If you receive a violation citation, notice or order issued by the county for a substandard condition at private property, carefully read documents sent by enforcement staff. If you don’t understand your violation notice, or think you need more time to correct the conditions noted, contact the inspector at the number listed on your violation citation right away. The inspectors can answer most questions and clarify the intent of the violation citation and requirements of the law.
Why apply for an appeal
If you feel that the code is being misapplied or improperly interpreted relative to the conditions cited by county staff at your property, you may request an appeal.
How to apply for an appeal
If you decide to appeal the citation, you may do so by submitting a letter substantiating the need and detail for the basis of your appeal. There is no fee for this appeal process. The letter will serve as your official application and must be received by the county within the amount of time specified on the violation citation (either 5 or 10 days, depending on the violation). Only the property owner or occupant can request an appeal. If you have complied with the correction required by the citation, there’s no need to submit an appeal request.
Please send the appeal letter to:
Code Enforcement Appeals
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22201
The appeal process
Once the application is qualified by staff, the applicant becomes an appellant to the violation citation and the county will send a letter to the appellant (owner or occupant) communicating the hearing date, time, and location. At the hearing, the appellant makes a presentation outlining their perspective, followed by a response from the County staff with their perspective. A determination will be made by an administrator or unrelated hearing officer, usually at the time of the hearing; although, some determinations may require additional time. Once the determination has been made, the resolution will be mailed to the appellant.