The Fairfax Planning Commission on Aug. 21 approved the minutes of its July 17 meeting, with one commissioner recorded as abstaining, and discussed several staff updates including formation of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), the status of northern spotted‑owl mapping, and publication steps for the town’s recently adopted general plan updates.

Minutes: Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the July 17 minutes. The motion passed with one abstention (Commissioner Kelly). Commissioners requested a minor wording change to better reflect deliberations on a different item (63 Balenas) so the resolution text more clearly directs the applicant to work with staff on introducing a third color to the design palette with administrative approval by staff.

BPAC: Planning staff reported that the Town Council established a seven‑member Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with four alternates, and appointed Mayor Blasch as the council liaison. Staff said they are soliciting consultant bids to support the committee and will bring related items to the planning commission for policy‑level input on the circulation element in future meetings.

Northern spotted‑owl mapping: A commissioner asked whether the town has confirmation that Audubon’s mapping used this year is still current. Staff replied they had asked Audubon; Audubon provided a list of property addresses within a quarter mile of mapped owl areas but has not updated nest‑location maps, and staff said Audubon confirmed the mapping in use was unchanged from last year. Staff noted Audubon does not provide precise nest locations to the town, only the list or general area circle used for screening projects.

General plan materials and petition: Staff said the Town Council approved the general plan updates July 16 and that staff is preparing printed binder copies and web materials, including a hazard mitigation appendix that staff expects to post to the website and place in the library by the end of the month or early next month. The commission also heard that a petition drive seeking to rescind the council’s resolution had been submitted and rejected by the town clerk as legally inadequate.

Glossary and redlines: Commissioners noted that the online glossary dated July 16 included a new definition for “new development” and that the glossary references a former land‑use map numbering; commissioners asked staff to ensure redlined or annotated versions are provided so reviewers can compare changes more easily.

Next steps: Staff said it will provide the commission with drafts, corrected glossary entries and the hazard mitigation material for review and will coordinate on future BPAC items.