Fairfax County invites comments on zoning ordinance overhaul
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| An accessory living unit in Mason District. |
Fairfax County has released a consolidated draft of the proposed new, modernization of the zoning ordinance, a project known as zMOD.
The public is encouraged to submit comments on zMOD via email to: [email protected].
The document will be submitted to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors next week, and the BoS is expected to consider adopting it this winter.
In one of the most controversial provisions, the zMOD proposal makes it easier for property owners to have accessory living units. The draft changes the name from accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to avoid confusion with affordable dwelling units.
Related story: Fairfax County proposes more flexibility for home-based businesses and accessory dwellings
The zMOD document covers every type of zoning issue, from parking to home-based businesses, from flood plains to building height in redevelopment areas.
County staff and representatives from Clarion Associates, the consultants that worked on zMOD, will present the proposed zoning changes at several upcoming virtual meetings:
- The Board of Supervisors Land Use Policy Committee, July 21, 2:30 p.m. Streamed live online and available to view on demand after the meeting.
- Community outreach meeting, July 22, 7 p.m., on WebEx. For instructions on accessing the meeting, click here.
- The Planning Commission’s Land Use Process Review Committee, July 23, 7:30 p .m. Streamed live online and available online later.
Related story: Concerns raised about dropping public hearing requirement for accessory dwelling units
The proposed new ordinance consolidates the 20 articles and six appendices in the current zoning ordinance into nine articles and one appendix. It also includes substantive revisions to land uses, including adding new use names; consolidates uses; creates new uses where appropriate; has new definitions; and revises use regulations.
The zMOD project was developed over the past two years, during which there were more than 65 public meetings.
One response to “Fairfax County invites comments on zoning ordinance overhaul”
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Oh sure, the blog shows one of the good ones. Just wait until the less educated/savvy homeowners that don't hire an architect get started building monstrosities like add-ons to Buddha Temples and already maxed out house rentals.