule, Code Section 61-1-3(d)(23), lists solar energy equipment as a no-fee permit item but confirms a permit is still required for the installation. The permit holder remains subject to a re-inspection fee if a scheduled inspection is rejected because the work fails to meet applicable codes. Homeowners and installers must file for a building permit with the Department of Land Development Services before mounting rooftop or ground panels; skipping the permit exposes the installation to code-enforcement action even though the county charges nothing to file it.

Violations & Fines

Installing solar equipment without a building permit is unpermitted construction; the Building Official can issue a stop-work order and require the permit be obtained retroactively, plus applicable re-inspection fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Fairfax County?
Yes. Section 61-1-3(d)(23) requires a permit for solar energy equipment, but the county waives the permit fee for it.
Is there a fee to file the solar permit?
No base permit fee is charged, but a re-inspection fee applies if a scheduled inspection is rejected.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

All Fairfax County rules

Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia solar energy overview

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