Chapter 110 of the Code of the City of Fairfax, Virginia is the city's zoning ordinanceZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district., and it has been subject to multiple, ongoing amendment efforts. The Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. has a recurring practice of initiating amendments for regular review and maintenance of the ordinanceOrdinanceA local law. Ordinances amend the city code and need a public hearing and two readings. — covering zoning districts, regulations, site development standards, and definitions — as evidenced by similar motionsMotionA member's formal proposal to act. It needs a second from another member before the body votes on it. in July 2024 and June 2025.
- Outcome of the June 22, 2026 public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on the accessory dwelling unitAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. amendments is not recorded in the available material.
- Outcome of the September 14, 2026 Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. motionsMotionA member's formal proposal to act. It needs a second from another member before the body votes on it. — one on regular review and maintenance and one on adopted small area plansSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. — is unknown; no minutes or actions report is available.
Accessory Dwelling UnitsAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. (ADUs) have been a multi-year zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. policy topic in the City of Fairfax. ADUs were first permitted in 2003 as a special use requiring City Council approval, transitioned to a permitted use (subject to conditions) in 2016, and historically carried an occupancy limitation restricting residents to seniors or disabled persons — a restriction City Council removed in 2025.
- Whether Virginia state legislation (analogous to Maine's ADUAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. mandate) may preempt or interact with local ADU regulations, particularly where deed restrictions or covenants exist — raised as a…
- Whether any further technical or conforming zoning ordinanceZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. amendments related to detached ADUsAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. remain pending beyond those already processed in fall 2026.
4085-4117 Chain Bridge Road is the site of a proposed mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses. redevelopment in the city, brought forward by Christopher Land, LLC. As described at the February 18, 2025 City Council work sessionWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here., the proposal envisions approximately 257 multifamily units with amenities and structured parking, 7,395 square feet of retail, 26,391 square feet of office space, a new east-west road connecting University Drive to Chain Bridge Road, and a north-south pedestrian pathway, all on approximately 2.52 acres.
- No formal action has been taken; the rezoningRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote., Special Use PermitSpecial use permitPermission for a use the zoning allows only case by case (a drive-through, a school, a larger building). Needs a public hearing and a council vote, and can carry conditions., Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property., and Major Certificate of AppropriatenessCertificate of appropriatenessBoard of Architectural Review approval that an exterior change fits the district's design standards. applications remain pending review and decision by the Planning…
- It is unclear whether additional work sessionsWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. or public hearingsPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. are scheduled following the July 7, 2026 City Council work session.
This topic tracks a series of related Zoning Map AmendmentRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote. (Rezoning) applications moving through the City of Fairfax's planning and legislative process. Three distinct projects have been active: (1) A post-submission work sessionWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. was held on June 8, 2026 for a proposed rezoning at 4085-4117 Chain Bridge Road, which also involves a Special Use PermitSpecial use permitPermission for a use the zoning allows only case by case (a drive-through, a school, a larger building). Needs a public hearing and a council vote, and can carry conditions., Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property., and a Major Certificate of AppropriatenessCertificate of appropriatenessBoard of Architectural Review approval that an exterior change fits the district's design standards. — no vote was taken at that stage.
- What is the outcome of the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on the Courthouse Plaza rezoningRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote. applications (10300 Willard Way / 3922 Blenheim Boulevard) held October 26, 2026?
- What further action, if any, is expected on the 4085-4117 Chain Bridge Road rezoningRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote., Special Use PermitSpecial use permitPermission for a use the zoning allows only case by case (a drive-through, a school, a larger building). Needs a public hearing and a council vote, and can carry conditions., Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property., and Major Certificate of AppropriatenessCertificate of appropriatenessBoard of Architectural Review approval that an exterior change fits the district's design standards. following the June 8, 2026 work…
Special Use PermitsSpecial use permitPermission for a use the zoning allows only case by case (a drive-through, a school, a larger building). Needs a public hearing and a council vote, and can carry conditions. (SUPs) are a land use approval mechanism used by the City of Fairfax under Chapter 110 (ZoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district.) to authorize specific uses subject to conditions, and are distinct from rezonings in that they carry a time limit — automatically expiring after two years unless a building permit (or, under a pending clarifying amendment, an equivalent zoning permit) is issued. SUPs have appeared across multiple proceedings in different capacities: as background context in HHCAB strategy sessions (September 2025); as a topic of staff explanation before the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. and Council regarding their time-limited nature versus perpetual zoning changes (May–October 2026); as the approval vehicle for a specific family daycare at 10230 Antietam Avenue (approved unanimously, September 8, 2026); and as the subject of an amendment request by Mantua Hills Swimming Association for 3425 Pickett Road regarding hours of operation (deferredDeferredPostponed to a later meeting without a decision. Items can be deferred to a set date or indefinitely. to January 12, 2027).
