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Fairfax Demolition Permit Cost (2026)

Residential demolition permit fees in Fairfax County, Virginia, pulled from Appendix Q of the FY2027 Land Development Services Fee Schedule on fairfaxcounty.gov. Fairfax County prices demolition two ways under Appendix Q FY2027 (effective July 1, 2026): demolition of an entire structure is a flat $141.75 permit fee (I-B(F)), while partial demolition is 3% of the demolition cost with a $141.75 minimum. Every permit adds the 2% Virginia state levy (I-A.12) and Fairfax's 10% technology surcharge (Part III), both applied to the permit fee. Tearing down an entire detached garage or an entire house costs $158.77 all-in regardless of the contractor's bid. A $5,000 partial demolition runs $168.00. An $8,000 partial demolition runs $268.80. A $15,000 partial demolition runs $504.00. A $30,000 partial demolition runs $1,008.00. Partial demolition carries a 3.36% effective combined rate above $4,725 of cost; entire-structure demolition never scales with value.

Entire Structure
Flat $141.75 permit fee
$30k Partial Demolition
$1,008.00 all-in
Entire Structure All-In
$158.77 (any value)
$8k Partial Demolition
$268.80 all-in
Partial Demolition Rate
3% of cost (3.36% all-in)
Fee Status
Verified Appendix Q FY2027
What This Guide Covers - and What It Does Not

This guide covers: Fairfax County, Virginia residential structural demolition permit fees under the Appendix Q demolition line item captured from the FY2027 Land Development Services Fee Schedule on fairfaxcounty.gov. Coverage includes the flat $141.75 permit fee for demolition of an entire structure (Appendix Q I-B(F)), the 3% of demolition cost rate for partial demolition with a $141.75 minimum, the 2% Virginia USBC state levy (I-A.12) and the 10% Fairfax technology surcharge (Part III), both applied to the permit fee. The flat fee applies to full tear-down of detached garages, sheds, accessory structures, and single-family homes. Example 1 below prices an $8,000 detached garage tear-down under the flat fee.

This guide does NOT cover: Interior cosmetic demolition (removing drywall, flooring, fixtures) that does not affect structure, electrical, or plumbing - this work is typically exempt from a demolition permit per Fairfax County's residential exemption rule. Partial interior demolition may instead be filed as a residential alteration (same 3% of cost formula, different conditions). Trade permit disconnect fees (electrical service disconnect, plumbing cap, gas line termination) are required before structural demolition begins and are filed under separate fee schedules; these are NOT included in the demolition permit fee. Demolition of multi-family or commercial structures uses a different fee category. Hazardous material abatement (asbestos, lead paint) requires separate VDH permits. Land disturbance / sediment-and-erosion-control permits for the site post-demolition are filed under Fairfax County's Site Related Improvements (SRI) schedule, not Appendix Q. HOA architectural-review approval for demolition is the homeowner's responsibility outside the building permit process. The cost of demolition labor, dumpster rental, hauling, and disposal is the contractor's bid and is not part of the permit fee.

What "structural demolition" means in Fairfax: Fairfax County's source.json explicitly states demolition "applies to full structural demolition." This means tearing out load-bearing walls, removing the roof, removing exterior siding and sheathing, removing foundation footings, or removing the entire structure. Interior remodeling that removes interior partition walls (non-load-bearing) and reuses the existing foundation, exterior walls, and roof is typically classified as an alteration under residential_alteration_repair, not a demolition. The fee math differs: removing the entire structure is a flat $141.75 permit fee, while partial demolition (and alteration work) is 3% of cost with a $141.75 minimum. The demolition vs alteration distinction also affects which permit application is filed and what inspections are scheduled.

Disconnects required before demolition: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disconnects must be verified by the appropriate trade authority before structural demolition begins. Dominion Energy (electrical service drop), Washington Gas (gas line), and Fairfax Water (water service line) require separate disconnect requests with their own fees and lead times. These disconnect fees are NOT part of the Fairfax County demolition permit and are billed by the utilities directly. Plan ahead for two to three weeks of disconnect coordination before scheduling the structural work.

