Fairfax County, Virginia, will launch its next site specific plan amendment (SSPA) cycle in early 2025. This presents a significant opportunity for property owners and developers to add value and respond to changing market conditions. The SSPA process is the county’s method for reviewing proposed land use changes to its comprehensive plan for individual sites. Nominations will be accepted for the entire county, likely including options in Tysons. Nominations can establish additional optionality for properties, reevaluate use and density restrictions, and/or establish more favorable design parameters.

The nomination period for proposed land use changes is expected to open in early 2025. Based on prior processes, submission requirements are expected to require a brief narrative, concept plans and owner’s consent. Following the nomination period, there will be a screening process. Nominations that advance beyond the screening process will be placed on a work program that will likely place a priority on the demonstrated ability to advance county goals and objectives pertaining to things like housing, housing affordability and economic development. Nominations that are more evolved and/or propose a concurrent rezoning have historically been afforded higher prioritization.

It will likely be at least two years until another SSPA process is available.