Old Town Parking Study

Summary

The Old Town Parking Study is a City of Fairfax project initiated to examine parking conditions in the Old Town area, particularly in anticipation of upcoming redevelopments and their potential impacts on parking supply and demand. The study's field analysis was conducted by a consultant in the fall of 2024, covering parking utilization across lots and facilities throughout Old Town. A presentation on the study was delivered to City Council during a work session on June 3, 2025, with no formal action taken. The study was subsequently noted as complete as of a July 28, 2025 reference, with its key finding being that no additional parking structure is needed in Old Town — future parking demand should instead be accommodated through shared parking. The study's data has since been used as a reference in broader parking and development discussions, including a March 2026 review of parking rates for recent multifamily developments, where staff cited the study's findings on peak utilization at retail shopping centers (Main Street Marketplace and Courthouse Plaza, both peaking around 2–2.5 spaces per 1,000 sq ft) and offices around Old Town. Staff have also indicated the study's results will serve as a reference for future decisions, particularly related to the small area plan.

Open questions & options on the table

• How will the shared parking strategy recommended by the study be formally implemented or codified in city policy or the small area plan?
• The Old Town Circulation Study (part of the Move Fairfax City plan) is underway as of July 2025 — its completion and any findings that interact with the parking study's conclusions remain pending.

Discussion time

Minutes of named discussion per transcribed meeting.