Decks in Clifton, VA

A deck in Clifton is on Fairfax County's list of new additions that need a permit. For a parcel inside the Town of Clifton, the county requires separate town approval documentation. The town FAQ says the District field on the Fairfax County parcel profile reads Springfield Town of Clifton when the address is inside the town. We check that field before we draw the frame.

If the parcel is inside the Town of Clifton, the town FAQ requires a use permit to build an addition to an existing structure or to erect a new structure, and a certificate of appropriateness for an addition or a new structure. Fairfax County counts a deck as a new addition, so we ask the Town Clerk which town approvals apply to this deck. The town FAQ says the county building permit is not granted unless the applicant shows the certificate and the use permit, and the mayor or a designated representative signs the county application. Town questions go to 12641 Chapel Rd, Clifton, VA 20124, phone (571) 781-2404. The town approval is uploaded to the county PLUS record.

For a parcel outside the Town of Clifton, Fairfax County Land Development Services handles the building permit. For Fairfax County building-permit questions, contact Land Development Services at 703-222-0801. If the parcel is within Clifton or Vienna, the county also requires the applicable town approval to be uploaded to the PLUS record. The office is at 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 324. In PLUS, a deck is filed as Additional Square Footage. If the project includes electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, separate trade permits may be required. Real Elite does not take electrical work. The price for the deck is a free written estimate after a site walk.