Fairfax County’s zMOD program is reorganizing the zoning ordinance with the objective of improving clarity and accessibility for users.  Surprisingly and alarmingly, the county has used the occasion to introduce controversial and consequential amendments to the zoning regulations themselves.

Amendments to regulations for accessory dwelling units and home-based businesses are the subjects of the linked paper.  The proposed amendments substantially increase the scope and intensity of the two uses while severely limiting both transparency for residents and the ability of residents to participate in land use decisions affecting their communities.  The linked paper explains the concerns and recommends revisions to the zMOD proposals.

Hearings before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors are expected over the next several months.  Residents concerned about the zMOD amendments may wish to express those concerns to the Commission and the Board.  Click here for instructions for emailing both.