Key Takeaways
  • Fairfax splits demolition into two fee rules under Appendix Q FY2027: demolition of an entire structure is a flat $141.75 permit fee (I-B(F)), and partial demolition is 3% of demolition cost with a $141.75 minimum. Both add the 2% state levy and the 10% technology surcharge on the permit fee. The combined effective rate on a partial demolition is 3.36% of cost (3% x 1.12); an entire-structure demolition is $141.75 x 1.12 = $158.77.
  • Minimum permit fee is $141.75. With the 2% levy ($2.84) and the 10% technology surcharge ($14.18), the all-in floor is $158.77 for any entire-structure demolition and for any partial demolition with a cost at or below $4,725.
  • The reference partial-demolition example on this page is an $8,000 scope: $240 permit (3% of $8,000) + $4.80 state levy (2% of $240) + $24.00 technology surcharge (10% of $240) = $268.80 all-in. The same $8,000 bid to tear down an entire detached garage is $158.77 because the flat fee governs.
  • The 2% state levy and 10% technology surcharge are calculated on the permit fee, not the demolition cost. At $5,000 partial: permit $150, levy $3.00, surcharge $15.00, total $168.00. At $30,000 partial: permit $900, levy $18.00, surcharge $90.00, total $1,008.00.
  • Interior cosmetic demolition (removing drywall, flooring, fixtures) that does not affect structure, electrical, or plumbing is typically exempt from a demolition permit. Always verify exemption with Fairfax County Land Development Services before relying on this rule for any specific scope - the exemption depends on the work not crossing into the alteration category.
  • Compared to other VA jurisdictions: an $8,000 detached garage tear-down costs $158.77 in Fairfax, $120.36 in Henrico County, $66.00 in Norfolk City, and $187.68 in Richmond City. Because Fairfax's entire-structure fee is flat, Fairfax becomes cheaper than Henrico above roughly $14,000 declared value; it is below Richmond's flat $187.68 at every value and above Norfolk's $66 at every value.
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disconnects must be verified before demolition begins. Dominion Energy, Washington Gas, and Fairfax Water require separate disconnect requests with their own fees and lead times - these are NOT part of the Fairfax demolition permit fee. Plan for 2-3 weeks of disconnect coordination before the structural work can be scheduled.
  • Land disturbance / sediment-and-erosion-control permits for the post-demolition site (regrade, seeding, fence around exposed footprint) are filed separately under Fairfax County's Site Related Improvements schedule, not Appendix Q. For full-home tear-down with site restoration, budget an additional $200 to $1,500 land disturbance permit cost on top of the demolition permit fee.
  • Hazardous material abatement (asbestos in pre-1980 homes, lead paint in pre-1978 homes) requires separate Virginia Department of Health (VDH) inspection and abatement permits. These VDH permits are NOT included in the Fairfax County demolition permit fee. Abatement costs can range from $1,500 (small garage with minimal hazmat) to $15,000+ (full-home tear-down with extensive abatement).
Calculate Your Demolition Permit All Fairfax County Permit Fees

Fairfax Demolition Permit Fee Components

Fairfax demolition splits into three components: the permit fee (flat $141.75 for an entire structure; 3% of cost with a $141.75 minimum for partial demolition), the 2% Virginia state levy, and the 10% Fairfax technology surcharge, the last two both applied to the permit fee. The component breakdown below shows the math for an entire-structure tear-down and at four partial-demolition scopes from $5,000 through $30,000.

