Taco Bell has set its sights on opening what will reportedly be its first location in Fairfax City.
The restaurant is proposing a 2,256-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at the Boulevard Marketplace Shopping Center (10160 Fairfax Blvd).
According to an application before the city’s Board of Architectural Review tonight (Wednesday), the site was approved for a drive-thru bank in 2008 and a retail building in 2017, but neither were built.
Taco Bell needs a special use permit to proceed with its plans. Cars would enter the site along Fairfax Blvd and then either use the drive-thru, which will wrap around the building and parking area, or utilize one of the 21 provided parking spaces.
The drive-thru will accommodate 13 stacked vehicles. Bicycle parking and a small outdoor dining patio area are also proposed for the site near the fast-food eatery’s main entrance, according to the application from Taco Bell developer ABTB Mid-Atlantic.
Taco Bell says this will be its first location in Fairfax City, though the chain has a couple of spots not far from city limits, including near Fair Oaks Mall.
“The Applicant’s proposal presents an opportunity to redevelop and activate an underutilized parcel with a vibrant, high-quality community-serving use that advances the Comprehensive Plan’s objectives of enhancing commercial activities along the Fairfax Boulevard commercial corridor,” a statement of intent says. “…The Applicant is eager to bring the first Taco Bell to the City and is committed to ensuring that the proposed development fits into the fabric of Fairfax.”
Taco Bell plans to install a 6-foot-wide sidewalk between the proposed building and parking areas. The applicant also plans to maintain and existing trail along the western property line that connects to George Snyder Trail to the north. A 3.5-foot-wide landscape strip is proposed between the drive-through lane.
Boulevard Marketplace is a 19,316-square-foot retail center near Fairfax High School. Its current tenants include Marco’s Pizza, Subway, Crazy Crab, 7-Eleven and a Virginia ABC store.
