Franconia District Updates
Franconia-Springfield: New Planning Ideas are available for Feedback!
An online survey is now available with draft planning ideas for the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study. The ideas were shaped by community feedback gathered when the study launched last fall. Through the study, the county is updating the Comprehensive Plan for the area stretching from Springfield Plaza to the Inova HealthPlex, including the Town Center and the GSA warehouse.
The new community survey features three main ideas for future development. It takes about 20 minutes to complete, and the feedback provided will help guide improvements for the next 20 years and beyond.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a frequent visitor, please take a moment to share your thoughts!
Review the ideas and take the survey by April 17: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield-development-ideas
Mark your calendar for April 23 or 24. Join county staff virtually for an update on the Accessory Living Units (ALU) zoning ordinance amendment, which considers updates to zoning regulations for ALUs, like basement apartments or in-law suites.
Each meeting will include a summary of the recent community survey, discussion of setbacks, an update on state legislation and next steps for the project.
County residents are encouraged to join to learn more, share thoughts and ask questions.
Get meeting details and learn more on the project website: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/amendments/accessory-living-units
Are you a business owner planning to lease space in an existing building? If your project involves 5,000 square feet or less and minor interior alterations, you may qualify for Fairfax County’s Tenant Support Services (TSS) Pilot Program.
The TSS Pilot Program is designed to help small tenant projects move through the permit approval process more efficiently by providing early guidance, clear expectations, and coordinated review support.
We strongly encourage applicants to contact the program before signing a lease to confirm that the space is suitable for your proposed business use.
What the Program Provides
Participants in the TSS Pilot Program receive:
- A single point of contact within Fairfax County government throughout the project
- An early review of proposed business operations to confirm zoning and building code compatibility before ever signing a lease
- A clear outline of the permit approval process from start to finish, including which agencies will be involved and submittal expectations
- Coordinated support during the design process to reduce resubmissions and unexpected project delays
- Expedited building permit review, with a target turnaround of 3-5 business days for complete and eligible submissions
- Continued support through construction, inspections and issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy
How to Participate
Submit the Tenant Support Services Interest Form here.
A Staff Coordinator will contact you within two business days to determine eligibility and explain next steps.
For more details on eligibility criteria and the pilot phase for this program, visit the Tenant Support Service Pilot Program webpage.
In the Franconia Police District, officers issued the first "felon in possession of a firearm" arrest of 2026. This case is part of Fairfax County Police’s Operation Press Check, an initiative aimed at reducing illegal firearm possession by convicted felons to improve public safety.
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Help improve congestion on South Van Dorn Street!
This study is assessing potential safety, operational, transit and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along the two-and-a-half-mile stretch of South Van Dorn Street (Route 613) between Telegraph Road (Route 611) and Alexandria City limits, and three-quarters of a mile of Franconia Road (Route 644) between Grovedale Drive and South Van Dorn Street. Learn about the study.
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Check back soon for updates!