Fairfax County Land Use Planning & Zoning

09/06/2023

Reston Study Update: Ahead of the Board of Supervisors public hearing for the Reston Comprehensive Plan, the Hunter Mill District Office has released a mark-up of the Plan by Supervisor Walter Alcorn, available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/

The Board of Supervisors public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. To sign-up as a speaker or provide public hearing testimony in other ways, visit the county's Clerk Services webpage. Following the public hearing, the Board of Supervisors will take action on the recommended Plan Amendment text.

Last updated in 2015, the Reston Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for land use and development decisions in Reston. This Plan Amendment has been informed by input from staff analysis, a two-year community task force and public feedback in over 50 task force meetings and seven post-task force public meetings.

More information about the Reston Study is available on the project webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/reston-area-study

09/05/2023

Parking Reimagined update: A second Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Those who testified on July 26 do not need to testify again on September 13.

Parking Reimagined is a proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment, which would update and modernize the county's off-street parking and loading regulations. To register to speak before the Planning Commission, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker. Written testimony may be mailed to: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035, or sent by e-mail at [email protected].

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/parking-reimagined

09/05/2023

Calling all folks in the Merrifield area! You're invited to join a community meeting on Monday, Sept. 18 to learn about three Comprehensive Plan Amendment studies in your neighborhood. Plan Amendments are proposals for land use changes.

The meeting will be at 7PM in the Luther Jackson Elementary School Cafeteria, and will be hosted by Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and county staff. Visit the links below for more details about each proposed land use change:

#1 Alliance Center - https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/alliance-center
#2 Merrifield at Dunn Loring Station Apartments - https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/merrifield-dls-apartments
#3 Sequoia Capital - https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/sequoia-capital

08/25/2023

FOUR new Comprehensive Plan amendments were initiated by the Board of Supervisors on July 25, 2023. The Board of Supervisors directed staff to consider the land use mixes and densities/ intensities on land areas in the Springfield Transit Station Area and Community Business Center that were accepted into the 2022-2023 Countywide SSPA process.

Visit the individual project web pages for more information:
• Springfield Boulevard: fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/springfield-blvd
• Amherst Avenue: fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/amherst-ave
• Frontier Drive: fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/frontier-dr
• Inova- Springfield Center Drive: fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/inova-springfield-center-dr

Fairfax County, Virginia - Plan Amendment SSPA-2023-IV-6S - Springfield Boulevard; PA-2023-00038

08/22/2023

🌳 Join us *next week* for one of two virtual community meetings -- on August 29 & 30 -- to learn about proposed changes to county regulations for landscaping and screening!

Proposed changes and recommendations are detailed in the Draft Text, which is available online for public review and comments. The meetings are scheduled for 7PM on Tuesday, August 29 & noon on Wednesday, August 30. The agenda includes an overview of the proposed regulations, project timeline & time for questions and comments.

Learn more & join us: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/landscaping-screening.

08/22/2023

It's official!🎉Our page name has been updated to Fairfax County Land Use Planning & Zoning. Moving forward, we will share updates on the county's zoning efforts here, along with land use planning updates you are used to.

08/21/2023

📣 In case you missed it -- our page name will soon change to *Fairfax County Land Use Planning and Zoning*. Once the name change goes into effect we will start sharing county zoning updates in addition to the land use updates you are used to seeing.

08/18/2023

🥜 Time to dive into some delicious treats and meet our “Maker of the Week” -- Radhika Murari, owner of OmMade Peanut Butter. OmMade Peanut Butter uses Virginia peanuts and a few high-quality ingredients to make 12 flavors of naturally gluten-free vegan peanut butter. Their most popular flavors include Expresso Ecstasy, Chocolate Delight, Chai Nirvana, and Coconut Bliss.

Radhika started making peanut butter for her son, and the business grew from this passion. She LOVES the look of sheer joy on people’s faces when they try OmMade Peanut Butter for the first time!

Do you want to experience this nirvana? You are in luck. OmMade Peanut Butter is shipped all over the country via their website: www.OmMadePB.com. They also have retail sales within OmBaked in Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, VA.

