In general, roof snow loads are somewhere between 50-90% of the ground snow load, depending on the exposure and heat transfer.
The Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance is Chapter 112 of the County Code. It is the means of implementing the Comprehensive Plan that regulates land use and structures and creates distinct districts for land uses. The zoning ordinance is intended to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
For Fairfax County: ground snow load = 25 psf. Wind design data provided per VCC Section 1603.1. 4 to include Vult, Vasd, risk category, wind exposure, internal pressure coefficient, and design wind pressure for components and cladding.
For Fairfax County: ground snow load = 25 psf.
Ground snow load (Pg) is a measure of the weight of snow that accumulates on the ground in a specific location, representing the maximum expected snow accumulation at that site. It serves as the baseline for calculating the roof snow load, which is critical for designing structures to withstand snow-related forces.
Fairfax County is required to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC). Both codes are administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and reference the International Codes as published by the International Code Council.
The application for a permit shall be submitted on a form supplied by the local building department. The application shall contain a general description and location of the proposed work and such other information as determined necessary by the building official.
If you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us, you can report problems online, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
Permits are typically required for the following projects: alterations to existing commercial structures; commercial structures; carport enclosures; decks; demolition; electrical systems; finished basements; garages and sheds; HVAC systems; mobile homes; plumbing systems; pools, spas and hot tubs; renovations; ...