Fairfax City Council To Hold 7 Public Hearings On Sidewalks, Housing, Zoning

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — The Fairfax City Council will hold seven public hearings Tuesday, covering proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements, changes to zoning regulations, affordable housing and the city's legislative priorities for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session.

Four of the hearings will focus on transportation projects designed to improve pedestrian access and safety in different parts of the city. The council will also consider zoning changes that could affect future development in the city's activity centers and allow affordable housing on certain properties owned by religious organizations and nonprofits.

The council's regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St. The council will also hold a special budget work session Saturday, Nov. 7, to discuss financial projections and priorities for the upcoming budget cycle.

Seven Public Hearings Scheduled Tuesday

1. City's 2027 Legislative Program

The council will seek public feedback on its proposed 2027 Legislative Program, which outlines the city's priorities and policy positions for the Virginia General Assembly.

The annual program is developed using recommendations from elected officials, city departments, boards and commissions, and regional government partners. It provides guidance to the city's legislative delegation on issues affecting Fairfax City.

Following Tuesday's hearing, staff will incorporate changes supported by the council. A revised program is scheduled for discussion during a Dec. 1 work session, with final council consideration planned for Dec. 8. The 2027 General Assembly session begins Jan. 13.

No council action is scheduled Tuesday.

2. Chain Bridge Road Shared Use Path

The council will receive public comments on plans to construct an 8-foot-wide shared use path along the west side of Chain Bridge Road between Northfax Street and Assembly Drive.

The project would replace an existing 5-foot sidewalk and connect with other pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including an existing shared use path south of Northfax Street and a planned path to the north. The improvements are intended to help establish a continuous connection between the Interstate 66 Trail and Fairfax Boulevard.

The Chain Bridge Road Shared Use Path has an estimated cost of $2.6 million, according to the staff report.

The project supports the Northfax Small Area Plan and is currently at the 60 percent design stage. City officials are seeking public input before proceeding with final design and right-of-way acquisition.

No council action is scheduled during the hearing.

3. First Street And Second Street Sidewalks

Another hearing will focus on a proposed $5.6 million sidewalk project involving First Street and Second Street.

The project would construct new sidewalks, curbs and gutters along the north side of First Street between Hallman Street and Oak Street, and along the south side of Second Street between Walnut Street and Oak Street.

The improvements originated with a resident petition and are being coordinated with a separate sidewalk project on Oak Street. The city has secured $2.8 million in state revenue-sharing funding, with an additional $2.8 million local match.

The project is at the 60 percent design stage. Residents may submit comments through Nov. 20, after which city staff will consider possible modifications before completing final design and beginning right-of-way acquisition. Construction is anticipated in 2028.

4. Oak Street Sidewalk

The council will also hear comments on a proposed $2.4 million sidewalk project along the west side of Oak Street between Main Street and Willow Terrace.

The project would add sidewalks, curbs and gutters and include improvements to stormwater facilities previously identified as needing upgrades. The work is being coordinated with the First Street and Second Street sidewalk project.

The city has identified approximately $1.1 million in state revenue-sharing funds and $1.3 million in local commercial and industrial tax and stormwater funding for the improvements.

The project originated with a resident request and is at the 60 percent design stage. Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 20 before the city moves toward final design and right-of-way acquisition.

5. Dwight Avenue Pedestrian Improvements

A fifth public hearing will focus on a proposed $3.7 million pedestrian improvement project along Dwight Avenue.

The project would construct new sidewalks, curbs and gutters along the north side of Dwight Avenue between Roberts Road and Orchard Drive. It would also include intersection improvements at Dwight Avenue and Roberts Road and at Dwight Avenue and Orchard Drive.

The improvements originated with a resident petition and are being coordinated with a separate stormwater project along Dwight Avenue.

The city has identified approximately $1.8 million in state revenue-sharing funds and $1.9 million in local commercial and industrial tax funding. The project is at the 60 percent design stage, with public comments accepted through Nov. 20. Construction is anticipated in 2028.

6. Small Area Plan Zoning Amendments

The council will consider changes to the city's zoning ordinance intended to bring development regulations into closer alignment with adopted small area plans.

The proposed amendments would establish a new Activity Center zoning district for designated redevelopment areas. The changes would address building heights, residential density, parking requirements, open space, street frontages and community benefits.

Under the proposal, developments would generally have a base residential density of 40 dwelling units per acre and a base building height of five stories. Developers could qualify for additional density or height through a community benefits program that encourages improvements such as additional open space, commercial uses and pedestrian infrastructure.

The amendments would also establish a 10 percent open-space requirement and allow certain reductions in parking requirements in exchange for qualifying improvements.

City staff said the changes are intended to make development standards more predictable and reduce reliance on negotiated approvals. The amendments would require property owners to seek rezoning to the new Activity Center district rather than automatically changing existing zoning classifications.

The council will also consider separate changes involving residential uses in commercial districts and parking requirements for general office buildings.

Unlike the transportation hearings, this item is scheduled for possible council action Tuesday.

7. Affordable Housing, Noise And Other Zoning Changes

The final public hearing will address proposed zoning amendments intended to comply with new state legislation allowing certain religious institutions and nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties.

Virginia Senate Bill 388, approved during the 2026 General Assembly session, requires localities to allow qualifying housing developments by right on land owned by religious organizations and certain tax-exempt nonprofits. At least 60 percent of the housing units must meet affordability requirements and remain affordable for at least 30 years.

RELATED: Fairfax City Council Passes Updated Noise Ordinance

The legislation establishes minimum development allowances, including building heights of at least 45 feet, residential densities of at least 20 units per acre and parking requirements of no more than one space per housing unit. Qualifying organizations must have owned the property for at least five years before applying.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and is scheduled to expire Jan. 1, 2031.

The proposed zoning amendments would also eliminate redundant noise regulations following the city's adoption of a revised noise ordinance earlier this year. Other changes would clarify rules governing detached carports, accessory dwelling units, nonconforming properties and special use permit expirations.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Oct. 12, although commissioners raised concerns about the state's limitations on local control and questions about oversight of affordable housing requirements.

The council is scheduled to consider separate ordinances addressing affordable housing and the other zoning amendments.

Special Budget Work Session Scheduled Saturday

Before Tuesday's meeting, the City Council will hold a special budget work session Saturday, Nov. 7, at City Hall.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., following an 8:30 a.m. breakfast and coffee period.

Council members will review preliminary financial results for fiscal 2026, the first-quarter financial report for fiscal 2027 and proposed updates to financial policies and budget guidelines for fiscal 2028.

The agenda also includes discussion of possible changes to the city's real estate tax relief program for elderly and disabled residents, along with financial forecasts and employee compensation considerations.

The discussions will help establish the framework for the city's fiscal 2028 budget process.

Tuesday's regular council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St. A closed meeting to discuss personnel matters is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.