October 22, 2007
Board Adopts Workforce Housing Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Related Policy
Action Provides Monitoring and Management Mechanism for Related Comprehensive Plan Amendment

On Monday, Oct. 15. 2007, the Board of Supervisors adopted an amendment to the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance, and an associated Board Policy, providing an administrative mechanism for the county’s new Workforce Housing Program. On Sept. 24, 2007, the Board adopted amendments to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan creating this innovative new program, which encourages the voluntary development of new housing affordable to a range of moderate-income workers in Fairfax County’s high-rise/high-density areas. This proffer-based incentive system provides for a density bonus of up to one unit for every workforce unit provided by a developer, with the expectation that at least 12 percent of units in new developments be affordable or workforce housing. The first proffered units are anticipated to be delivered within the next twelve to eighteen months.

The amendment to the Zoning Ordinance accommodates any density bonus associated with the provision of workforce units through proffered rezoning applications. The Board Policy provides for the administrative tools for the long-term administration of proffered workforce units, and addresses issues such as unit specifications, price and financing controls, covenants and occupancy.

To read a copy of the Zoning Ordinance amendment, click here. For a copy of the Board-adopted administrative policy for workforce units, click here.