Fairfax County received 53 nominations during the 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) submission period, which ran from Jan. 13 to Feb. 13. The SSPA process allows the public to propose changes to the Comprehensive Plan, which guides land use and development decisions in the county.
On March 4, the Board of Supervisors accepted 43 nominations into the screening phase, which evaluates whether the proposed amendments should be added to the Comprehensive Plan Work Program for further study.
What Is SSPA and Why It Matters
The Comprehensive Plan is Fairfax County’s blueprint for growth and development. It sets the long-term vision for land use, housing, transportation, public facilities and environmental protection. The process gives the public a direct role in shaping that vision by allowing individuals, community groups, developers and other stakeholders to suggest changes to the plan.
The SSPA process is important because it helps ensure that the county’s land use policies reflect the needs and priorities of the community. Changes to the Comprehensive Plan can affect everything from the types of housing available to the location of new schools, parks and businesses. By participating in the process, residents and businesses have a chance to influence these decisions early on.
Community involvement is key during the screening phase because feedback gathered at this stage will help the county decide which nominations should move forward for further study. Input from those living and working near the nominated sites helps ensure that proposed changes are consistent with community goals and balanced with the county’s long-term needs.
Community Meetings Begin March 24
To help everyone understand the proposed changes, we will hold a series of community meetings in March and April. These meetings will give people living and working near the nominated sites an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed land use changes.
The first community meeting will take place on March 24. The full meeting schedule and details about each proposed amendment are available on the SSPA program webpage.
2025 SSPA Process Timeline
The full timeline for the 2025 SSPA process includes:
- Nomination Phase Submission Period: Jan. 13 – Feb. 13
- Board of Supervisors Action Item to Accept Nominations: March 4
- Screening Phase Community Meetings: March – April
- Planning Commission Workshop on Nominations & Mark-Up of the Work Program: May 1, 15, 22, and June 5
- Board of Supervisors Action Item on the Revised Work Program: June 10
Stay Engaged
Community involvement is key at every stage of the SSPA process. To receive updates and stay informed, visit the SSPA program webpage and subscribe to the Comprehensive Plan Announcements email service under the "Land Use & Development" heading.
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