Component Entire structure (any value) $5k partial $8k partial $15k partial $30k partial
Permit fee (flat $141.75 entire; 3% of cost partial, min $141.75) $141.75 (flat) $150.00 $240.00 $450.00 $900.00
2% Virginia state levy (on permit fee) $2.84 $3.00 $4.80 $9.00 $18.00
10% Fairfax technology surcharge (on permit fee) $14.18 $15.00 $24.00 $45.00 $90.00
All-in demolition permit total $158.77 $168.00 $268.80 $504.00 $1,008.00

Source: Fairfax County Appendix Q FY2027 Land Development Services Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2026: I-B(F) demolition of an entire structure (flat $141.75), 3% of demolition cost for partial demolition, I-A.1 minimum fee, I-A.12 levy, Part III technology surcharge. The $8,000 partial column: $240 permit + $4.80 state levy + $24.00 technology surcharge = $268.80. Half of the permit fee is due at application as a filing-fee deposit and is credited toward the permit fee at issuance (County Code 61-1-3(d)11); it is not an extra charge and is not refunded if the application expires. Trade permit disconnect fees (electrical, plumbing, gas) are filed separately under Fairfax's trade schedule and are NOT included. Hazardous material abatement (asbestos, lead) requires separate VDH permits and is NOT included.

Worked Examples - Real Demolition Projects in Fairfax

The four worked examples below cover typical Fairfax residential demolition scopes: an entire detached garage tear-down (flat fee), an $8,000 and a $15,000 partial demolition (3% of cost), and a $50,000 full-home tear-down (flat fee). Trade disconnect fees (electrical, gas, water) and post-demolition land disturbance permits are filed separately and are NOT included.

Example 1: $8,000 detached garage demolition (entire structure, flat fee)

A homeowner files a demolition permit for a full detached garage demolition with an $8,000 contractor bid. The garage is a 360 sq ft pre-1980 wood-frame detached structure. Demolition scope: full tear-down of the structure including the roof, walls, and foundation slab. Utility disconnects (electrical, water if present) are coordinated separately. Because the entire structure comes down, Appendix Q I-B(F) applies a flat $141.75 permit fee; the $8,000 bid for labor, dumpster, hauling, and disposal does not change the fee.

  • Contractor demolition bid: $8,000 (does not affect the fee)
  • Permit fee (flat, entire structure): $141.75
  • 2% Virginia state levy (on $141.75 permit fee): $2.84
  • 10% Fairfax technology surcharge (on $141.75 permit fee): $14.18
  • Demolition permit total: $158.77

Note: the same $8,000 garage demolition costs $120.36 in Henrico County (value formula at low declared values), $66 in Norfolk City (flat-fee), and $187.68 in Richmond City (flat $184 + 2% levy). Fairfax's $158.77 is $38.41 more than Henrico, $92.77 more than Norfolk and $28.91 less than Richmond at this scope.

Example 2: $8,000 partial demolition (attached rear addition removed)

A homeowner files a demolition permit to remove a failing 200 sq ft attached rear addition down to its slab while the main house stays in place, with an $8,000 contractor bid. Because only part of the structure comes down, Appendix Q prices the permit at 3% of the demolition cost (minimum $141.75) rather than the flat entire-structure fee.

  • Declared demolition cost: $8,000
  • Permit fee (3% of $8,000): $240.00
  • 2% Virginia state levy (on $240 permit fee): $4.80
  • 10% Fairfax technology surcharge (on $240 permit fee): $24.00
  • Demolition permit total: $268.80

Note: at $8,000 the formula calculation ($240 permit) exceeds the $141.75 minimum, so the minimum does not bind. For any partial demolition cost above $4,725 ($141.75 / 0.03 = $4,725), the 3% formula produces a permit fee above the $141.75 minimum and the percentage formula governs; at or below $4,725 the all-in cost is $158.77.

Example 3: $15,000 partial demolition (second story removed)

A homeowner files a demolition permit to remove the roof and a fire-damaged second story from a 1,200 sq ft two-story house ahead of a rebuild, with a $15,000 demolition bid. The first floor and foundation stay, so this is a partial demolition priced at 3% of cost. Utility disconnects coordinated with Dominion Energy, Washington Gas, and Fairfax Water (separate fees). Hazmat survey clean (no abatement required). Pre-demolition asbestos survey filed with VDH (separate fee).

