Reston Population Increase Takes Big Step Forward

RESTON, VA -- Fairfax County is advancing a plan that would include raising the population density limit in Reston, a controversial move that many residents vehemently oppose but officials argue is necessary for the area.

After 17 months of public engagement that have included heated confrontations between Reston residents and officials, Fairfax County will move forward with proposed zoning changes that would involve raising the population density limit from 13 person per acre to 15, a move that proponents argue is necessary to support future residential growth and that critics say will lead to runaway growth that current infrastructure cannot support.

The Board of Supervisors plans to authorize public hearings on Dec. 4 on the zoning changes, but that meeting will not be an opportunity for public input, the county said in a statement.

In addition to the overall population density limit increase, the proposal would also call for an increase in the limit of dwelling units per acre from 50 to 70 in the Reston Planned Residential Community (PRC) District. The move would largely affect Reston Town Center, officials say.

See also:
Reston PRC Zoning Ordinance: 5 Things You Need To Know

"While some residents believe development in Reston would be halted if the zoning ordinance update isn’t passed, county planning officials say this is unlikely," the statement reads. "However, developers may simply seek to rezone properties to other districts to build the development envisioned in the master plan. This could result in a patchwork of different zoning districts across Reston, ending the cohesive zoning that shapes most of the area today."

The statement adds that the zoning changes won't place Reston's two golf courses at risk of development.

"The master plan clearly calls for the Hidden Creek and Reston National courses to remain—and any proposals for residential development would require amendments to both the master plan and zoning ordinance," it reads. "This is underscored by the county’s legal victory three years ago against one of the courses that failed in its attempt to redevelop without first seeking a change to the master plan."

Local Restonians are concerned about how the zoning ordinance would impact the local community. They argue that Reston's population could triple by 2050 under the new amendment. And they're concerned that once this increase is approved, there's no going back.

Critics argue that Reston's streets aren't capable of handling such a boom in population, and the growth could negatively impact local schools and parks, and lead to under-staffing of police and fire stations. Many Restonians believe that infrastructure needs should be addressed first before any development increase is allowed.

Image of PRC via Fairfax County