The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on July 16, 2024, approved Guidelines for the Provision of Workforce Housing, an amendment to expand the county’s comprehensive plan.
The adopted language extends the geographic applicability of the for-sale workforce dwelling unit (WDU) policy to properties located outside of development centers that are planned and zoned for eight or more dwelling units per acre. It retains the current countywide policy that a minimum of 12% (20% in Tysons) of new residential for-sale units be provided as WDUs, but shifts the affordability level of the for-sale program from up to 80% – 120% of area median income to up to 70% – 100%. The adopted language also adds flexibility in the proportionality expectations between WDU and market rate units when family-sized units of three bedrooms or more are proposed and adds recommendations for bedroom size and living room areas for WDU units.
The board also directed staff to prepare an action item to update the nonresidential contribution amount for projects in Tysons and for continuing care facilities based on the annual increase in consumer price index and outline procedures for regular updates to the amount.
Contact the McGuireWoods real estate and land use team to schedule a time to discuss the applicability of these policy changes to your development efforts.