This dataset represents the boundaries of Fairfax County Potential Wetlands Areas. Applicants for many plan types are required to certify that all required wetlands permits will be acquired before land disturbance begins in a "wetlands statement". This data can assist property owners and plan preparers in preliminary identification of potential wetlands for which such permits would be necessary.

Applicants for Site Plans must complete the "Potential for Wetlands" information box on the site plan cover sheet. This data is referenced as the "County Potential Wetland Area Map" referred to by the site plan cover sheet.

Landowners and plan preparers should use this information in preliminary phases of projects to identify the need for further study of possible wetlands. This data does not replace the need for site-specific RPA delineation when required by code and does not replace other field analysis required when wetlands permits are necessary from the Army Corps of Engineers.

These areas were classified as Potential Wetlands by intersecting the datasets described below.

Datasets:

Less than 5% Slope: The 2018 Bare Earth Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used to identify areas in the county with a slope value of 5% or less. Areas with this topography are more likely to be wetlands.

Hydric Soils: These soil types were identified in the 2018 Soils Map by Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District. These are soil types that in an undrained condition, are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during a growing season to develop an anaerobic condition that supports the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation.

Impervious Surface: The assessment of impervious surface was derived using the 2017 Planimetric Data.

Contact: Land Development Services

Data Accessibility: Publicly Available

Update Frequency: As Needed

Last Revision Date: 11/16/2023

Creation Date: 11/16/2023

Layer Name: LDSAMGR.POTENTIAL_WETLANDS