County hosts community meetings on new Zoning Ordinance

The Fairfax County Planning and Development Department is hosting a series of public meetings on zMOD, the overhaul and modernization of the Zoning Ordinance.

The Board of Supervisors adopted zMOD in March, and the new zoning rules took effect July 1. 

The two most controversial provisions in zMOD make it easier for property owners to have an accessory living unit (ALU) and to have a home-based business. 

Homeowners now need an administrative permit for an ALU, which means they don’t need a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals. Also, the age and disability requirements have been eliminated. 

Here’s the schedule for the virtual meetings. 

July 14, 12 p.m. – zMOD Lunch and Learn, an overview of the new Zoning Ordinance. 

July 14, 7 p.m. – An overview of the new Zoning Ordinance. 

July 21, 12 p.m. – zMOD Lunch and Learn, a presentation on ALUs.  

July 28, 12 p.m. – zMOD Lunch and Learn, a presentation on home-based businesses.

Click here for details on how to access all the zMOD meetings.

Related story: Board of Supervisors approves zMOD

The new zoning rules make many other changes, from increasing the allowable height of flagpoles to allowing accessory structures, such as sheds and gazebos, to be up to 12 feet high. 

Over the next few months, a new Zoning Ordinance website will be launched with enhanced search and navigation features.