Learn About the Public Facilities Review Process

2232 Review Requirement

The term "2232 Review" is derived from a Code of Virginia requirement under Section 15.2-2232. The County's 2232 Review Process determines the compatibility of proposed public facilities with the locational guidelines established in the Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, this process determines if the general or approximate location, character and extent are in substantial accord with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.

Public Facilities

Public facilities are those facilities required to support the services and functions provided by the County government or public utility companies. Public facilities include (but are not limited to) the following elements:

1. Higher Education and Public Schools
2. Libraries
3. Public Safety Services
   • Police
   • Fire and Rescue
   • Sheriff
   • Courts
   • Animal Control
4. Utilities and Services
   • Water Supply
   • Sanitary Sewer
   • Solid Waste
   • Drainage Systems and Stormwater Management
   • County Vehicle Maintenance
   • Gas
   • Electric
   • Telephone
   • Communications

Some facilities are generally not reviewed under this process. (See the list of exempt facilities).  If you are uncertain if a facility requires a 2232 Review, please contact Public Facilities Planning staff.

2232 Review Determination

Fairfax County's 2232 Review Process applies to all public areas, public buildings or structures, and public utility or public service corporation facilities (whether publicly or privately owned). Enlargements, changes of use, and other changes to public areas may also be subject to these provisions. Some facilities are generally not reviewed under this process. (See the list of exempt facilities.)

The 2232 Review Process generally includes:

• Any uses directly under the control of the county government
• Any uses under the control of an authority or board appointed by the county government
• Any uses under the control of a quasi governmental entity which is directly supported with county funds.

Public facility proposals of other local governmental units such as cities, towns or counties and regional agencies are also subject to the 2232 Review provisions.

Facilities of public utilities and public service corporations, such as wireless telecommunications uses, are also subject to the 2232 Review Process pursuant to the State Code.