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Clifton councilors to draft opposition letter to Fairfax County zoning changes on agritourism, rural resorts and ADUs
Summary
After a presentation on Fairfax County's proposed zoning updates affecting agritourism, rural resorts and ADUs, the council agreed to circulate a draft letter opposing elements of the county proposals and review it at next month's meeting.
Clifton residents and council members raised concerns on March 3 about proposed Fairfax County zoning ordinance changes that would add or modify rules for agritourism, a new "Rural Resort" land use, and more permissive accessory dwelling-unit (ADU) rules.
Michelle Stein presented background and materials on the Countys Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (zMOD), telling council members that more than 100 people attended a related town-hall meeting hosted by Supervisor Pat Herrity. Stein summarized key elements in the county proposal: a scaled approach to agritourism with different permissions by lot size, a potential special-exception "Rural Resort" use on 20-acre parcels and changes that could allow ADUs without age or disability restrictions.
Vice Mayor Steve Effros said he would work with Stein to draft "a strongly-worded letter in opposition to the County's proposed changes" to be circulated to the council for review in April. The council did not take a formal vote on a position at the March meeting but agreed to review a draft at its next regular meeting.
The county materials submitted as part of the presentation cite the Code of Virginiadefinitions for agritourism and reference statutory authority for local regulation of agritourism when there is substantial impact on health, safety or general welfare (Code of Virginia, Section 3.2-6400 and Section 15.2-2288.6). Council members asked for a draft letter and further discussion at the April meeting.
