Official sources checked August 31, 2026

Fairfax County, Virginia septic permits and requirements

Virginia permitting framework

Virginia Department of Health regulates onsite sewage disposal through local health districts and works with licensed private-sector Onsite Soil Evaluators and Professional Engineers. The application path depends on whether the project is new construction, a repair, modification, voluntary upgrade, certification request, or review of an existing system. County building and zoning approvals remain separate from the VDH onsite-sewage approval.

County Health administers local septic permitting, inspection, and enforcement

Fairfax County states that its Onsite Sewage and Water Program administers state and local requirements for onsite sewage systems. The program reviews installation drawings, issues construction permits, inspects installed systems, provides owner education, and takes enforcement action when necessary.

A private soil professional starts the site-evaluation process

For a proposed onsite sewage system, Fairfax County directs the owner to hire a local soil scientist for preliminary soil investigation and then submit the application through PLUS. An Environmental Health Specialist reviews the private-sector evaluation and visits the site to determine whether an onsite system is feasible.

County inspection validates private-sector testing and the approved layout

Fairfax identifies onsite inspections that include a Level 2 review before approval, a perc check used to verify percolation or hydraulic-conductivity testing submitted by the OSE or PE, and a septic-layout inspection before the construction permit is issued. Installed systems are then inspected for compliance with the permit and applicable regulations.

Fairfax publishes current county and state septic permit fees

The county fee schedule lists a $200 Fairfax County fee for a new onsite sewage construction permit, plus the applicable Virginia state fee. For systems with design flow of 1,000 gallons per day or less, the posted state fee is $215. Fairfax also lists a $200 county plan-review fee for an alternative system and a $10 state indemnification fee. Applicants should confirm the live fee schedule before filing because project category can change the total.

Routine septic-tank pump-out is required at least every five years

Fairfax County Code Chapter 68.1 requires onsite sewage systems that do not require a VPDES permit to have the septic tank pumped at least once every five years. The county states that the pumping contractor must enter the pump-out information into PLUS.

Official sources

• Virginia Department of Health — Onsite Sewage Forms and Application Fees
• Fairfax County Health — Onsite Sewage Disposal and Private Well Water Systems
• Fairfax County Health — Environmental Health Fees Schedule
• Fairfax County Health — Environmental Health Program Inspections
• Fairfax County Health — Permit Applications, Forms and PLUS

SepticScope summarizes public-agency information for planning purposes. The permitting agency's current instructions control if they differ from this guide.