Who governs homeowners associations in Virginia? HOAs are subject to a number of state, federal, and local laws and are governed by a common interest community board that creates and enforces certain rules and regulations contained in the HOA's governing documents.
ADUs are currently allowed in Fairfax City on a limited basis. The Zoning Ordinance now requires the following standards for ADUs: Attached ADU Units Only: ADUs must be located within a home (i.e., not as a separate structure on the lot). If the ADU has an exterior entrance, it must be on the side or rear of the home.
An accessory structure is subordinate to a principal building on the same lot. Examples include detached garages, gazebos, playsets, and sheds.
Fence height is limited to 4 feet in most front yards. A yard that abuts a street is considered a front yard. For example, a corner lot has more than one front yard. Sight distance requirements apply on corner lots to ensure that people can see around the corner.
Livestock- and domestic fowl-keeping are allowed as an accessory use of one “animal unit” or “bird unit” per acre on any lot of 2 or more acres. The code sets definitions for animal and bird units for all livestock types (e.g., 5 goats = 1 animal unit, 32 chickens = 1 bird unit).
An accessory structure is a structure which is on the same parcel of property as a principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure. For example a residential structure may have a detached garage or storage shed for garden tools as accessory structures.
The opening must be a minimum of 5.0 square feet. Windows must have a sill 44 inches or less above the finished floor. 24" m in. All exterior walls enclosing a carport must be supported on continuous concrete footings 24 inches deep.
Permits are required for the construction of a new building, shed, deck, additions, or renovations to existing structures.
Structures over 256 square feet in size require a building permit. Also, most plumbing or electrical lines that are run to a structure require trade permits.
A building permit is required for all new residential, commercial, and industrial construction – including alterations and equipment installations in Fairfax County.