Fairfax County is planning to make significant changes to the Fair Lakes area and is looking for some public input on those plans.
Fairfax County has launched a community survey to inform the next phase of a study to “re-evaluate the mix of land uses” and reconsider the “future of the Fair Lakes office market.” In simple terms: Fair Lakes could be downsizing its offices and is trying to determine what should replace that?
Authorized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in September 2023, the comprehensive plan amendment study will:
- Define and reinforce the desired identity and character of Fair Lakes
- Consider the future of the Fair Lakes office market
- Re-evaluate the desired mix of land uses
- Determine an appropriate level of planned growth
- Ensure balance of land use and infrastructure
- Ensure the feasibility of plan implementation
According to the county, its comprehensive plan guidance for the area hasn’t been fully updated in 20 years. An initial phase of the study approved on Sept. 10, 2024 concentrated specifically on the former Parkway Woods office building (12801 Fair Lakes Parkway), allowing the site to be redeveloped with housing.
For its second phase, the study seeks to refine the overall vision for Fair Lakes, shaping the area’s priorities and development for the next 20 years and beyond.
Open through June 30, the survey asks about the respondent’s relationship to Fair Lakes, what uses in the area should remain and which should be enhanced, among other questions.
The county anticipates wrapping up this phase of the study in the fall. The next stage will then begin to evaluate potential modifications to the plan like specific land use and design guidelines.
According to the county:
Currently, this study is in Stage II of the process, which is focused on updating and refining the adopted Vision for Fair Lakes, as well as determining strategic goals and objectives for Stage III of the study. Stage II is anticipated to be complete by fall 2025. At that time, Stage III of the study will begin to evaluate potential modifications to the related implementation aspects of the Plan, including specific land use mix and intensity recommendations and design guidelines, in order to determine specific recommendations for amending the Fair Lakes Plan. Those recommendations will be considered by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors during a public hearing process in the final stage of the study.
