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Trees in Fairfax County, VA

Fairfax's tree conservation rules (Chapter 122) attach to development plans, not to an ordinary house lot. In a Resource Protection Area, removing vegetation needs county approval. Check any proffers or plan conditions on your subdivision.

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

The details

  • In an RPA, removing vegetation needs Bay Act review.High confidence
  • Keep deep-rooted trees at least 20 ft from a house on marine clay.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

Can I take down a tree on my own lot in Fairfax County?
Fairfax's tree conservation rules (Chapter 122) attach to development plans, not to an ordinary house lot. In a Resource Protection Area, removing vegetation needs county approval. Check any proffers or plan conditions on your subdivision.

Sources

  1. Fairfax County LDS, FAQs on Resource Protection Areas (Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, Chapter 118). Checked 2026-10-21
    Any development, land disturbing activity or other use within an RPA generally requires prior approval from the county... [Fences are allowed without an exception if they don't block surface flow or remove trees; sheds, detached garages, pools, gazebos and …
  2. Fairfax County LDS, Homeowner's Guide to Marine Clay. Checked 2026-10-21
    Under the Problem Soils Ordinance (Chapter 107), a soil report prepared by a qualified geotechnical engineer is required for new construction and grading work in marine clay areas... Footings in marine clay must be at least 4 feet deep... A building permit …

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.