Fairfax County staff propose mixed‑use redevelopment for Land Unit K that could add 1,341 housing units

Planning staff presented a draft Phase 2 amendment to the Fairfax County comprehensive plan for the Fairfax Center area Land Unit K that would permit a residential‑led mixed‑use redevelopment of the study area. Sahar Hamdap of the Department of Planning and Development said the scenario envisions “up to 1,341 residential units, 20,000–21,000 square feet of retail uses, and about 404,000 square feet of office uses” as a conceptual maximum, with the caveat that figures are illustrative and not parcel‑specific.

Staff framed the proposal as a change in emphasis from the adopted office‑focused plan to a denser residential and mixed‑use pattern, noting the adopted baseline currently recommends lower FAR for office in many parcels. Hamdap said the plan text would include conditions to protect adjacent neighborhoods — including compatibility measures, interparcel access, consolidated urban parks and pedestrian connections — and that final design details will be developed through future rezoning and site plan reviews. She reminded residents the staff report will be published on September 3, with Planning Commission on Sept. 24 and the Board of Supervisors hearing on Oct. 13.