Council denies Combined Properties' Courthouse Plaza special exceptions and certificate of appropriateness

Fairfax City Council on Oct. 28 denied special exceptions requested by Combined Courthouse LLC for a proposed mixed-use redevelopment of Courthouse Plaza and later denied a certificate of appropriateness for the proposal.

The application sought multiple special exceptions including allowing more than 25 percent of the ground floor for residential use, exceeding maximum density and height in the Old Town Fairfax transition overlay district, reduced sidewalk and street-tree setbacks, increased lot coverage, and flexibility on upper-story floor-to-ceiling heights. The applicant said revisions since July included increased retail (12,500 sq. ft.), commitments for a widened Safeway-facing pedestrian path and a new east-west vehicular connection through the site, and a $1,600-per-unit contribution to city schools.

Councilmember Bates moved to approve the exceptions; that motion failed on a 2'to— roll call. Councilmember Amos then moved to deny the special-exceptions request; the denial passed 4'to'. The Council subsequently denied the Certificate of Appropriateness on a separate 4'to' vote. Voting records are in the official minutes.

Speakers for the applicant described design concessions and economic constraints, arguing the redevelopment supports Old Town activity-center goals. Opponents urged scale limits, tree preservation and strict adherence to Old Town character and small-area plan recommendations. Councilmembers who voted to deny said the proposal was not consistent with the purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan.

Ending

The denials do not prevent the owner from returning with a revised application; staff and council suggested additional community engagement and further design work before resubmission.