Return to Graphic Version

Search Site:

Index

Related Links

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

Fairfax Forward

---

Fairfax Forward proposes a new approach to Plan review and community engagement in planning activities.  If adopted by the Board of Supervisors, the effort will replace the Area Plans Review process.   Review Frequently Asked Questions What's new? **Sign up to receive email announcements on Fairfax Forward through the Comprehensive Plan Announcements Email Subscriptions** Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: July 9, 2013 at 4:00PM in the Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA If you wish to speak at the board's public hearing, call the Clerk to the Board at 703-324-3151, TTY 771, or fill out the online speakers sign-up form.  The public hearings will take place in the Board Auditorium, Ground Level, Government Center Building, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia.  Questions may be directed to the Department of Planning and Zoning, Planning Division at (703) 324-1380.  Community Focus Group: May 6, 2013 On May 6, 2013 a focus group, representing community groups from various parts of the county, gathered at the Government Center to discuss public participation in planning.  The group discussed the notification process for planning studies and measurements that could be used during the evaluation of Fairfax Forward.   Many suggestions were offered at the meeting.  These ideas can be explored as outreach strategies for planning studies are developed.   Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation On April 3, 2013, the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on Fairfax Forward.  The Planning Commission public hearing was held on March 27, 2013.  Watch the March 27th and the April 3rd Planning Commission meetings. Staff Report for Fairfax Forward, dated February 20, 2013    Staff Report Addendum, dated April 3, 2013 Background The effort resulted from the 2011 Area Plans Review Retrospective, an evaluation of the regular cycle of Comprehensive Plan review (the Area Plans Review process).  The results indicated minor changes to the existing process would not address recurring issues and a more substantial change should occur.  Goals of Fairfax Forward In general, the new approach seeks to: Establish a systematic review of all parts of the Plan, Expand public participation and stakeholder collaboration in planning activities, and Promote logical and flexible review of planning areas.

Watch the presentation given at communities meetings (10:34sec) Watch Fairfax Forward on Channel 16’s Around Fairfax (1:35sec.)

Community Outreach and Participation Community input and feedback from other stakeholders remains invaluable for the effort and future planning studies to succeed.  A public comment period on the proposed process and pilot work program was held from December 15, 2012 through January 18, 2013.  Find out how input was gathered during past stages of Fairfax Forward, what you can do to participate now, and what outreach and participation opportunities are envisioned in the future: Past Present Future Summary of Recommendations The following summarizes the final staff recommendations as expressed in the staff report.  Staff recommendations are based on community input, input from county staff, and other stakeholders. Plan Amendment Work Program Fairfax Forward proposes a revised review schedule for the Comprehensive Plan (the Area Plans and Policy Plan).  Planning studies for the next three year period will be established on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program.  Activities after this time will be estimated.  The initial work program for years 2013-2015 is considered a pilot program.  After the first year, a status update of studies on the work program will be provided to the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and the public; after the second year, an evaluation of the process and the pilot work program will be completed. Planning Studies  Fairfax Forward proposes a new method to conduct planning studies that increases public participation and seeks more effective outcomes. The method will capitalize on the successful aspects of recent planning studies, particularly related to review and evaluation.  Other improved features of the process will include more focused study parameters and a more organized approach to the overall Plan review. Outstanding Amendments Recommended to be Rescinded A number of indefinitely deferred Plan amendments and Area Plans Review items that have had no action in two years or more are recommended to be rescinded by the Board of Supervisors or the Planning Commission. Frequently Asked Questions Timing The schedule for Fairfax Forward as as follows: Spring 2012: Initial meetings with Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors; development of preliminary recommendations Summer/Fall 2012: Public outreach meetings December 2012-January 2013: Publication of preliminary recommendations; public comment period February  2013: Final staff recommendations March 2013: Planning Commission public hearing June 2013: Board of Supervisors' Development Process Committee meeting July 2013: Board of Supervisors public hearing Related Efforts A number of other planning activities were completed as part of Fairfax Forward and used to inform the final recommendations: State of the Plan An evaluation of Comprehensive Plan activities between 2000-2010 and the implementation of the Concept for Future Development (published May 2012). Concept for Future Development Update The Board of Supervisors adopted an update to the Concept for Future Development on June 19, 2012 (Adopted Amendment Number 2011-13 and 2011 P-1). Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map Update The Board of Supervisors adopted an update to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map on June 19, 2012 (Adopted Amendment Number 2011-12). Editorial Updates Editorial updates to the Overview and Character sections of the Area Plans and the Preface of the Policy Plan are proposed.  The updates generally intend to correct factual information, remove out of date references, and ensure a uniform writing style.  The Board of Supervisors adopted the amendment (Adopted Amendment Number 2011-16) on February 12, 2013.