Matthew Rice
On the record
Positions recorded in minutes, by topic.
Voted yes on July 8, 2024 to adopt Resolution PC-24-02 approving the Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan and recommending City Council approval.
Voted yes on Planning Commission Resolution PC-24-02 on July 8, 2024. No separate recorded comments beyond the vote.
Voted no on the motion to recommend approval and yes on the motion to recommend denial at the June 23, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, on grounds that the proposal was not in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted City goals and policies as currently presented.
At the June 22, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, Commissioner Rice raised a question about fire department access in connection with a site plan, referencing the 'safety access plan' in the context of concerns about fire ladder truck access — though this reference appears to relate to a specific development proposal's site safety plan rather than the citywide Safety Action Plan itself.
Voted yes on July 14, 2025 to recommend City Council approval of the proposed ordinance amendments; no recorded verbal comments in the material.
At the November 24, 2025 meeting, Commissioner Rice volunteered to serve as the Planning Commission's interim representative on the Façade Improvement Grant Committee while the seat remained vacant.
Rice has been the primary organizer and champion of the city's GIS Day participation, coordinating city staff presentations at George Mason University for both the 2024 and 2025 events. After the 2025 event, he thanked city staff and a city intern for their contributions and noted that George Mason students may contribute content to the city's Fact Book. At the December 2025 meeting he reported the session was well received but that there was 'frustration afterwards,' suggesting strong interest from attendees.
Recorded as voting 'aye' on the July 27, 2026 Planning Commission motion related to 94-95 Silver King Court; no specific comments on Northfax recorded in the material.
Rice has served as the Planning Commission's PRAB liaison since January 2025 and was reappointed in January 2026. At the March 2026 meeting he described attending the PRAB's February 12 meeting and characterized the board's portfolio as 'mind-blowing how complex and busy they are.' At the June 2026 meeting he expressed enthusiasm, stating he was 'excited to continue as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board until somebody else kicks me off.' In July 2026 he reported on three major ongoing PRAB projects including Old Town Hall renovations, noting the specialty window work was being handled by a craftsman in Ohio.
At the February 10, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, Commissioner Rice reported that Old Town Hall would be offline for approximately twelve months due to renovations and noted the upcoming PRAB meeting in connection with this.
Voting record
Motion to amend Chapter 110 of the Code of the City of Fairfax, Virginia
Proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Fairfax, Chapter 86 (Subdivisions)
Final consideration of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP)
Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on the Proposed Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2027 to Fiscal Year 2031
Appointment of a Planning Commission representative to the Façade and Interiors Improvement Grant Committee
Consideration of the November 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Consideration of the October 13, 2025 meeting minutes
Discussion / Adoption of Agenda
Appointment of a Planning Commission representative to the Board of Architectural Review
Proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Fairfax, Chapter 110 (Zoning) – Accessory Dwelling Unit Occupancy, Reducing Special Use Permits, and Miscellaneous Amendments
Motion to amend Chapter 110 of the Code of the City of Fairfax, Virginia as part of the regular review of the Zoning Ordinance
Rezoning Application Z-23-00073 – The Hill, A Davies Family, LLC – 4131 Chain Bridge Road
Rezoning Application Z-23-00073 – The Hill, A Davies Family, LLC – 4131 Chain Bridge Road
Discussion / Adoption of Agenda
Consideration of the November 25, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Consideration of the October 14, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Discussion / Adoption of Agenda
Consideration of the September 23, 2024 meeting minutes
Public hearing on final recommendation to City Council for amendments to the City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan based on the five-year review (Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2230).
Proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Fairfax, Chapter 110 (Zoning) – Zoning Districts and Regulations, Site Development Standards, and Definitions (Urban Agriculture)
Request from ABTB Mid-Atlantic, LLC for GDP Amendment, Special Use Permit (drive-through restaurant), and Special Exception (parking landscaping) – Boulevard Marketplace Shopping Center, 10120 & 10140-10160 Fairfax Boulevard
Consideration of the June 10, 2024 meeting minutes
Proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Fairfax, Chapter 110 (Zoning) for portions of the articles and sections contained therein, including Introductory Provisions, Site Development Standards, Decision-Making Bodies and Officials, Development Review and Definitions
Consideration of the June 24, 2024 meeting minutes
Public hearing and recommendation to City Council on the proposed Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan