Certain aspects of “zMOD,” Fairfax County’s initiative to modernize its zoning ordinance that was established over 40 years ago, are facing opposition from communities across the county, including Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA). In particular, GFCA:

• Opposes the removal of the Residential-Preservation [zoning] District as it would eliminate a mechanism to preserve open and undeveloped spaces within the county. While the county has assumed that this zoning designation is unlikely to be sought in the future, there are properties that could still be zoned this way. Open spaces help to protect the environment, including water tables and wells, and better ensure that roads and school capacities are not adversely affected by increasing density.
• Objects to the elimination of the special permit process for accessory living units because it removes the opportunity for public notice and comment on how a residential property will be used. While GFCA supports the county’s efforts to expand affordable housing and resources for older adults and persons with disabilities, it opposes removal of age or disability requirements.
• Believes that the home-based business section of the ordinance shouldn’t be amended as this would enable those with such a business to circumvent prohibitions on commercial signage in a residential area, engage in commercial activities with customers that could disrupt the residential character of the neighborhood, generate increased vehicular traffic and parking problems, and advance the blurring of limitations on residential versus commercial uses. In addition, the proposal would necessitate active monitoring by the county to ensure that limitations are being adhered to by the business.

Although no substantive edits are being proposed with respect to signage, GFCA feels that the county should examine its policies for commercial signage in residential areas.

On January 28^th, Jennifer Falcone, Chair of GFCA’s Land Use and Zoning Committee, summarized areas of concern before the Fairfax County Planning Commission. While the county is focused on removing ambiguous or confusing language in the ordinance, there are a number of substantive changes to the ordinance that, to GFCA and Great Falls residents, could be seen to be detrimental to residential neighborhoods in Great Falls and across the county.

Click here to read more about this matter in the Great Falls Connection.