Zoning Text Amendmentsin progress

ZoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. Text AmendmentsText amendmentA change to the words of the zoning ordinance itself, citywide, rather than to one property's district. is an ongoing, multi-track effort in Fairfax City to update the zoning ordinance across several subject areas.

The earliest recorded action was a June 3, 2025 City Council work sessionWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. presentation on proposed amendments. A first series of general/miscellaneous zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. text amendmentsText amendmentA change to the words of the zoning ordinance itself, citywide, rather than to one property's district.—covering administrative housekeeping, typographical corrections, and inconsistency fixes—was discussed by 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. in a spring 2025 work session and at a public hearingPublic hearingThe formal, legally advertised part of a meeting where anyone can speak on an item before the body votes. on July 14, 2025, where the Commission recommended approval unanimously; City Council then approved these unanimously on July 22, 2025. A second major track concerns detached Accessory Dwelling UnitsAccessory dwelling unitA second, smaller home on a single-family lot: a basement apartment, a garage conversion, or a backyard cottage. (ADUs): the Planning Commission held a work session in April 2026, City Council held an equivalent work session in May 2026, and a public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on June 22, 2026 and before City Council on July 28, 2026; the outcome of Council's vote on ADUs is not recorded in the available material.

A third track involves zoningZoningThe city rules that say what can be built where: uses, height, density, setbacks, and parking, by district. text amendmentsText amendmentA change to the words of the zoning ordinance itself, citywide, rather than to one property's district. tied 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., including a potential new zoning district to implement those plans; this track has been in staff review and public participation for several years and remains unresolved as of September 2026, with Council discussing whether to deferDeferredPostponed to a later meeting without a decision. Items can be deferred to a set date or indefinitely. consideration pending small area plan updates. A fourth track—amendments regarding affordable housing on tax-exempt properties, noise standards, carports, and miscellaneous items—was the subject of 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. work sessionsWork sessionA meeting for discussion and briefing only. No formal votes are taken, but positions get set here. on September 14, 2026 and a City Council work session on September 22, 2026, with no formal action taken on either occasion.