Fairfax County Urban Design Guidelines

Reston StreetscapeDesign 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.

Reston Metro StationCertain areas of the County; Tysons, the Reston Transit Station Areas (TSAs), and most of the Commercial Revitalization Districts and Areas (CRDs and CRAs) need these Guidelines to help create high-quality walkable and transit-friendly environments as they develop.  Tysons and the Reston TSAs unique proximity to Metro requires Guidelines tailored specifically to their needs.

Tysons Urban Design Guidelines

Guidelines for Development: Reston Transit Station Areas

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)