Council Cuts Commercial Parking for First 1,200 Square Feet of Leased Space
City Council approved the zoning change to reduce the commercial parking requirement to attract small businesses to the City and enable adaptive reuse of older buildings.
Posts
Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) Considers T-Zone Project on Historic Property
At their August meeting, HARB received a proposal to build an 8-unit apartment building adjoining a historic property, taking advantage of the new T-Zone ordinance.
City Council Mulls Moving to a Fee-Based System for Solid Waste and Introducing an Organics Bin
In response to condo owners who are not eligible for City solid waste collection today, the City is exploring options that are more equitable. Options to reduce waste are also discussed.
Planning Commission, Citizens Urge Caution on Accessory Dwelling Framework during Community Discussions
Caution is urged and there is a need for data analyses of housing, tax, privacy, parking and environmental impacts of the accessory dwelling code proposal. Public awareness and townhall attendance is low.
The History of West Falls – Part 1. An Opportunity to Finance the Building of a New High School
The 2013 Boundary Adjustment Agreement created an opportunity for the City to finance a new $120-million high school from lease payments and additional taxes by allowing 10 acres of land, now called West Falls, to be developed in a public-private partnership.
Lee Park Townhomes is Approved, Planning Commissioners Reflect on the T-Zone Ordinance
After approving Lee Park Townhomes, the Planning Commission reflected on the results of the new T-Zone code – expensive and dense housing, little tree canopy onsite, consideration for inadequate stormwater drains.
Owners of Commercial Buildings Examined for Conflicts of Interest in Proposed Parking Reductions Ordinance
In an analysis, the Pulse found that two Economic Development Authority members either own or appear to have an interest in commercial buildings eligible for proposed parking reductions and reported on public Council discussion of conflicts of interest. In an update, the City Attorney finds no EDA conflicts of interest.
City Council Reviews Draft “Framework” for Accessory Dwellings Zoning Ordinance
Staff proposed a framework of parameters to be specified in the zoning ordinance for accessory dwellings – size, setbacks, parking, occupancy, rental conditions, conversions. Staff recommended values/specifications for each parameter.
Falls Church History – The Water Wars and the 2013 City/County Boundary Adjustment That Facilitates Development Of City-Owned Land
The Water Wars between the City and Fairfax County resulted in the sale of the water utility and a tax increase for residents. However, the boundary adjustments brought opportunities in West Falls and the Gordon Road area.