Fairfax City Planning Commission reelects chair, adopts bylaws and remote participation policy

The Fairfax City Planning Commission on Jan. 12 reelected Mr. Feather as chair and Kirsten Lockhart as vice chair and unanimously approved routine administrative items including its bylaws and the annual remote participation policy.

During opening business, commissioners moved and adopted the published agenda, approved minutes from the Dec. 8, 2025 meeting, and then opened nominations. Commissioner Rice nominated Mr. Feather for chair; the commission elected him by voice vote. Commissioner McCarthy nominated Kirsten Lockhart for vice chair; the vote was unanimous.

Staff reminded the commission that its bylaws require review every two years. Planning staff member Mr. Nappdi said recent changes to state code had previously prompted updates to the remote participation policy and that no further changes to state law required revisions this year. Commissioners discussed a narrow clarification — whether “new streets” in the bylaws is intended to include private streets — and asked staff to consult the city attorney before pursuing any bylaws amendments. Commissioners then voted to adopt the bylaws as provided.

On the remote participation policy, Mr. Nappdi noted that state code requires an annual review and formal action even when no change is recommended. Commissioner Slaughter moved to adopt the policy as provided; the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

The meeting recessed into a work session on the FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Program. The commission set a schedule to finalize draft recommendations for a Jan. 26 public hearing and to present recommendations to City Council at a Feb. 3 work session.