Discover additional local makers to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory.

08/17/2023

Join one of these upcoming community meetings to learn about proposed changes to the county's regulations for landscaping and screening!

Join us August 29 or 30 to learn about the proposed changes to county regulations for landscaping and screening! Fairfax County is considering changes to Section 5108 – Landscaping and Screening of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance, which includes parking lot landscaping, transitional screening, and barrier requirements. Proposed changes and recommendations are detailed in the Draft Text, available online for public review and comments.

The virtual community meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, August 30 at noon on Microsoft Teams. The agenda includes an overview of the proposed regulations and the project timeline, along with time for questions and comments to be addressed.

Meeting details, the Draft Text and more information about this project is available online: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/landscaping-screening.

08/17/2023

🏡 Looking to buy or rent a home? Make sure it’s not in a flood zone. Our staff evaluates land for proposed development before any construction can take place.

View our floodplain viewer: https://bit.ly/3KKnTsx

08/16/2023

Attention‼️ We will be updating our page name to Fairfax County Land Use Planning and Zoning in the coming weeks. Once the name change goes into effect we will start sharing county zoning updates in addition to the land use updates you are used to seeing. Stay tuned!

08/15/2023

Check out these community engagement surveys for Tysons! Your input will help shape the future of Tysons, and have long-lasting effects on the community's development and success.

📝 We want to hear from you! We are currently undergoing an in-depth strategic planning study. A key part of the study is to ensure inclusivity and broad participation. As such, we’ve launched a series of surveys designed to gauge:

⁃ How the community travels to/around Tysons
⁃ Your shopping habits and retail desires
⁃ The employee working experience
⁃ Park appreciation
⁃ The resident experience
⁃ The visitor experience

Your feedback is crucial as we work to identify areas of opportunity and select our key initiatives moving forward. We hope you will take a few minutes to fill out the surveys. In doing so, you will help shape the future of Tysons.

To take the surveys, go to: https://tysonsva.org/surveys

08/04/2023

Our Made in Fairfax, “Maker of the Week” is Luz Cueva-Ifill! 🧡 She is the owner of Beedzxprss. Her products are unique, one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry inspired by modern and Andean Peruvian designs. At first, jewelry making was a hobby, usually for close friends, family, and herself. After some consideration and encouragement, she started designing more elaborate pieces to sell. From then on, her hobby became a small business.

Luz is passionate about bringing her ideas into reality and creating unique pieces that give her a sense of pride. You can find her products on her website, www.beedzxprss.com, and in some craft shows within the DMV area.

Discover more local makers, like Luz, to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory

08/03/2023

Update! The Economic Visioning Study for Lake Anne is entering Phase Two, which includes an assessment of individual property owners’ interests and willingness to partner on implementing the vision. This phase is expected to take approximately three months. A series of one-on-one meetings will be scheduled with individual property owners soon. The findings of Phase Two will shape the scope of work for a potential third phase of the Economic Visioning Study, which would investigate the feasibility of implementing the various components contained in the vision plan. Assuming funding is available, Phase Three of the study is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

Phase One of Lake Anne’s Economic Visioning Study concluded earlier this summer and included a series of focus groups, an online survey, and several in-person workshops, conducted by the county and consultant StreetSense. The outcome of this phase is substantial alignment among community members on an economic vision that is both aspirational and grounded in market realities.

Learn more, submit comments and subscribe for updates: https://www.fcrevite.org/lake-anne/economic-visioning-study

08/02/2023

🔹Friendly reminder for Lorton residents & visitors: There are *TWO DAYS LEFT* to weigh in on the vision and new policies that will help guide future development and transportation strategies for Lorton. Take a few minutes to respond and be part of this process - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9R672WD

Learn more about the Lorton Core Study on the project webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/lorton-visioning

07/28/2023

🐚 Our “Maker of the Week” – Anna started The Shell Patch, LLC in February 2020 at the age of fourteen! Back then, she was busy creating seashell art for friends and family, along with hand-stitched hair ties and pillows. In 2021, she took jewelry-making classes and got hooked on making beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces, using the wire wrapping method primarily. She makes lovely statement pieces using semi-precious stones, glass, and other high-quality beads. Additionally, she expanded to more detailed seashell home décor and hand-painted canvas art. In November 2021, she incorporated her business into an LLC.

