Department Resources

McLean: District Design Guidelines

Project Under Development – Expected Completion mid-2023

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean will contain written and visual ideas for the design of streets, lighting, and the area fronting buildings. The guidelines will provide design direction to enhance the appearance of the McLean Commercial Revitalization District (CRD). It is a companion document to the Volume I: Urban Design Guidelines for Fairfax County Revitalization Districts and Areas. These two volumes are to be used together when proposing, designing, or reviewing development projects.

Project Highlights

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean are expected to take approximately one year to complete and have a projected Board endorsement date in mid-2023. The process began with the establishment of an Advisory Group that is comprised of members of the McLean Planning Committee (MPC).

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean serves to implement the existing Comprehensive Plan vision for the McLean Community Business Center (CBC) through its detailed urban design and streetscape guidance. The Guidelines will be used by owners, developers, citizens, and Fairfax County staff, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors when proposing, designing, or reviewing development projects. Whether a development requires zoning or site plan approval or is being constructed by-right, developers are encouraged to abide by these Guidelines to assist in implementing the community vision for McLean.

For more information about the Guidelines, please review the MPC Urban Design Guidelines Overview - which was presented to the MPC at their December 2021 regular meeting.

DRAFT VOLUME II: McLean DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES

The Advisory Group early draft of the ‘Vol II: McLean District Design Guidelines’, for the Advisory Group’s initial review is now available (posted 3/3/2023).

Complete Document

Chapter 1: Introduction and History

Chapter 2: Comprehensive Plan Vision and Urban Design Concept

Chapter 3: Streetscapes

Chapter 4: Building Frontage Design

Chapter 5: Parks

Chapter 6: Gateways and Other Features

Appendix

Advisory Group

The Advisory Group is comprised of Directors and Alternate Directors who serve on the McLean Planning Committee. There are three individuals from each of the four MPC community stakeholder groups: the McLean Citizen's Association, Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, Surrounding Citizens Associations, and Commercial Landowners. Monthly Advisory Group meetings occur on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held virtually and are open to the public. A meeting link and call-in information will be made available below before each meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Advisory Group Meeting #10 (everyone is welcome to attend)
March 22, 2023 from 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting - Zoom
Call-In Number: 888 270 9936
Conference Code: 705322

Meeting Agenda

Past Meetings & Materials

Advisory Group Meeting #9
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Trees & Landscaping Presentation | Lighting, Wayfinding, Art & Parking Presentation

Trees, Landscaping, and Streetscape Site Visit with Urban Forestry
Monday, November 28, 2022

Advisory Group Meeting #8
October 26, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Staff Presentation | Building Zone Public Realm Diagrams

Advisory Group Meeting #7
September 28, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Meeting Video (Passcode: f@ALCD6m) | Street Paving & Furnishings Presentation | Cycletrack & Urban Trail Design Overview

Advisory Group Meeting #6
July 27, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Streetscape Presentation | Urban Park Network Presentation #2

Advisory Group Meeting #5
June 22, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Draft Streetscape Model | Urban Park Network Presentation

Advisory Group Meeting #4
May 25, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Streetscape Presentation

Advisory Group Meeting #3
April 27, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Urban Design Concept

Community-wide Workshop
March 23, 2022
A community workshop was held to discuss desired designs for streetscapes, lighting, furnishings, parks and plazas, and public art. A follow-up online survey was also available. Almost 100 people attended the workshop and 200 people responded to the survey. The results of the survey and workshop are being used to inform the recommendations in the McLean urban design guidelines.
Workshop Agenda | Workshop Video | Workshop and Survey Results

Advisory Group Meeting #2
February 23, 2022
Meeting Agenda

Advisory Group Meeting #1
January 26, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Comprehensive Plan Presentation | Volume 1 Guidelines Overview

Ways to Get Involved

If you are interested in participating in the process:

Attend monthly Advisory Group meetings
Review the results of the spring community-wide workshop
Attend the upcoming Community Open House and take the online survey
Review and comment on draft and final documents
Provide verbal or written feedback throughout the process to Advisory Group and/or staff

For More Information

Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development
Community Revitalization Section
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 755, Fairfax, VA 22035
JoAnne Fiebe, Senior Revitalization Program Manager
joanne.fiebe@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-9300

RELATED RESOURCES

2008 McLean Open Space Standards

Comprehensive Plan Area II: McLean CBC

Zoning Ordinance

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Our Mission

The Community Revitalization Section of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development facilitates strategic redevelopment and investment opportunities within targeted commercial areas that align with the community's vision and improve the economic vitality, appearance and function of those areas.