MONDAY, 12/3: Planning Commission Session on Substandard Lots

The City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a Listening Session on Monday, December 3 at 8:00 pm to hear comments from property owners and interested persons concerning the development of substandard lots. Of particular concern has been the demolition of existing houses straddling two lots and the construction of two new houses on the two underlying substandard recorded lots. This practice has been the subject of extended community concern and debate, as well as several lawsuits, some of which went to the Virginia Supreme Court.

The purpose of the listening session is to provide a forum for affected residents, property owners and developers to express their views and concerns. The City Manager, with input from the City Attorney and the Planning Director, has developed options including a recommendation that the Zoning Ordinance be revised to phase out the current practice over time. Input from the listening session will be considered as amendments to the zoning ordinance are developed for first reading by the City Council.

The Listening Session will be held by the Planning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church. You may enter City Hall through the right-hand staircase at the front of City Hall.

Persons may provide comments three ways:  1) Sign up in advance to speak at the meeting for up to three minutes by sending an email request to [email protected] – these speakers will be at the top of the speakers’ roster; 2) sign up to speak at the meeting by completing a speaker slip at the door;  or 3) for those unable to attend, email comments to [email protected]