The following is a list of rules that generates the most complaints by residents of Gum Springs. Recently enacted ordinances and policies is also posted. For more detailed information concerning a specific ordinance or policy, visit the www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
Reporting suspected tax evaders
Click here to read how to report vehicles evading registration and taxes in Fairfax County
Parking
Parking within 10 feet of driveways
- Parking not allowed within 10 feet of driveways. Fairfax County Police Department is responsible for enforcement of Ordinance 82-5-1(a)(2). Contact Fairfax County Police Non-emergency 703-691-2131
Vehicles Parked on Lawn
Cars, trailers, and other vehicles may not be parked on the front yard of a home — but they may be parked in the rear or side yard.
Commercial vehicles may not park on residential streets, including
There are two exceptions to this rule— one licensed taxicab or limousine per home may park on the street.Commercial vehicles also may park on the street temporarily while performing work or service.
Vehicles commonly perceived as commercial — such as U-Haul trucks and trailers or vans used by a plumber or an electrician — may be parked on the street.
Construction
Equipment Construction equipment may be kept anywhere on the property if there is a valid building permit and work is in progress.
Inoperable Vehicles
Cars, trucks or vehicles that do not work may only be kept on a residential lot if they are within a fully enclosed building or structure, or are kept completely screened or shielded from view in accordance with Chapter 110 of the Code. An inoperable vehicle is defined as one that:
Cars, trailers, and other vehicles may not be parked on the front yard of a home — but they may be parked in the rear or side yard.
Commercial vehicles may not park on residential streets, including
- Tractor-trailers
- Semi-trailers
- Cement-mixers
- Garbage trucks
- Construction equipment
- Trucks, trailers or semi-trailers for transporting lawn-care equipment or storing or selling food.
There are two exceptions to this rule— one licensed taxicab or limousine per home may park on the street.Commercial vehicles also may park on the street temporarily while performing work or service.
Vehicles commonly perceived as commercial — such as U-Haul trucks and trailers or vans used by a plumber or an electrician — may be parked on the street.
Construction
Equipment Construction equipment may be kept anywhere on the property if there is a valid building permit and work is in progress.
Inoperable Vehicles
Cars, trucks or vehicles that do not work may only be kept on a residential lot if they are within a fully enclosed building or structure, or are kept completely screened or shielded from view in accordance with Chapter 110 of the Code. An inoperable vehicle is defined as one that:
- Does not start and move under its own power; or
- Does not display valid license plates; or
- Does not display a valid inspection decal or one that has been expired for more than 60 days.
- Five or less vehicles: Police Department Traffic Division Impound Section,703-280-0716 or email.
- Six or more vehicles: Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
- Call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300
- Read the County Code (Chapter 110)
Noise Violations
In general, people may not make loud, unnecessary noises. Currently, the county is working to update its noise ordinance. Call the Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314, for more information. Click here to view in detail the noise ordinance effective February 17, 2016. However, the existing rules prohibit the following kinds of noises during certain hours:
Barking Dogs
Animals may not frequently howl, bark, meow, squawk or make noises that can be heard across property boundaries or through common walls within a building.
For complaints, contact the Police Department non-emergency number, 703-691-2131.
Construction Activity
Construction or demolition equipment may not be used outside between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and they may not be used before 9 a.m. on Sundays and federal holidays.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Loudspeakers/Amplifiers
Loudspeakers, or any other sound amplification devices may not be used between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Trash Collection
Trash or recycling may not be picked up in residential neighborhoods between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For complaints, contact Solid Waste Management, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, 703-324-5230. If possible, note descriptive information about the truck, such as color, truck number, license plate number, etc.
Vehicles
Cars may not be repaired outside between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and trucks may not be loaded or unloaded outside within 100 yards of a home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Yardwork
Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and other power tools or equipment may not be used between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Barking Dogs
Animals may not frequently howl, bark, meow, squawk or make noises that can be heard across property boundaries or through common walls within a building.
For complaints, contact the Police Department non-emergency number, 703-691-2131.
Construction Activity
Construction or demolition equipment may not be used outside between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and they may not be used before 9 a.m. on Sundays and federal holidays.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Loudspeakers/Amplifiers
Loudspeakers, or any other sound amplification devices may not be used between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Trash Collection
Trash or recycling may not be picked up in residential neighborhoods between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For complaints, contact Solid Waste Management, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, 703-324-5230. If possible, note descriptive information about the truck, such as color, truck number, license plate number, etc.
Vehicles
Cars may not be repaired outside between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and trucks may not be loaded or unloaded outside within 100 yards of a home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Yardwork
Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and other power tools or equipment may not be used between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Code Compliance, 703-324-1300.
Recent New Ordinance/Policy
Prohibition Against the Operation of Model Aircraft in Fairfax County
FAA advisory circular, AC 91-57A, issued September 3, 2015 effectively prohibits the operation of model aircraft within 30 nautical miles of Ronald Reagan National Airport. This area includes all of Fairfax County. The guidance effectively states that all model aircraft and drone use in this area should cease immediately, unless the activity is specifically authorized by the FAA. This includes AMA approved model aircraft flying areas.
The FAA is currently creating a “small unmanned aircraft system rule” that is due to be released in early 2016, which is expected to ease some of the restrictions on UAS use in the area, and may well reinstate the authorization for model aircraft use at approved flying parks.
FAA advisory circular, AC 91-57A, issued September 3, 2015 effectively prohibits the operation of model aircraft within 30 nautical miles of Ronald Reagan National Airport. This area includes all of Fairfax County. The guidance effectively states that all model aircraft and drone use in this area should cease immediately, unless the activity is specifically authorized by the FAA. This includes AMA approved model aircraft flying areas.
The FAA is currently creating a “small unmanned aircraft system rule” that is due to be released in early 2016, which is expected to ease some of the restrictions on UAS use in the area, and may well reinstate the authorization for model aircraft use at approved flying parks.
Tethering a dog for more than one cumulative hour during any 24-hour period, unless the dog is under the direct supervision and control of its owner or custodian, is now prohibited in Fairfax County. The Board of Supervisors voted on November 17, 2015 to amend the Fairfax County Code to incorporate the Code of Virginia’s cruelty to animals provisions along with the tethering provision.
According to the amendment:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to tether a dog for more than one hour cumulatively within any 24 hour period, whether or not the tethered dog has been provided adequate space as defined in the Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6500, as amended, unless the dog is under the direct supervision and control of its owner or custodian.”
The amendment is modeled after the City of Richmond’s tethering ordinance, determined to be the best fit based on a survey of jurisdictions across Virginia, and endorsed as model legislation by the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies. Other cities and counties in Virginia that have enacted tethering legislation include:
According to the amendment:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to tether a dog for more than one hour cumulatively within any 24 hour period, whether or not the tethered dog has been provided adequate space as defined in the Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6500, as amended, unless the dog is under the direct supervision and control of its owner or custodian.”
The amendment is modeled after the City of Richmond’s tethering ordinance, determined to be the best fit based on a survey of jurisdictions across Virginia, and endorsed as model legislation by the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies. Other cities and counties in Virginia that have enacted tethering legislation include:
- City of Fairfax
- City of Alexandria
- Arlington County
- Fauquier County
- Hampton
- Suffolk
- First violation — Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by fine of up to $500.
- Second violation (whether or not involving the same dog) within one year of first violation — Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fine of up to $1,000 and/or penalty of up to six months in jail.
- All subsequent violations within one year of first violation — Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by fine of up to $2,500 and/or penalty of up to one year in jail.