Fairfax, VA · City of Fairfax
House Grading Erosion And Stormwater Management Submission Package
This package gathers applications, checklists, and supporting materials for erosion and stormwater management review, filed by homeowners or their authorized agents for qualifying land-disturbing projects in the City of Fairfax.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The package guides applicants through submitting a house grading plan for erosion and sediment control and stormwater quality review. The City requires an ESM plan for land-disturbing activities exceeding 2,500 square feet, and applicants must contact the Deputy Zoning Administrator before submission. Included forms cover applications, checklists, and agent authorization; the authorization letter requires notarization when an agent acts for a property owner.
Who needs it
Homeowners or their authorized agents submitting a house grading ESM plan for a land-disturbing project exceeding 2,500 square feet in the City of Fairfax need this package.
Why it needs a notary
The Agent Authorization Letter has an acknowledged-before-me notarial block, and each title owner signing the letter must sign in the notary’s presence.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Package
Download the City of Fairfax ESM house grading plan package and review its applicant guide and submission checklist.
- 2
Complete The Required Forms
Complete the applicable applications and forms, and have the required plan materials prepared by the appropriate professionals.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
If using an agent, arrange notarization of the Agent Authorization Letter and ensure each title owner will sign before the notary.
- 4
Sign On Video
Each title owner completes the authorization letter by signing in the presence of the commissioned online notary.
- 5
Submit To The City
Follow the package instructions to submit the application materials and any required physical documents to the City’s Zoning Division.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Fairfax. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I notarize the Agent Authorization Letter?
- Have each title owner sign the authorization letter in front of a commissioned online notary. The form states that all title owners must sign in the notary’s presence.
- Do I need to notarize the entire ESM package?
- The package identifies the Agent Authorization Letter as requiring notarization when an agent represents a property owner. The other package components have their own signature and submission requirements.
- Can I use online notarization for this authorization?
- Virginia is widely credited as the first U.S. state to authorize remote online notarization, effective July 1, 2012. Virginia law recognizes certain out-of-state notarial acts as presumed valid; confirm acceptance with the City if unsure.
- Where do I submit the package and record the BMP Agreement?
- The guide directs applicants to submit materials to the City’s Community Development and Planning, Zoning Division. It says the approved BMP Agreement and location drawing must be recorded in the County Land Records before plan release; recording is through e-recording where the clerk supports it, usually via a title company.
- Does every project need an ESM plan?
- The package says an ESM plan is required for land-disturbing activities exceeding 2,500 square feet in the City of Fairfax. Contact the City before submitting, and confirm with the city, town, or county if unsure.