Fairfax City Community Development and Planning | May 2, 2025

Major Development and Planning Projects Updates

Affordable Housing Project in Old Town Approved

At the Feb. 25, 2025 City Council Public Hearing, the Pathway Homes project was approved. Located at 4010 University Drive, this project includes the nonprofit's future headquarters, and creates up to 15 affordable housing units in the heart of Old Town. This project will repurpose the existing building with interior renovations to meet the city’s housing needs while preserving the character of Old Town.

Help Us Align Zoning with the City's Vision - Join the May 14 Open House

After completing the fourth Small Area Plan recommended in the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, the city began a project to review and update the Zoning Ordinance to better align with the guidance provided in the Small Area Plans. The project started last fall with background research and stakeholder engagement, and we are now in Phase 2. During this phase, the consultant team has developed a list of options for how to achieve the goals of this project—and we need your input! Join us for an open house between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm on May 14, 2025 at City Hall (10455 Armstrong St) to learn about the proposed options and share your thoughts on how the city should move forward. For more information about this project and the upcoming community meeting, please visit the Engage page.

Development Community Briefing: Policy Updates and Process Discussion

City staff will host members of the development community to discuss development in the City, hear about policy changes, and share insights and feedback on the development review process. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a nominal fee to attend. This meeting will take place on June 13, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00 am at the Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Boulevard).

Click Here to Register

Interested in ongoing major development projects? Click here!

Planning Corner

The 2025 Fact Book is Here

The Community Development and Planning Department has published the 2025 Fact Book. Originally designed as an appendix to the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, the Fact Book is a standalone document that provides users with maps and analyses regarding the City's population, neighborhoods, housing, transportation network, economic vitality, environment and sustainability, and community services. Explore the Fact Book to learn more about the City!

Residential Permit FAQs

My house is in the floodplain. What does that mean?

The floodplain is a specially designated low-laying area that is prone to flooding. If a property has a Special Flood Hazard Area on it as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), any proposed man‐made change to the site, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials within a floodplain requires a permit.

To see if your property is located in the floodplain, visit the City Map. For more floodplain information, visit the floodplain information page.

Other residential permit FAQs can be found here and for more zoning information or any zoning related questions, please reach out to zoning@fairfaxva.gov.

Happening Around the City

Urban Forest Photo Contest

All photos submitted to the contest will have a chance to be featured in the future Urban Forest Master Plan. One winner from each of the four categories will receive a $50 Flex Card. For more information and to submit your photos, please visit the contest website.

Urban Forest Master Plan Open House

Fairfax City is developing the city's first urban forest master plan - and we need your help! There will be an open house from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on June 11 at Sherwood Community Center where attendees can vote on their top priorities.

Antique Car Show

This beloved event showcases a wide variety of classic vehicles - 25 years and older - and draws car enthusiasts from across the region. The event will run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 17, at City Hall.