Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

What are the restrictions on the placement of sheds in residential yards

The County regulates the location of all storage sheds and, in some instances, also requires the approval of a Building Permit prior to the establishment of a shed on a lot.  The Zoning Ordinance contains regulations regarding the permitted location for a shed based on the total height of the structure. 

For Zoning Ordinance purposes, the total height of the shed is measured from the lowest ground level adjoining the shed to the highest point of the structure. Generally:

• A shed is not allowed in any front yard.


• A shed that is 8 1/2 feet or less in total height may be located anywhere in a side or rear yard.


• A shed that exceeds 8 1/2 feet in total height cannot be located closer to the rear lot line than a distance equal to its height and cannot be located closer to the side lot line than a distance equal to the minimum required side yard setback for the lot.

Building Permits are required for sheds that are attached to an existing structure and for detached sheds or other accessory structures that are over 150 square feet in area. For information on whether a Building Permit is required, please contact the Permit Application Center of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at 703-222-0801.

Are you planning to build a shed or fence on your property this summer?  Be sure to check all regulations before you start your project.  Fairfax County has regulations regarding sheds and fences and in some instances a Building Permit may be required.  In addition, homeowners associations often regulate these structures as well.

Accessory Storage Sheds
The County regulates the location of all storage sheds and, in some instances, also requires the approval of a Building Permit prior to the establishment of a shed on a lot.  Building Permits are required for sheds that are attached to an existing structure and for detached sheds or other accessory structures which are over 150 square feet in area or which exceed 8 1/2 feet in wall height.  For information on whether a Building Permit is required, please contact the Permit Application Center of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at 703-222-0801.

The location of sheds on a lot is controlled by the Zoning Ordinance, which has regulations regarding the permitted location for a shed on a lot based on the total height of the structure, which is measured from the lowest ground level adjoining the shed to the highest point of the structure.  These regulations apply regardless of whether or not a Building Permit is required.  Before locating a shed on your property, please contact the Zoning Permit Review Branch of the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-324-1359.

Fences/Walls
The County's Zoning Ordinance regulates the location of fences and walls on a lot based on the height of the fence or wall.  On most residential lots, such as those in Westlawn, the Zoning Ordinance only allows a fence or wall of 4 feet or less on those areas of the lot that are nearer to any street or front lot line than the house.  In a side or rear yard, a fence or wall of not more than 7 feet is generally allowed.

For specific information regarding your property and designation of the yards on your lot, please contact the Zoning Permit Review Branch of the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-222-1082.  In many instances, a Building Permit is not required for a fence.  However, masonry fences and walls do require the approval of a Building Permit prior to construction.