Planning Commission Regular Meeting/Work Session

Agenda

• 2Discussion/Adoption of Agenda

  Outcome: Agenda adopted as presented, 4:0.

  passedMotion to adopt the agenda as presented.
• 4aPresentation from students at Katherine Johnson Middle School on ideas for development at Northfax and Courthouse Plaza

  Outcome: Students from Katherine Johnson Middle School presented development ideas for the Northfax and Courthouse Plaza areas. The Northfax team focused on stormwater management, pedestrian safety, and local economy, proposing pervious surfaces, daylighting the existing stream, greenery, and solar panels. The Courthouse Plaza team presented two designs: Design A (shuttle bus stop, solar panels, community gardens, water fountains, diverse businesses, youth center, music venue) and Design B (walkable pedestrian/bike-focused center, underground parking, bio-retention pond, increased tree canopy, shaded seating). No action was taken.

• 4bConsideration of the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report to City Council and associated updates to the 2035 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Guide and Small Area Plan Implementation Guides

  Outcome: Ms. Denny and Mr. Nabti presented the staff report, incorporated into the record by reference. Commissioners discussed Comprehensive Plan Implementation items related to Sustainability scheduled for 2026. No formal vote recorded.

• 7aContinued discussion of potential amendments to the City of Fairfax Zoning Ordinance related to adopted small area plans with a focus on frontages, open space, tree conservation and landscaping, and parking

  Outcome: Mr. Nabti presented the staff report, incorporated into the record by reference. Discussion continued on potential Zoning Ordinance amendments. No formal vote recorded.

• 9Staff Report

  Outcome: Mr. Nabti provided updates on recent City Council actions and upcoming planning activities, including: adoption of the Urban Forest Master Plan (Feb 10), support for the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan and introduction of Small Area Plan zoning ordinance amendments (Feb 17), updates on the Level of Services Study and pre-application discussions for Courthouse Plaza and 10340 Democracy Lane (Feb 24). Upcoming items noted: City Council work session on small area plan zoning amendments (Mar 10), possible cancellation of next Planning Commission meeting, Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group meeting focused on Northfax (Mar 18), and Open House for Small Area Plan zoning ordinance amendments (Mar 26).

• 10Commission Comments

  Outcome: Commissioner Rice updated the Commission on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) and noted his work on Northern Virginia Regional Commission solar energy projections. Chair Feather updated the Commission on the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and thanked attendees.