  • Declared demolition cost: $15,000
  • Permit fee (3% of $15,000): $450.00
  • 2% Virginia state levy (on $450 permit fee): $9.00
  • 10% Fairfax technology surcharge (on $450 permit fee): $45.00
  • Demolition permit total: $504.00

Note: utility disconnect fees and the VDH asbestos survey are additional and are not part of the Fairfax demolition permit. Plan ahead for 2-3 weeks of utility disconnect coordination before scheduling demolition work. Post-demolition site stabilization (regrade, temporary fence around exposed footprint) is filed under Fairfax County's Site Related Improvements (SRI) schedule, not Appendix Q.

Example 4: $50,000 full-home tear-down (entire structure, flat fee)

A homeowner files a demolition permit for a $50,000 stated valuation full residential tear-down. The structure is approximately 2,800 sq ft, two-story, basement, brick exterior. Demolition scope: full tear-down including basement excavation and footing removal for site preparation. Because the entire structure comes down, the flat $141.75 permit fee applies and the $50,000 bid does not change it. Utility disconnects coordinated with all three utilities (separate fees). Pre-1978 home requires lead paint abatement (separate VDH permits and abatement contractor). Pre-1980 home may require asbestos abatement after VDH survey (separate). Post-demolition land disturbance permit filed under SRI schedule (separate fee).

  • Contractor demolition bid: $50,000 (does not affect the fee)
  • Permit fee (flat, entire structure): $141.75
  • 2% Virginia state levy (on $141.75 permit fee): $2.84
  • 10% Fairfax technology surcharge (on $141.75 permit fee): $14.18
  • Demolition permit total: $158.77

Note: at $50,000 declared, Fairfax's $158.77 flat demolition permit cost compares against Henrico $377.40 (Fairfax saves $218.63), Norfolk $66 flat (Norfolk saves $92.77), and Richmond $187.68 flat (Fairfax saves $28.91). Asbestos abatement for a pre-1980 home with 2,800 sq ft of asbestos-containing material can run $4,000-$12,000 separately - not part of the demolition permit fee.

Calculate Your Fairfax Demolition Permit

The PermitPrice fee calculator supports Fairfax County's demolition fees directly. For an entire-structure tear-down the permit is the flat $141.75 and the all-in is $158.77 at any value. For partial demolition the math matches the residential alteration calculation: 3% of demolition cost (minimum $141.75) + 2% state levy + 10% technology surcharge, both on the permit fee. Pick "Fairfax County, VA" in the jurisdiction dropdown and enter the demolition cost. For a $10,000 partial demolition: 3% = $300 permit, levy $6, surcharge $30, all-in $336.00. Trade disconnect fees and post-demolition land disturbance permits must be budgeted separately.

Fairfax demolition rule of thumb: Entire structure = $158.77 all-in at any value. Partial demolition = cost x 3.36% above $4,725 of cost, or $158.77 at or below $4,725. At $8,000 partial: $268.80. At $15,000 partial: $504.00. At $30,000 partial: $1,008. Plus utility disconnect fees and hazmat abatement budgeted separately.

Open the Permit Fee Calculator

Utility Disconnect and Hazmat Fees - Not in This Permit

Fairfax County's demolition permit fee covers the structural demolition application and inspection only. Utility service disconnects (electrical, gas, water) are coordinated separately with the respective utilities and have their own fees and lead times. Hazardous material abatement (asbestos, lead paint) requires separate Virginia Department of Health (VDH) inspection and abatement permits. Post-demolition site stabilization (regrade, sediment-and-erosion control) is filed under Fairfax County's Site Related Improvements (SRI) schedule, not Appendix Q.

Dominion Energy electrical service disconnect: Required before any demolition that affects the electrical service drop. Coordinate via Dominion's service request line. Typical fee for residential disconnect: $50-$200 depending on whether the meter is pulled and the service drop is removed at the pole. Lead time: 7-14 business days typical.

Washington Gas line termination: Required before any demolition with active gas service. Coordinate via Washington Gas service line. Typical fee for residential disconnect: $0-$300 depending on whether the line is cut at the meter or at the main. Lead time: 10-14 business days typical.

