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Fairfax County is cutting fees and aiming for much faster approvals for small, one-day public events under permit changes taking effect March 1.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the revisions at the end of its Feb. 4 meeting. The changes largely follow recommendations made by the Fairfax County Planning Commission in mid-January after officials refined eligibility requirements and fees.

Permits for smaller “Tier 1” events will cost $120, half the current rate, and remain valid for two years. Organizers currently must renew their permits for every event.

County officials also want to reduce the approval process from an average of just under two weeks to 48 to 72 hours for smaller, community-based gatherings. The county’s website currently warns applicants that approval can take approximately 30 days, even when no additional information is needed.

Board Chairman Jeff McKay pressed zoning staff for a commitment to simplify the process. He said some organizers of neighborhood events avoid seeking permits because of the administrative burden, even though county review can identify potential problems.

“We want people to come and get the permit,” McKay said.

Zoning Administrator Leslie Johnson said staff could not guarantee approval within three days when applications contain missing or incorrect information. However, she said employees would “do our very, very best” to meet that goal, noting that applications are typically reviewed within 24 hours.

The faster zoning process will not eliminate other approvals that certain events may require. Depending on the activity, organizers could still need clearance from the county fire marshal, the health department or the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Zoning staff also plan to expand online guidance and may hold an informational event for nonprofit organizations. They will report back to supervisors in the coming months with updated data on average permit-processing times.

Not every private-property gathering requires a permit. Backyard weddings and end-of-season swim-club parties limited to members are among the events that generally do not.

Fairfax County defines a special event as a temporary outdoor activity on private property. That category can include seasonal sales, merchandise displays connected to retail businesses, cultural and community gatherings, concerts, arts events, celebrations, festivals, fairs, carnivals and circuses.

Larger, multiday “Tier 2” events will continue to receive more extensive review, with their fee remaining at $240.

County staff issued 329 administrative permits for special events over the past four fiscal years. Most involved smaller gatherings that will now fall into Tier 1.

Events that do not qualify for administrative approval remain under the authority of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Those applications must be filed at least 120 days before the proposed event.

Supervisors also approved related changes allowing food trucks to operate in smaller commercial areas and at residential-neighborhood locations on more days each year.