Fairfax County Shed, Solar, and Trade Permit Guide

Fairfax County requires specific residential record types for larger sheds, solar installations, electrical work, HVAC work, plumbing work, and related child trade permits.

Permit takeaway

A residential new building permit covers detached structures such as sheds over 256 square feet, while solar and trade permits use their own residential record types.

Zoning and placement

Detached structures and ground-mounted equipment can require site review, and incorporated towns such as Vienna or Clifton may require separate town approvals for some work.

Building and trade review

Associated trade permits can be linked to a parent building permit, and Fairfax notes that electrical and plumbing permits can be obtained after the building permit is issued.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if a shed is over 256 square feet, the project includes solar, EV charging, HVAC replacement, gas piping, service upgrades, or work in a town with separate approval.

Documents to prepare

• PLUS record information
• Shed or solar plans
• Electrical scope
• Parent permit number for child trade permits
• Town approval if applicable

Inspection planning

• Choose new building, solar, or trade record
• Upload required documents
• Link child trade permits when needed
• Download approved permits
• Schedule building and trade inspections

Official sources

• Fairfax County New Building Residential
• Fairfax County Solar Residential
• Fairfax County Mechanical Residential

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.