Fairfax Water service line cap: Required before any demolition with active water service. Coordinate via Fairfax Water at (703) 698-5800. Typical fee for residential disconnect: $100-$500 depending on whether the service line is capped at the curb stop or at the main. Lead time: 14-21 business days typical.

VDH asbestos and lead abatement permits: Required for pre-1980 homes with potential asbestos-containing material (ACM) and pre-1978 homes with potential lead-based paint. VDH inspection survey: $250-$750. Abatement permit: $500-$2,500. Abatement labor: $4-$25 per square foot of affected material. For a typical 1,500 sq ft pre-1978 home, abatement can range from $4,000 (minimal hazmat) to $15,000+ (extensive abatement). These costs are NOT part of the Fairfax demolition permit fee.

Fairfax Demolition Permit Cost vs Neighbors

Fairfax's flat $141.75 entire-structure fee ($158.77 with the 2% levy and 10% technology surcharge) puts it mid-pack: above Norfolk at every value, below Richmond's flat $187.68 at every value, above Henrico below roughly $14,000 declared value and below Henrico above that, and below DC at every scope in the table except the $5,000 garage. The table below compares the all-in permit cost for a complete tear-down across the verified DMV cluster at four scopes from a $5,000 small garage through a $50,000 full home; Fairfax is flat in every column because the entire structure comes down.

Jurisdiction Pricing Method $5k garage $8k garage $15k house $50k full home
Fairfax County Flat $141.75 (entire structure) + 2% levy + 10% tech $158.77 $158.77 $158.77 $158.77
Norfolk City Flat $50 + $15 processing + 2% on $50 $66.00 $66.00 $66.00 $66.00
Henrico County $100 + $6/$1k over $5k (cap $680) + 2% levy $102.00 $120.36 $163.20 $377.40
Richmond City Flat $184 + 2% levy $187.68 $187.68 $187.68 $187.68
Washington, DC $30 + 2% + 10% Enhanced $143.00 $209.00 $363.00 $1,133.00

All figures are demolition permit only - utility disconnect fees and hazmat abatement budgeted separately. Norfolk's flat $50 + $15 processing + $1 levy = $66 is the cheapest verified VA demolition jurisdiction at any declared value. Richmond's flat $184 + 2% = $187.68 is the second cheapest at typical residential demolition scopes. Henrico's capped value formula activates the $680 building permit cap at approximately $101,667 declared value (cap not reached at scopes in this table). Fairfax's entire-structure demolition fee is flat, so it does not scale with declared value; only partial demolition in Fairfax is priced at 3% of cost. DC's $30 + 2% + 10% Enhanced applies the same demolition formula as alteration tier 3 ($1,001-$1M scope). Source-age caveats: Loudoun source.json has no explicit demolition line item; Chesterfield source.json has no demolition line item; Virginia Beach source.json marks demolition as "verify with office" - these jurisdictions not in the table.

