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Fairfax County planning officials say they have already adjusted their review process to meet a new Virginia law that sharply shortens deadlines for responding to development plans.
“We’ve already changed our process. We’re in compliance,” Land Development Services staff member Jerry Stonefield told the Board of Supervisors’ land use policy committee on July 8.
The legislation, sponsored by Del. Marcus Simon (D-13), cuts the time local governments have to review subdivision plats and site plans. Localities now have five days instead of 10 to send submitted plans to state agencies.
The deadline for reviewing an initial submission drops from 60 days to 40 days. Reviews of the first two resubmissions must be completed within 30 days, down from 45.
When a plan requires three or more resubmissions, the planning agency director must review it and respond to the developer within 14 days.
The measure passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly with near-unanimous support. Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed it without amendments on March 19, and it took effect July 1.
Stonefield said the tighter deadlines will have “very little effect” on some reviews but could affect others. Fairfax County has enough planning staff to meet the requirements now, he said, though a rise in development submissions could become “a concern.”
The law also reduces the Virginia Department of Transportation’s review period for development proposals from 45 days to 30.
Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman welcomed the change, citing VDOT as a frequent source of bureaucratic delays that can stall projects.
“Finding ways to be more efficient is a great thing,” Bierman said.
Other supervisors also expressed support for streamlining the process for developers and the county.
“We want to assist any way we can,” Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity said.
Fairfax County has updated its zoning process to comply with the law, but the Board of Supervisors still must formally approve corresponding changes to the county’s zoning and subdivision ordinances. Public hearings and a vote are expected later this summer, with the amendments slated to take effect in September.
The deadlines apply only to government agencies. Developers still face no required turnaround time for responding to requested revisions or supplying additional information and documents.
Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said property owners seeking zoning changes or development approvals have generally learned the importance of hiring professionals familiar with Fairfax County’s procedures.
“If you don’t have the right engineer, you’re going to have problems with the submission,” Lusk said.