This page provides general info on some of the most common zoning topics relevant to homeowners.  It is recommended to contact the Department of Community Development before beginning any work and refer to the Town's full zoning text for each topic in the Online Zoning Ordinance. 

Short Term Rentals
The town has passed regulations for the operations of short-term rentals.  If you are currently renting a room or your residence through sites such as Airbnb or VRBO then you must meet all of the requirements and register with the town.  There are limits on the number of nights and the number of people that can be rented to.  You are also required to register with Fairfax County Tax Administration for payment of the Transient Occupancy Tax.  

Short-Term Rental Guidelines

Short-Term Rental Application

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Accessory dwelling units such as accessory apartments, second units, or granny flats are secondary independent units for separate living with a kitchen and bathroom for one or more occupants (maximum 3).  Consult the below process guide for more information on the zoning ordinance and application process surrounding ADUs.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Process Guide

Unidades de Vivienda Accesorias - Guía de Proceso 

Accessory Structures
Accessory structures such as sheds or detached garages are permitted.  There are height, floor area, and setback standards that regulate the size and location of all outbuildings. 

Additions to Existing Dwellings
Generally, additions to existing homes should meet the setback requirements for the zoning district in which they are located.  However, there are certain additions that can extend into the rear yard setback.  These additions are limited in their permitted size and encroachment. 

Decks
Depending on the height, decks may encroach into the required rear yards.  The extent of the allowed encroachment varies.  The Town standard deck construction details are available via the Building Inspections webpage.  

Fences
Fences are permitted and have height restrictions of 4 feet in a front yard and 7 feet elsewhere within the property.  There are certain fences such as those made of chain-link or plywood that are not permitted.  The finished side of the fence must face outward, rather than towards the interior of the lot. Contact us at community.development@herndon-va.gov or call us at 703-787-7380 for more information.   

Driveway Expansions
Driveways and parking areas are allowed in all single-family residential zoning districts, subject to certain restrictions.  Driveways and parking areas must be a paved surface.  Parking on grass, mulch, gravel, or similar is a violation.  Driveways and parking areas must be at least two feet from the property line.  Driveways and parking areas are limited to a maximum of thirty-five percent of the front yard.  This is the area between the front of the house and the front property line.  Driveways and parking areas count towards the maximum impervious coverage limit of fifty percent of the lot.  A permit is not required for driveways expansions if the apron, the portion in the town right-of-way, is not being altered.  A right-of-way permit must be obtained for any proposed changes to the driveway apron.  It is recommended that applicants contact community.development@herndon-va.gov for assistance in calculating the coverage limits of your lot.