- The Mantua Hills Swimming Association SUPSpecial use permitPermission for a use the zoning allows only case by case (a drive-through, a school, a larger building). Needs a public hearing and a council vote, and can carry conditions. amendment request (3425 Pickett Rd) was deferredDeferredPostponed to a later meeting without a decision. Items can be deferred to a set date or indefinitely. to January 12, 2027 — Council action on that matter remains pending.
- The proposed SUPSpecial use permitPermission for a use the zoning allows only case by case (a drive-through, a school, a larger building). Needs a public hearing and a council vote, and can carry conditions. for 4085–4117 Chain Bridge Road (combined with Zoning Map AmendmentRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote., Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property., and Major Certificate of AppropriatenessCertificate of appropriatenessBoard of Architectural Review approval that an exterior change fits the district's design standards.) received only a Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. work sessionWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. as…
Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property. is a recurring procedural mechanism within the city's zoning ordinanceZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. that allows applicants to seek relief from dimensional and site development standards on a case-by-case basis, and it appears as a cross-cutting issue across multiple active development and zoning amendment proceedings. The topic has surfaced prominently in connection with several projects along Chain Bridge Road and Blenheim Boulevard, as well as in the broader zoning reform discussion around the new Activity Center District.
- What additional Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property. will be required for the 4085-4117 Chain Bridge Road project once a full resubmission is received by staff?
- What Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property. will ultimately be required for the Blenheim Boulevard commercial-to-commercial-urban rezoningRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote. application once formally submitted?
Chain Bridge Road is a major corridor in the city with multiple concurrent and sequential municipal matters tracked under this location. The earliest active matter is the Chain Bridge Road (Taba Cove Court to Warwick Avenue) Sidewalk and Bus Stop Improvements Project (UPC 119089), a federally funded VDOT project: a required public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. was held in July 2024 (informational only, with one speaker in support and two in opposition), and on October 13, 2026, City Council unanimously approved a resolutionResolutionA formal statement of council position or a one-time action, such as approving a contract. Passes on a single vote. authorizing quick-take condemnation powers to acquire necessary rights-of-way and easements from three affected property owners, keeping the project on schedule.
- Outcome of the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on the Gallery at City Center (4085–4117 Chain Bridge Road) scheduled for October 26, 2026 — no minutes or actions yet available.
- Whether formal zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district./land use applications will be submitted for 3541 Chain Bridge Road (Network Realty Partners) and 3570 Chain Bridge Road (Northfax West Phase IV) following their respective…
Small Area PlansSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. are adopted land-use guidance documents for the City of Fairfax's activity centers. Four of five planned Activity Center small area plans have been adopted: Old Town Fairfax (June 23, 2020), Northfax (June 23, 2020), Kamp Washington (October 25, 2022), and Fairfax Circle (July 23, 2024).
- What will be the outcome of the October 26, 2026 Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. public hearingsPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on proposed amendments to Chapter 110 (ZoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district.) and Chapter 86 (Subdivision) relating to adopted small area plansSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance.?
- Will the City Council formally adopt the zoning ordinanceZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. amendments related to small area plansSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance., and on what timeline?
Old Town Fairfax is a central historic district in the City of Fairfax that has been the subject of overlapping municipal initiatives spanning security, infrastructure, parks, arts, planning, and zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district.. Beginning in October 2024, the area was identified as a pilot location for private security guard support using Old Town Service District funds, and Old Town Square was included in a broader trial of private security alongside security cameras, safety lighting, and blue light boxes at parks, with an estimated cost of approximately $100,000 per park.
- BARBoard of Architectural ReviewThe appointed board that reviews building design, signs, and exterior changes in the historic and commercial districts. public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on the Gallery at City Center rezoningRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote. application is scheduled for November 4, 2026 — outcome not yet recorded.
- City Council public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on the Gallery at City Center rezoningRezoningChanging which zoning district a property sits in, which changes what can be built there. Goes to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, then to City Council for the vote. application is scheduled for December 8, 2026 — no vote or action yet taken.
Northfax is one of five activity centers designated by the City of Fairfax Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. (February 2026) for special attention and zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. review for mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses. development, with an adopted Small Area PlanSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. estimating 1,400 new residential units in the near term. As of mid-2026, 1,088 units were already in some phase of the land use process within the Northfax activity center.
