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Historic districts in Fairfax County, VA

In a Historic Overlay District, exterior changes need Architectural Review Board approval before permits issue. SetbackIQ checks the county's HOD map.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Fairfax County before you build.

The details

  • Under state law, nothing may be built, altered or demolished in a historic district without the review board's approval. In Fairfax that is the Architectural Review Board.High confidence
  • The building official may require permits for replacement siding, roofing and windows in a historic district, even though they're normally exempt.High confidence

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SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

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Common questions

What changes in a historic district in Fairfax County?
In a Historic Overlay District, exterior changes need Architectural Review Board approval before permits issue. SetbackIQ checks the county's HOD map.

Sources

  1. Fairfax County staff report, Historic Overlay Districts Zoning Ordinance amendment (quoting Va. Code § 15.2-2306 as amended by SB 1457). Checked 2026-10-21
    No building or structure, including signs, shall be erected, reconstructed, altered or restored within any such district [without the review board's approval]... no historic landmark, building or structure within any district shall be razed, demolished or m…
  2. Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2 (pools, mechanical, electrical and flood-area items). Checked 2026-10-21
    8. Swimming pools that have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet and are less than 24 inches deep... 14.4 Replacement of mechanical appliances provided the equipment is not fueled by gas or oil in Group R-2 where serving a single-family dwelling …

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.