Detached Accessory Dwelling Units
approvedStatus set at City Council Meeting on Jul 28, 2026 · ▶ watch the moment
- Proposed
- Under reviewApr 13, 2026
- approvedJul 28, 2026
Summary
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a housing type that the City of Fairfax's comprehensive plan had already flagged as worth exploring, with the caveat that any expansion should not negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods. The policy process began with work sessions at both the Planning Commission (October 2025) and City Council (October 2025), where Planner Eric Forman presented potential policy options. A second round of work sessions followed in spring 2026: the Planning Commission met in April 2026 to discuss potential zoning text amendments, and City Council reviewed draft amendments in May 2026, directing staff to prepare additional analysis on real estate assessment impacts, a review of other jurisdictions' regulations, and a count of existing accessory structures, while also giving consensus to proceed toward a public hearing. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 22, 2026, and recommended approval of the proposed zoning text amendments. City Council held its own public hearing and took final action on July 28, 2026, approving an ordinance amending Chapter 110 (Zoning) of the City of Fairfax Code to permit detached ADUs by a 4-2 vote, with Councilmembers Hall and McQuillen opposed and Councilmembers Amos, Bates, Hardy-Chandler, and Peterson in favor.
What members have said
Councilmember Hall voted against the ordinance on July 28, 2026. During the meeting, Hall engaged in detailed questioning about the distinction between affordable dwelling units and detached accessory dwelling units and raised concerns about setback standards, and indicated a preference for a special permit requirement — noting that given a projection of only about 50 units over 10 years, a special permit process could be appropriate to maintain case-by-case oversight.
Councilmember McQuillen voted against the ordinance on July 28, 2026. No specific recorded comments from McQuillen are available in the material beyond the vote.
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
Discussion time
Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.
Full history
[8a] Planner Eric Forman presented a staff report on potential policy options for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units during the work session; discussion was held with no formal action taken.
[12a] Policy options for detached ADUs discussed during the work session; no formal action recorded.
[8a] The Commission held a work session discussion on potential zoning text amendments regarding detached accessory dwelling units; no formal action was taken.
[11a] Council reviewed draft Zoning Text Amendments for detached ADUs and directed staff to prepare further analysis; consensus given to proceed toward setting a public hearing before the Planning Commission and City Council.
[5a] Proposed zoning code amendments relating to Detached Accessory Dwelling Units were scheduled for a public hearing at this meeting.
[8a] Council approved 4-2 an ordinance amending Chapter 110 (Zoning) relating to Detached Accessory Dwelling Units; Councilmembers Hall and McQuillen opposed.
passedApproval of an ordinance amending Chapter 110 (Zoning), including introductory provisions, zoning districts and regulations, and definitions, relating to Detached Accessory Dwelling Units.✕ Hall✕ McQuillen✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ Peterson
Discussed alongside
Topics that come up in the same meetings.