Chapter 110 of the Code of the City of Fairfax Virginiain progress

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 zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. 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. On June 8, 2026, the Commission voted unanimously (6:0) on two separate matters: first, to initiate a general review-and-maintenance round of amendments (including introductory provisions, zoning districts, regulations, and definitions); and second, to initiate amendments specifically related to accessory dwelling unitsAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. (ADUs), scheduling a public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. for June 22, 2026. Staff noted at the June 8 meeting that ADUs had been under discussion for quite some time, with both the Planning Commission and City Council having held multiple work sessionsWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. on the topic.

A September 14, 2026 meeting also had two Chapter 110 amendment motionsMotionA member's formal proposal to act. It needs a second from another member before the body votes on it. on the agenda — one related to regular review and maintenance, and one related 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. — though no minutes or action report for that meeting is available.