Compare Across the DMV

For a full breakdown of how Fairfax and other Virginia jurisdictions price demolition, see the cross-jurisdiction guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only for partial demolition. Under Appendix Q FY2027, demolition of an entire structure is a flat $141.75 permit fee (I-B(F)), while partial demolition and residential alterations both use 3% of cost with a $141.75 minimum. All three add the 2% Virginia state levy and the 10% technology surcharge on the permit fee. A $10,000 partial demolition produces $336.00 all-in, the same as a $10,000 alteration; a $10,000 entire-structure tear-down produces $158.77. The difference between the two permit types is in the application process and inspection workflow: demolition permits require utility disconnect verification before the structural work begins, while alteration permits do not. Interior cosmetic demolition (drywall, flooring) that does not affect structure is typically exempt from a demolition permit entirely - it may not require any permit, or it may be filed under residential_alteration_repair if it crosses into electrical, plumbing, or structural scope.
Declared demolition value is the contractor's bid for the demolition work itself - the cost to tear down the structure, including labor, equipment, dumpster, hauling, and disposal of materials. It is NOT the property value, the replacement cost of the structure, or the value of materials being removed. Per Fairfax County's Appendix Q valuation basis "applicant_stated_or_icc_bvd_whichever_greater", the County reserves the right to use the higher of the contractor's stated value or the ICC Building Valuation Data benchmark if the stated value appears below market for the scope. For typical residential demolition the contractor's invoice value will exceed ICC BVD benchmarks and the stated value governs. The Appendix Q published example uses $8,000 stated valuation for a full detached garage demolition - a representative figure for that scope.
Per Fairfax County's source.json: "Interior cosmetic demolition (removing drywall, flooring) that does not affect structure, electrical, or plumbing is typically exempt." This typically means: removing existing drywall to expose studs, removing existing flooring to expose subfloor, removing existing fixtures (cabinets, vanities, trim) that are not connected to electrical or plumbing - all without permit. The exemption breaks the moment any work crosses into structural (load-bearing wall removal, beam installation), electrical (rewiring, panel work, fixture move), or plumbing (pipe relocation, fixture move) scope. At that point the work is no longer interior cosmetic demolition - it becomes an alteration that must be permitted under residential_alteration_repair. Always confirm exemption with Fairfax County Land Development Services at (703) 222-0801 before relying on the rule for any specific scope.
Electrical service disconnect is coordinated with Dominion Energy, not Fairfax County. You do not file a separate Fairfax permit for the disconnect itself - Dominion has its own service request process. However, the demolition permit application typically requires proof of utility disconnect coordination before the permit is approved for the structural work. Lead time for Dominion disconnect is 7-14 business days; Washington Gas is 10-14 business days; Fairfax Water is 14-21 business days. The disconnect fees vary by utility ($0-$500 typical residential range) and are billed by the utility directly. PermitPrice's source.json does not capture utility disconnect fees - those are external to the Fairfax County permit fee schedule.
Norfolk is dramatically cheaper. Norfolk charges a flat $50 building permit + $15 processing + $1 state levy = $66 all-in for any residential structural demolition regardless of declared value. Fairfax charges $158.77 all-in for an entire-structure demolition at any value, and a 3.36% effective combined rate on partial demolition. For a complete tear-down at any bid: Fairfax $158.77 vs Norfolk $66 - Norfolk saves $92.77. For an $8,000 partial demolition: Fairfax $268.80 vs Norfolk $66 - Norfolk saves $202.80. The structural reason: Norfolk's flat fee is lower and it does not add a technology surcharge. Both are verified jurisdictions. The Norfolk schedule carries a source-age caveat (July 2021 effective date) - verify with Norfolk Permits and Inspections at (757) 664-4752 before filing.
Yes, for any pre-1980 structure (asbestos) and any pre-1978 structure (lead-based paint). The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) requires a pre-demolition inspection survey and, if any hazardous material is found, an abatement permit issued separately from the Fairfax County demolition permit. The VDH inspection survey costs $250-$750 typical. The abatement permit costs $500-$2,500. Abatement labor is $4-$25 per square foot of affected material. For a typical 1,500 sq ft pre-1978 home with both asbestos and lead, total abatement cost can run $4,000-$15,000 on top of the Fairfax demolition permit. None of these VDH-side costs are captured in PermitPrice's source.json - they must be budgeted separately based on a pre-demolition VDH inspection.
No. Post-demolition site stabilization - regrading the exposed footprint, installing temporary sediment and erosion controls (silt fence, inlet protection), seeding or sodding the exposed soil - is filed separately under Fairfax County's Site Related Improvements (SRI) fee schedule, not Appendix Q. For full-home tear-down on a typical residential lot, budget an additional $200-$1,500 for the SRI permit depending on the lot size and the scope of stabilization required. If the demolition is preparing a site for new construction, the SRI fee is typically rolled into the new construction permit application rather than filed as a standalone permit. Confirm SRI requirements with Fairfax County Land Development Services at (703) 222-0801 before assuming the demolition permit is sufficient for the full project scope.
No - and there are no fee savings to find that way. Partial demolition and residential alteration use the same 3% + 2% levy + 10% surcharge formula, so the building permit cost on a $20,000 partial scope is $672.00 either way. The flat $141.75 entire-structure fee applies only when the whole structure is removed, and the County classifies that from the plans, not from the label on the application. The County classifies the application by the predominant scope of work - if the project is primarily structural demolition with no rebuild on the same footprint, it is a demolition permit. If it is a renovation that incidentally removes some non-load-bearing walls inside the existing structure, it is an alteration permit. Filing a renovation as a demolition does not reduce the fee and may delay inspection scheduling because demolition inspections follow a different workflow. Always file the application that matches the actual scope of work, and verify with Fairfax County Land Development Services at (703) 222-0801 if you are unsure which permit type applies to your specific project.

