Department Resources

Fairfax County Urban Design Guidelines

Reston Streetscape Design Guidelines provide detailed urban design and streetscape guidance that enhances the vision laid out in the Comprehensive Plan. They are intended to be used by citizens, developers, property owners, designers, Fairfax County staff, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors when proposing, designing, or reviewing development projects. The contents of the Guidelines are flexible to adapt to site-specific conditions and to encourage innovative solutions. For example, the Comprehensive Plan depicts the general configuration of streets including the location and size of sidewalks, bike lanes, transit facilities, and street trees, while the Guidelines build on the Plan’s recommendations so that streetscapes provide multiple benefits such as placemaking, stormwater, and tree canopy.

Alternatively, a two document approach is being taken for the CRDs and CRAs. Applicable to all CRDs and CRAs, Volume I: Urban Design Guidelines for Commercial Revitalization Districts and Areas; provides broad recommendations and urban design ideas for streets, streetscapes, parks, landscaping, parking, building exteriors, and placemaking features. Volume II: District Design Guidelines adds community specific preferences for design of streets, open space features, lighting, street furnishings, and other streetscape details.

Urban Design Principles and Best Practices for all CRDs and CRAs
Volume I: Urban Design Guidelines for Fairfax County Commercial Revitalization Districts and Areas
District Design Guidelines for Individual CRDs and CRAs
Volume II: District Design Guidelines for Annandale
Volume II: District Design Guidelines for Bailey's Crossroads and Seven Corners
Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean
Merrifield Streetscape Concepts
Volume II: District Design Guidelines for Richmond Highway
Volume II: District Design Guidelines for Springfield (To be Completed in the Future)

Appendix to All Urban Design Guidelines on Street Trees

Starting in February 2023, street trees in Fairfax County's Activity Centers are eligible to receive 10-Year Tree Canopy Credit. The Appendix to Urban Design Guidelines includes:

Methods to calculate canopy credit that incentivize large soil volumes
An Alternative Minimum Standard for planting street trees at constrained sites
Minimum and maximum tree sizes at the time of planting

Perpetual maintenance and replacement agreements are required.

View Street Tree Planting Appendix

Privately Owned Public Space (POPS) Sign Standards

Privately owned public spaces, also known as POPS, are spaces dedicated to public use which are owned and typically maintained by private property owners. They offer a myriad of opportunities to sit, relax, people watch, eat, exercise, and meet others. POPS come in many shapes and sizes. They can be small plazas, linear trails, or recreational parks, just to name a few. Fairfax County developed basic signage standards for POPS to ensure that they are clearly marked for public use and are not confused with private open space. Signs should state the name of the park, include the POPS logo, and may list nearby landmarks, park rules, and/or operating hours, as necessary for the safety and enjoyment of all users.

View POPS Sign Standards

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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.