Fairfax County, VA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Tier-One limit
- 1 day, 12 hours, 150 attendees max
- Event spacing
- 5 days between one-day events
- Annual cap
- 12 events per property/year
- Tier-Two limit
- Up to 60 days
Summary
Street fairs and festivals in Fairfax County need a Tier-One or Tier-Two administrative zoning permit, capped at 12 hours for a one-day event or 60 days for longer events.
A Tier-One administrative permit may be issued for a special event that meets the following:
1. The event is limited to one day and no more than 12 hours in duration, inclusive of setup and
breakdown.
2. A minimum of five days is provided between each one-day event.
3. No more than 12 events are held for the same property each calendar year.
4. No event may occur before 7:00 AM and after 10:00 PM on Sunday through Thursday and
after 11:00 PM Friday, Saturday, and before a federal holiday.
5. The total number of attendees may not exceed 150 at any one time during the event.
(b) A Tier-Two administrative permit may be issued for the following:
1. A special event that is limited to a maximum of 60 days.
2. Seasonal sales that are limited to 45 days with 30 days between seasonal sales. This use is
exempt from site plan or minor site plan requirements per subsection 8100.7.D.
3. Carnivals and circuses limited to 21 days. If a carnival or circus is located within two miles
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
Under the Zoning Ordinance's special-event standards, a Tier-One administrative permit covers a one-day event of no more than 12 hours, held at least five days apart, with no more than 12 events per property a year and no more than 150 attendees at once. A Tier-Two permit covers longer events up to 60 days, seasonal sales up to 45 days, or carnivals and circuses up to 21 days. Anything larger requires a special permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Tier-One attendee cap, event frequency, or hours without upgrading to a Tier-Two permit or BZA special permit violates the Zoning Ordinance and can void the administrative permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can attend a Fairfax County street fair without a special permit?
Can a festival run longer than one day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia special events & permits overview
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