Since January 2022, Anna has sold her pieces on Etsy at www.theshellpatchllc.etsy.com. She has closed on 50 sales with 5-star reviews. She has attended close to 20 craft shows and events since 2021. Anna has several coming up this fall, including the Claude Moore Park Fall Festival on Sept. 16 and Friends of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Parktoberfest on Oct. 7. The Shell Patch, LLC, joined the Made in Fairfax in January 2023.

Discover additional local makers to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory
https://www.facebook.com/theshellpatch

07/27/2023

Lorton residents & visitors - we want to hear from you! 📣

A community survey is open through Friday, August 4 to help us gather thoughts on the Lorton Vision and new policies that will help guide future development and transportation strategies. Please take a few minutes to respond and be part of this process - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9R672WD

The Lorton Vision reflects years of public input calling for the creation of more vibrant places in the community to gather, live, shop and recreate. It also identifies transportation improvements that will make it more convenient to walk, bike, use transit and rely less on cars for every trip.

More information is available online: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/lorton-visioning

07/27/2023

US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington has issued a Heat Advisory for today, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and an Excessive Heat Watch for Friday.

In response, we've activated our heat plan for Thursday and Friday, which includes cooling centers and supplies.

Stay up to date: https://bit.ly/3Y70Rle

07/26/2023

Update on the Reston Study: The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended adoption by the Board of Supervisors of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment, as amended by the Planning Commission. The July 19 public hearing and Planning Commission discussion can be viewed online: https://tinyurl.com/2s4ycmr6.

Supervisor Alcorn will host a town hall tomorrow -- Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center. County staff and Planning Commissioner John Carter will be on hand to provide highlights of the plan amendment and answer questions.

The Board of Supervisors public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. For more information about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study, visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/reston-area-study

07/21/2023

🍷 Let’s raise a glass for the “Maker of the Week” – Andrew Rosado, owner of the urban microwinery, Woodlawn Press Winery. Andrew started as a homebrewer making wine at home as a hobby. After separating from the Army, it took three miserable jobs before Andrew decided it was time to venture into winemaking. Andrew created a space where innovation blends with tradition to carefully craft red, white, and fruit/sweet wines.

Discover classic single varieties with a twist, such as his Bourbon Barrel Aged Malbec, and Andrew's favorite unconventional tastes like his PB&J Mead or Renegade Apples & Honey aged in a Bourbon Barrel. From vine to barrel, Andrew is redefining what it means to create exceptional wines right in the heart of Northern Virginia. Get ready to sip, savor, and indulge Andrew's crafted wine flavors at Woodlawn Press Winery in South Alexandria. Learn more: https://www.wpwinery.com

Discover additional local makers to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory

07/14/2023

Introducing our “Maker of the Week” – Nicole Liberatore, owner and pastry chef of Bisnonna Bakeshop. Bisnonna Bakeshop specializes in artisan Italian pastry, like hand-rolled cannoli, sfogliatelle, tiramisu, and a wide array of classic Italian cookies! Bisnonna, which means “great-grandmother” in Italian, means that everything is made from scratch and by hand, just like nonna did. Pastry chef Nicole and co-owner Dominick Liberatore both have New Jersey roots but met at George Mason University and started their family right here in Fairfax County. They missed all the sweet treats they grew up on, though, and Bisnonna Bakeshop was born out of the Liberatore’s home kitchen. After winning the Tysons Corner Center “DreamStart” Competition in 2021, she opened their first brick-and-mortar for pre-orders and pop-ups in Fairfax.
Bisnonna’s energy is very much about connecting people to nostalgic food memories, and often their customers hail from places with large Italian neighborhoods, like Boston, Philly, or NYC, and are so excited to find the shop because they can get the same things they grew up on or that their moms used to make.

You can find Bisnonna through online orders at bisnonnabakeshop.com, with either three days’ lead time or same-day ordering, depending on the bake! They also host occasional Saturday pop-ups at their shop at 10782 Fairfax Boulevard in collaboration with other local bakers, and those dates are posted on the website.

Discover additional local makers to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory

07/10/2023

Friendly reminder for those who live and work in the Lorton area -- stop by our Community Open House on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, at the Lorton Community Center Library.

There will be new information about the Lorton Core Study, visual displays and ways to provide input that will help shape the future of Lorton. Learn more on the project webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/lorton-visioning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPgmgu-6uzE

✅ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/fairfaxcounty?sub_confirmation=1Those who live or work in the Lorton area are invited to attend a Community Open House o...

07/07/2023

👋 Say hi to our “Maker of the Week” Trupti More, owner of Trupti's Craft: Framed Paper Quilling Art. Trupti stumbled into and fell in love with paper quilling in 2012. She jumped into the business officially in 2016 after self-teaching herself by reading books and watching YouTube videos related to quilling. She currently focuses on customized paper quilling frames, ornaments, cards, and notes, plus giant paper flowers for decoration. Not only is she a talented artist, but she is also a gifted teacher.

“Quilling is an exquisite art form that I don't want to keep to myself, so I decided to start teaching it. I find great joy in teaching kids and adults and witnessing the workings of their creative minds. It's fascinating to see how they explore and express their artistic abilities.”

You can find Trupti’s Craft at the Gift Shop at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, www.truptiscraft.com, www.facebook.com/TruptisCraft, and www.instagram.com/truptis_craft.

Discover additional local makers to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory

06/30/2023

⭐️ To kick off our summer of highlighting local makers, here's our first Made in Fairfax, "Maker of the Week" -- Naoufal N. Guelzim, head chocolatier and owner of Maison Noir Chocolatier.

Naoufal started making chocolate as a hobby while he worked for the Department of Justice. He turned his hobby into a career after he decided to take on the challenge and pursue his passion full-time. His products are unique because he uses only sustainable dark chocolate, specializing in luxurious French chocolates, spreads, and confectionery. Maison Noir uses the finest, primarily organic ingredients, never artificial flavors.

You can find Naoufal and his dark chocolates at the Amazon HQ2 Met Park Arlington Farmer’s Market on Saturday from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Mosaic Farmer’s Market on Sunday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm, and www.maisonnoirchocolatier.com.

Discover additional local makers to support this summer and beyond, in the Made in Fairfax online directory: https://www.fcrevite.org/made-fairfax/directory

06/28/2023

☀️ While supporting local businesses always important, this summer we're giving extra love to small "maker" businesses in Fairfax County. We hope you'll follow along & support our Made in Fairfax program.

Every Friday, we'll highlight a local maker from our Made in Fairfax network and share the person behind a small-scale production business in the county. Made in Fairfax is composed of more than 125 local makers, which are accessible through an online directory. From custom cookies and cake pops to handmade jewelry and furniture, there's something for everyone that's made in Fairfax!

Stay tuned for the first profile, coming this Friday, and learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/support-small-maker-businesses-through-made-fairfax

06/28/2023

Did you know? The Fairfax County History Commission created the African American History Inventory to capture, communicate, and preserve African American culture and history in Fairfax County. The Commission researched and collected historical information from each district to build the inventory.

You can find pieces of African American history, like the photo below from 1953, on the online inventory. Discover physical sites, oral histories, printed materials, places to visit and more: https://fairfaxaahi.centerformasonslegacies.com/

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/celebrating-juneteenth-fairfax-county

06/22/2023

Save the Date! Those who live or work in the Lorton area are invited to attend a Community Open House on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Open House will include new information about the Lorton Core Study, visual displays and ways for the community to provide input that will help shape the future of Lorton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPgmgu-6uzE

Learn more on the project webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/lorton-visioning

✅ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/fairfaxcounty?sub_confirmation=1Those who live or work in the Lorton area are invited to attend a Community Open House o...