- No minutes or action report were available for the July 27, 2026 Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. pre-application briefing on Northfax West Phase 4; the outcome of that briefing and any subsequent formal…
- The nature and programming of the ground-floor commercial/retail space in the Northfax West Phase 4 proposal is unresolved — alternatives under discussion include a typical retail shell, commercial…
Kamp Washington is one of five activity centers in the City of Fairfax designated by the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. for special attention and zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. review focused on mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses. development (February 2026). It has an existing adopted Small Area PlanSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance., which was referenced as early as January 2026 when staff noted the Fern Street Connector Path Project was identified within that plan.
- Whether and when a formal review and update of the Kamp Washington Small Area PlanSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. will be initiated by the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. and/or City Council.
- What zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. changes or mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses. development standards will be proposed for Kamp Washington as part of any activity center zoning review.
Fairfax Circle is one of four designated activity centers in the City of Fairfax, and the subject of an adopted Small Area PlanSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. that guides future mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses., walkable development in the area. On July 8, 2024, the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. unanimously adopted ResolutionResolutionA formal statement of council position or a one-time action, such as approving a contract. Passes on a single vote. PC-24-02 (5-0) recommending City Council approve the Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan (draft dated June 24, 2024), subject to associated Comprehensive PlanComprehensive planThe city's long-range vision for land use, transportation, housing, and parks. Rezonings are judged partly on whether they fit it. amendments and specific modifications including property access preservation, a transportation safety study, walkway/shared-use path analysis, and three textual edits.
- Whether the Fairfax Circle Small Area PlanSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. will be formally reviewed and updated, and what process and timeline that would follow (work sessionsWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. held June–July 2026, no action taken).
- Outcome of the July 13, 2026 Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. pre-application briefing on the Circle Gateway proposal at 3226–3250 Blenheim Boulevard (no minutes or confirmed outcome available).
Katherine Johnson Middle School (KJMS) is a public middle school in the City of Fairfax serving grades 6–8, operating under the City of Fairfax School Board. It is home to academic programs including MathCounts, Science Olympiad, AVID, AAP, and the Korean Global Classroom project, as well as athletics, arts, and community-oriented extracurriculars.
- Whether and when the Katherine Johnson Middle School field renovation under the Parks and Recreation CIPCapital improvement programThe multi-year budget for big physical projects: roads, buildings, parks, utilities. will advance beyond the planning phase.
- Status and timeline of the proposed auditorium modernization (projection/visual systems, interior refurbishments) and HVAC funding for KJMS included in the FY2027–FY2031 CIPCapital improvement programThe multi-year budget for big physical projects: roads, buildings, parks, utilities., pending City Council…
Courthouse Plaza is a mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses. redevelopment proposal for the shopping center at 10300 Willard Way and 3922 Blenheim Boulevard in Fairfax, anchored by a Safeway grocery store. Combined Courthouse, LLC originally sought 8 Special ExceptionsSpecial exceptionA council-approved departure from a specific zoning rule, such as parking counts or height, for one property. for a mixed-use development in the CR Commercial Retail district and Old Town Fairfax Transition Overlay District; a City Council work sessionWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. was held on September 24, 2024, and a public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. was held July 22, 2025, but Council deferredDeferredPostponed to a later meeting without a decision. Items can be deferred to a set date or indefinitely. action to October 28, 2025 and ultimately denied the request 4–2 on that date.
- Outcome of the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. scheduled for October 26, 2026 (no minutes or actions yet recorded).
- Outcome of anticipated City Council public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. and potential action, tentatively scheduled for December 2026 (reportedly December 8, 2026).
The City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive PlanComprehensive planThe city's long-range vision for land use, transportation, housing, and parks. Rezonings are judged partly on whether they fit it. is the city's long-range land use and policy framework document. A five-year review process, initiated in summer 2023 in accordance with Code of Virginia §15.2-2230, included community outreach, input from city boards and commissions, and a compilation and refinement phase through 2024.
- Whether and how the Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. and City Council will proceed with a formal review of the 2035 Comprehensive PlanComprehensive planThe city's long-range vision for land use, transportation, housing, and parks. Rezonings are judged partly on whether they fit it. pertaining to mixed-useMixed-useA building or project that combines homes with shops, offices, or other uses. development outside activity centers (discussed at…
- Outcome of the July 13, 2026 Planning CommissionPlanning CommissionThe appointed body that reviews land-use applications and plans first and sends a recommendation to City Council, which makes the final decision. work sessionWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. presenting Implementation Guide updates related to the Comprehensive PlanComprehensive planThe city's long-range vision for land use, transportation, housing, and parks. Rezonings are judged partly on whether they fit it. and approved Small Area PlansSmall area planA detailed plan for one neighborhood or corridor that fills in the comprehensive plan's broad goals with block-level guidance. (no minutes or actions report…
“This meeting in the wiki” opens the topic’s history at this date.