WHEREAS, the review of Planned Residential Community (PRC) plans, specifically the provisions related to when a PRC plan is required, was added to the Zoning Ordinance Work Program (Work Program) as a Priority 1 item with the approval of the FY 2024/2025 Work Program based on a follow-on motion approved by the Board of Supervisors. The motion directed staff to review the exceptions for when a PRC plan or amendment to a PRC plan is required and consider expanding or further clarifying the types of minor revisions that would not require a PRC plan, particularly as they relate to open space or community recreational facilities.
WHEREAS, Fairfax County staff published a white paper on November 19, 2024 and a subsequent report on September 9, 2025, PRC Plan Exceptions and Minor Modifications.
WHEREAS, the proposed PRC Zoning Ordinance amendment’s language would permit administrative approval to modify active recreational facilities to adapt to changing recreational trends, providing that the proposed facility must provide similar active recreational opportunities and be of similar impact.
WHEREAS, Fairfax County staff recommends a reduced fee for homeowners’ associations that submit a request for a minor modification or minor variation or an interpretation of an approved zoning application equal to half of the existing ($700) fee; and in lieu of the PRC Plan application fee of $18,415 for community recreational facilities in common open space, an application fee of $5,515 which currently applies to Community Swim, Tennis, and Recreation Club, Recreational Service Organization or Community Center.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Reston Citizens Association (RCA) supports the proposed PRC Zoning Ordinance amendment’s initial goals: to eliminate the inconsistency between the current process for PRC plan exemptions and minor modifications for nonresidential and multifamily uses, while also seeking to avoid adverse impacts on adjacent residents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RCA supports the proposed PRC Zoning Ordinance amendment’s new text to permit additional flexibility for community recreational uses in common open space, which would allow a homeowner’s association to make changes to respond to the needs of residents without requiring a PRC plan amendment, of specific benefit to Reston Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RCA supports staff’s opinion that additional flexibility for community recreational uses is warranted because these uses are intended to directly serve the community and are subject to an internal homeowners’ association process.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RCA supports
staff recommended reduced fee structure for homeowners’ associations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RCA opposes the proposed “optional” text allowing 2,000 – 4,000 square feet in gross floor area to a new structure or a one-time addition to an existing structure, and supports staff’s recommendation of “not to exceed 2,500 square feet.”
Approved by the Board of Directors of Reston Citizens Association, October 9, 2025