Fairfax, Virginia Development News

City Council Discusses Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Align with Small Area Plans

The City Council considered amendments to the zoning ordinance related to adopted small area plans. The primary goal is to align the zoning ordinance with the recommendations of small area plans, which has been a challenge due to inconsistencies. The proposed amendments include creating a new Activity Center Zoning District, which would require a rezoning request to be utilized and would only apply to defined activity centers. Changes were proposed regarding the superseding of overlay districts, specifically the Historic Overlay District, where its standards would supersede the new district's recommendations in the core area of Old Town. The council also discussed adjusting the boundaries of the Historic Overlay District to align more closely with the National Register of Historic District. Other discussed elements include frontages, recreation and open space requirements, parking reductions, dimensional standards (density and height), alternative compliance, and community benefits programs. The proposed changes aim to provide a better framework for developers and improve development outcomes. The council also discussed the need for clearer language in referendum questions and the process for communicating information to residents.