Old Town Parking Study

Summary

The Old Town Parking Study is a city-commissioned project that examined parking utilization across Old Town Fairfax City, with field observations conducted by a consultant in fall 2024. The study's primary purpose was to assess how upcoming specific redevelopments in Old Town would affect parking supply and demand. On June 3, 2025, City Council received a presentation on the study during a work session; no formal action was taken. Staff subsequently reported to the Planning Commission on June 23, 2025 that the study's results would serve as a reference for future decisions, particularly related to the small area plan. The study was completed in 2025 and its key finding was that no additional parking structure is needed in Old Town; instead, future demand should be accommodated through shared parking. Study data—including peak utilization rates for retail shopping centers (approximately 2–2.5 spaces per 1,000 sq ft at Main Street Marketplace and Courthouse Plaza) and office uses around Old Town—has since been referenced in subsequent planning discussions, including a parking standards review presented in March 2026.

Open questions & options on the table

• The Old Town Circulation Study (part of the Move Fairfax City plan) is underway and its outcomes, which may relate to Old Town parking decisions, have not yet been reported.
• Future decisions on small area plan analyses that are intended to reference the parking study's findings remain pending.

Discussion time

Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.