James Feather
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, recommending City Council adopt the Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan.
Commissioner Feather voted yes on the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning and General Development Plan at the June 23, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, and no on the motion to recommend denial.
At the February 9, 2026 meeting, Chair Feather was noted as having raised the need to discuss the plan for the Planning Commission's presentation at the City Council CIP session the following evening. Chair Feather is also referenced as presiding over the March 9, 2026 annual report and implementation guide consideration.
At both the March 24, 2025 and May 12, 2025 Planning Commission meetings, Chair Feather noted that demolition of the unused portion of the INOVA site is moving forward.
On June 23, 2025, Chair Feather noted the five-year anniversary of the Old Town Small Area Plan's adoption and flagged an open Planning Commission seat on the Board of Architectural Review. At the June 8, 2026 work session, Feather acknowledged the concern that much of the Old Town small area plan may already be committed to by the time updates are completed, and suggested there might be benefit in expediting the Old Town (and potentially Northfax) updates at the expense of delaying the other two plans.
Voted yes on July 14, 2025 to recommend City Council approve the zoning ordinance amendments, including the ADU occupancy changes. No recorded verbal comments in the material.
Chair Feather attended both the 2024 and 2025 GIS Day events at George Mason University and assisted Rice in hosting city staff presenters. At the November 24, 2025 meeting, he congratulated Commissioner Rice on the success of the 2025 GIS Day event. He also noted helping to arrange the Mayor's 2024 proclamation recognizing GIS Day in the City of Fairfax.
Voted yes on Resolution PC-26-01 recommending City Council approve the FY2027–FY2031 CIP on February 9, 2026.
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.
Feather has served as the Planning Commission's BAR liaison since being appointed in October 2025, providing regular updates to the Commission through at least June and July 2026. At the June 8, 2026 work session on an active development proposal, Feather commented favorably on the applicant's incorporation of red brick, noted the BAR's ongoing interest in how ancient and modern design elements are mixed, and said they were 'pretty favorably impressed' — while declining to presume what the BAR would ultimately think.
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)
Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on the Proposed Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2027 to Fiscal Year 2031
Final consideration of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP)
Appointment of a Planning Commission representative to the Façade and Interiors Improvement Grant Committee
Consideration of the November 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Appointment of a Planning Commission representative to the Board of Architectural Review
Discussion / Adoption of Agenda
Consideration of the October 13, 2025 meeting minutes
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).
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
Proposed amendments to the Code of the City of Fairfax, Chapter 110 (Zoning) – Zoning Districts and Regulations, Site Development Standards, and Definitions (Urban Agriculture)
Public hearing and recommendation to City Council on the proposed Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan
Consideration of the June 24, 2024 meeting minutes
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