Dear Neighbor,

As part of its Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) project, Fairfax County is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and home-based businesses. The proposed regulations would streamline the review process and reduce costs for homeowners and small businesses seeking to add an ADU or operate a business in their home. I have included more information about each proposal and how to provide input below.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

An ADU is a secondary dwelling-unit associated with a single-family detached home. Common examples are in-law apartments and cottages. Currently, all ADUs require special permit approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals and either the principal or accessory dwelling must be occupied by a person 55 years or older or a person permanently or totally disabled. Staff is proposing to allow administrative approval of an ADU when it is limited in size to 1200 square feet and located within the principal dwelling. Staff is also considering eliminating the age and disability requirements. Detached accessory dwelling units would continue to require at least two acres of land and special permit approval. Watch the video below for more information about ADUs and the proposed changes.
 

The County is also looking at ways to streamline home-based business permitting. The goal of this effort is to better define which types of businesses should be reviewed administratively and which should require a special permit. In addition, staff is considering regulations which would allow home-based businesses to see up to eight customers per day ( with two to four customers at a time, depending on unit type). Only businesses in single-family detached homes would be allowed to have an employee, while employees would not be allowed in other dwelling types. Applicants who wish to serve more customers or hire additional employees would be required to go through a public hearing process. Watch the video below for more information about home-based businesses and the proposed changes. 

The Department of Planning and Development is seeking input from residents on the proposed changes through two surveys which are available online. Click here to complete the ADU survey and here for the home-based businesses survey.  

John