Zoning Administration Division

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
703-324-1314 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, VA 22035
Leslie Johnson
Zoning Administrator

Outdoor Dining – Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment

The proposed draft includes the following:

  • Definition: Add a new definition classifying outdoor dining as an accessory use and prohibiting permanent structures associated with the use. 
  • Permitted Zoning Districts: Permit outdoor dining in all zoning districts as an accessory use, unless expressly prohibited by any applicable proffered condition, development condition, or special permit or special exception approval.
  • Size: Continue allowing outdoor dining located on impervious areas, such as existing patios or sidewalks of a private property by right, provided any single outdoor dining area does not exceed 50 percent of the indoor dining floor area of the establishment. An advertised range from a minimum of 250 square feet or 25 to 75 percent of the indoor dining area, whichever is greater will be included for consideration.
  • Access: The outdoor dining area, including any furniture, enclosure, or tent, must not obstruct any fire equipment, building entrance or exit or any other area marked or designated for emergency egress or ADA accessibility, or pedestrian passage on any trail or sidewalk. 
  • Permit Requirement: Any outdoor dining located in a parking lot will be permitted only with the issuance of an Administrative Permit by the Zoning Administrator, subject to a one-time application fee of $205.
  • Hours of Operation: In order to mitigate potential noise issues related to activities in outdoor dining areas, the hours of operation must generally conform to the business hours of the principal use. An advertised option to prohibit outdoor dining before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. when the outdoor dining area itself is located directly adjacent to single-family development or as otherwise approved by the Board in conjunction with a rezoning or other action before the Board will be included for consideration. 
  • Parking: No additional parking will be required for outdoor dining, regardless of its size or location.

Community Engagement

Board of Supervisors Authorization
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 
To view the Board Package for this meeting, please visit the Board of Supervisors webpage. 

Planning Commission Land Use Process Review Committee
Thursday, October 26, 2023 
Staff Presentation


Outdoor Dining ZOA Virtual Community Meeting II
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Meeting Video


Outdoor Dining ZOA Virtual Community Meeting I
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Meeting Video


Board of Supervisors’ Land Use Policy Committee
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Land Use Policy Committee Presentation  |  Outdoor Dining – Preliminary Concepts 

Contact Us

For questions or comments about the proposed amendment, please contact Lily Yegazu, Zoning Administration Division, by email or at 703-324-1314.


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