06/16/2023

There is *ONE WEEK* left to submit your exceptional design for Fairfax County’s annual James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards. This awards program was established to celebrate and recognize superior works of architecture, site design and landscaping, and green building practices throughout the county.

Learn all about the submission requirements and fill out the entry form: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/exceptional-design-awards

06/13/2023

A Staff Report Addendum for the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study is now available for public review online. The addendum supplements the staff report for Plan Amendment 2020-III-UP1, and proposes modifications to the proposed Plan language to address comments received since publication of the staff report.

In addition, the Planning Commission public hearing for the Reston Study is scheduled for tomorrow, June 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

Review the addendum and learn more:

Fairfax County, Virginia - Plan Amendment 2020-III-UP1 - Reston Area Study and Plan Amendment

06/09/2023

Did you know there are proposed changes to the county’s sign regulations? To learn more, we encourage you to join an upcoming virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 22 at 12:00 p.m. or Wednesday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The meeting will include an overview of the changes and time for community questions and comments to be addressed.

Get meeting information and review the proposed text on the project webpage:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/signs-part-ii

06/01/2023

Friendly reminder! It’s time to submit entries for the annual James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards. Any project completed in Fairfax County since January 1, 2018, is eligible for submission and the deadline to apply is Friday, June 23 at 5:00 pm.

A full list of submission categories and criteria are available online, along with the entry form: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/exceptional-design-awards

05/30/2023

For those in the Reston area -- Next Tuesday, June 6 at 6:30pm, Planning Commissioner John Carter will host a community meeting at South Lakes High School to discuss the latest recommendations for the Reston Comprehensive Plan.

In addition, the Planning Commission public hearing for the Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 at 7:30pm. You can sign up to speak or submit comments ahead of time.

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/reston-area-study

05/30/2023

A historic resource survey has kicked off to capture Midcentury Modern architecture across Fairfax County! The survey, which will go through the summer of 2023, will document more than 150 individual properties, neighborhoods, and commercial developments constructed between 1950 and 1985.

Watch this video for an overview of the project and visit the project webpage for more information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/historic/mcm-survey

✅ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/fairfaxcounty?sub_confirmation=1As explained in this overview, Midcentury Modern architecture across Fairfax County will...

05/26/2023

County staff recommendations for Reston’s Comprehensive Plan are now available in the Staff Report, published online.

Public review and feedback is encouraged ahead of the Planning Commission public hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 at 7:30pm. The recommended plan text includes changes to the plan’s guidance for topics like land use, affordable housing, open space, community health and more.

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/staff-report-reston-comprehensive-plan-released-ahead-public-hearings

05/23/2023

Calling all exceptional designs in Fairfax County! 📣 Submissions for the annual James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards are being accepted now through June 23 at 5PM. This awards program celebrates public and private projects with outstanding planning and design features that enhance the experience of site users and visitors.

Check out the submission criteria and learn how to apply: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/design-awards-program-now-accepting-entries

05/23/2023

Good news! Seats are still available for the Land Development Services’ Deck Details Boot Camp tomorrow, May 24 and Wednesday, June 7 from 11am-1pm.

The sessions will walk you through the Typical Deck Details, a document that serves as a pre-approved architectural plan for building decks in Fairfax County.

Learn more and register: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/landdevelopment/deck-details-boot-camp-may-24-and-june-7

05/19/2023

*REMINDER* for those who visit or live by the Pan Am Shopping Center, join us Monday, May 22 at 7:00 PM for a virtual community meeting to learn about changes that are being considered for the site.

Get the meeting link and learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/pan-am-shopping-center

05/15/2023

If you visit or live by the Pan Am Shopping Center, please join us Monday, May 22 at 7:00 PM for a virtual community meeting to learn about changes that are being considered for the site.

There is potential to create a mixed-use community and add residential uses to the Pan Am Shopping Center. The proposed change would keep some of the existing retail uses and add a residential component to the existing shopping center, as well as new park spaces for new residents and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/pan-am-shopping-center