Sources

Official .gov Sources - Verified September 18, 2026
  • Fairfax County Land Development Services Fee Schedule - Appendix Q (PDF) Appendix Q FY2027, effective July 1, 2026 (amendment 05-26-Q, adopted May 5, 2026) - Fairfax County Government - Primary source for demolition of an entire structure at a flat $141.75 (I-B(F)), partial demolition at 3% of demolition cost, the $141.75 minimum fee (I-A.1), the 2% levy (I-A.12) and the 10% technology surcharge (Part III). Verified September 18, 2026.
  • Fairfax County Land Development Services Accessed April 2026 - Fairfax County Government - Official Land Development Services portal with current contact information ((703) 222-0801) and walk-in counter at Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22035. The destination for verifying current demolition pricing, exemption rules, and utility disconnect coordination requirements before filing.
  • Code of Virginia Section 36-139 - USBC State Levy Authority Current - Virginia General Assembly - Authorizing statute for the statewide 2% building permit surcharge applied in Virginia jurisdictions, including the 2% levy applied to the Fairfax demolition permit fee.
Next Step

Calculate your specific Fairfax demolition permit cost or compare against neighbors.

Always verify current demolition permit fees, exemption rules, and utility disconnect coordination requirements directly with Fairfax County Land Development Services before budgeting or filing. Call Fairfax County Land Development Services at (703) 222-0801 to confirm whether your scope is an entire-structure demolition (flat $141.75) or a partial demolition (3% of cost, minimum $141.75), and how the 2% state levy and 10% technology surcharge apply. Verify with your local building department whether your specific project qualifies for interior cosmetic demolition exemption. Walk-in counter at Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22035 (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm).
Disclaimer: All fee information on PermitPrice is for informational purposes only and is not an official permit quotation. Actual permit fees are determined by Fairfax County Land Development Services at the time of application. The flat $141.75 entire-structure demolition fee, the 3% partial-demolition rate, the $141.75 minimum permit fee, the 2% Virginia state levy, the 10% technology surcharge, and the applicant_stated valuation basis are all sourced from Appendix Q of the FY2027 Fairfax County Land Development Services Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2026) on fairfaxcounty.gov. PermitPrice's source.json carries a confidence rating of "high" for the verified figures. The Appendix Q I-B(F) line covers demolition of an entire structure; partial demolition is priced at 3% of demolition cost. Interior cosmetic demolition that does not affect structure, electrical, or plumbing is typically exempt from a demolition permit per Fairfax County's exemption rule - confirm exemption with Land Development Services before relying on the rule. Utility disconnect fees (Dominion Energy electrical, Washington Gas, Fairfax Water) are billed by the utilities directly and are NOT included in the Fairfax demolition permit. Hazardous material abatement (asbestos, lead paint) requires separate Virginia Department of Health permits and is NOT included. Post-demolition site stabilization (regrade, sediment-and-erosion control) is filed under Fairfax County's Site Related Improvements schedule, not Appendix Q. The cost of demolition labor, dumpster, hauling, and disposal is the contractor's bid and is not part of the permit fee. The $8,000 partial-demolition example used in this guide ($268.80 all-in) is PermitPrice arithmetic from the published Appendix Q rates.

Written by: Munib Ur Rehman

Data verified against official fee schedule documents.