Dear Neighbors,

This past Monday we formally recognized Labor Day and all our laborers as an essential reminder of the importance of labor for achieving the many values we hold dear. Freedom, fairness, safety, learning, progress, and so many others are shaped by these labors, and maybe most especially our Labors of love for our family, friends, groups and communities. I like to personally reflect and honor as well the critical contributions labor unions have made toward achieving what is now expected and accepted as “labor standards” including a 40-hour work week, overtime pay, benefits to support us and standards that elevate us. Thank you, neighbors, for all your labors as I know that we truly thrive together.

We have officially wrapped up a busy summer and are headed into an even busier fall. With events for all ages and interests coming up, I hope you will Join Us for the many events over the next six weeks:

In this Newsletter:

Back to School Community Day

All-Electric Trash Truck Unveiling

Upcoming Events

Land Use

Health, Housing & Human Services

Transportation

Public Safety

Parks & Environment

In the News

Community Information

Pet Adoption Corner

Important Safety Information

Team MVD

Boards, Authorities, Commissions

• September 13: 5th Annual Senior Safety Summit from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Lorton Community Center, including an exhibit hall, lunch, speakers and prizes.
• September 15: George Mason University Webinar Climate Action: Local Government and School Collaboration. At noon I will be joining other local environmental leaders where we will discuss key questions and actions that make a difference in our climate.
• September 16: Official ribbon cutting for the North Hill Park and Playground at 9 a.m.
• September 22: Early in-person voting opens here at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center. Due to early in-person voting, the community rooms at our governmental center will be unavailable for use from September 18 until November 13. Thank you for your understanding.
• September 30: Shred Event from 9 a.m. – noon. We learned lots of valuable lessons at our first Shred Event and will have two trucks and more help to accommodate more residents.
• September 30: Bat Walk and Talk at 7 p.m. starting at the Belle Haven Park Haul Road Trail.
• October 21: Tour de Mount Vernon at 8 a.m. We are so excited to announce that we already have over 250 riders signed up to ride!

Details and registration information for these events can be found throughout the newsletter.

I would like to introduce you to our new Franconia District Police Captain Kevin Shaw. Captain Shaw started his law enforcement journey and commitment to public safety over 20 years ago in the Franconia District and since then working in Major Crimes, Organized Crime, Special Operations, Crisis Intervention, Internal Affairs and formally the Assistant Commander of the Mount Vernon District Station. Most recently, Captain Shaw served as the Personnel Resources Division Commander, leading the vital task of ensuring our competitiveness in hiring new police officers. His leadership has led to several record-breaking academy classes.

Respectfully yours in public service,

Introducing Franconia District Police Captain Kevin Shaw

Celebrating Our Community

Back to School Community Day

We had a very successful Back to School Community Day on Saturday, August 19 at the Lorton Community Center! Nearly 1,500 community members came out for a day of fun in the sun. Thank you to Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services for all your help in putting together a great event and to all the exhibitors that came out to support. A big thank you goes out to South County Cares who provided hundreds of hot dogs, chips, snow cones and water to community members and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated., Alpha Beta Alpha Omega Chapter, INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon-Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Lorton Volunteer Fire Department, Fairfax County School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders and Fairfax County Public Schools for the hundreds of school supply donations. As well as INOVA Lions Club for providing hearing and vision screenings, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated., Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Stronger 2 Project for sponsoring the ice cream truck and DJ and to Fairfax County Police Department and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for being present with their vehicles and for helping in our community.

All-Electric Trash Truck Unveiling

On Friday, August 25, Fairfax County unveiled its first electric trash vehicle! The vehicle is 100 percent emission free and a step towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and making our neighborhoods healthier for residents. The launch of the vehicle is aligned with the Countywide Strategic Plan and the Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan as well as the County’s operational energy strategy, which aims for government operations to be carbon neutral by 2040. The vehicle began pick up of residential and yard waste on partial routes on Monday, August 28. Watch the Channel 16 video.

You're Invited!

Key Contacts

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

• Things to do this September in Fairfax County
• Farmers Markets
• Sept 9: Guardian Community Dental Day at Vienna Smiles - 8 a.m.
• Sept 9: Friends of Sherwood Library Book Sale - 10 a.m.
• Sept 9: The SOAR Initiative Grand Launch - 11 a.m.
• Sept 12: I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study Virtual Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
• Sept 12: South County Federation Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Sept 12: Visualize 2050 Community Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Sept 13: 5th Annual Senior Safety Summit - 10 a.m.
• Sept 13: Parking Reimagined Planning Commission Public Hearing #2 - 7:30 p.m.
• Sept 15: RELI Fall Policy Webinar: Local Government and School Collaboration - 12 p.m.
• Sept 16: North Hill Park Official Ribbon Cutting- 9 a.m.
• Sept 19: I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study In-Person Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
• Sept 20: New Family Caregiver Webinar - 12 p.m.
• Sept 20: Best Practices When You Are Chosen to Manage Someone Else’s Money - 12 p.m.
• Sept 20: I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study In-Person Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
• Sept 21: Mental Health First Aid Training Course for Military, Veterans and their Families - 9 a.m.
• Sept 21: Human Rights: Legal Updates and Emerging Frontiers - 10 a.m.
• Sept 23: National Public Lands Day Clean-Up at North Hill Park - 10 a.m.
• Sept 23: National Public Lands Day event at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area - 10 a.m.
• Sept 23: Friends of the MV Trail: National Public Lands Day-Invasive Vegetation Removal at Riverside Park - 1 p.m.
• Sept 23: Raptor Rapture at Fort Hunt Park - 1 p.m.
• Sept 27: MVCCA General Council Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Sept 29: Dementia Caregiver Series: Program Models for Loved Ones Living with Dementia - 2 p.m.
• Sept 30: Supervisor Storck & Crime Solvers Shredding Event - 9 a.m.
• Sept 30: Evening Bat Walk & Talk - 7 p.m.

DPWES Releases Annual Floodplain Management Plan

Weather related flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States. Fairfax County is continuing efforts to mitigate flooding problems for residents. Floodplains are areas adjacent to stream channels that provide natural storage areas for excess water to accumulate and overflow when heavy storms occur. Floodplain viewer.

Fairfax County’s latest activities are detailed in this year’s Floodplain Management Plan (FMP), recently released by the DPWES Stormwater Management Program. The FMP, which is part of the Northern Virginia Hazard Mitigation Plan, provides an annual update on the implementation of flood mitigation actions and is one of the required activities for the County’s participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). Examples of the actions include:

• Identifying funding opportunities to replace vulnerable or undersized culvert stream crossings with bridges or larger culverts to reduce flood hazards. 
• Collaborating with FEMA to develop risk maps for the Cameron Run watershed and the Belle View communities.
• Continuing development of a comprehensive River Flood Response System for New Alexandria/Belle View and Huntington in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Coordinating and supporting the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in the identification and resolution of road flooding and drainage issues related to VDOT roadways.
• Continuing to implement flood mitigation projects for communities in Fairfax County that are exposed to severe flooding risk.

The County also has adopted the Resilient Fairfax: Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan to make the County stronger, more anticipatory and adaptable, save money and minimize future damage as we experience climate changes and shifts in climate hazards. While it targets most weather and climate related hazards, such as flooding, extreme heat and severe storms, it also is designed to educate and provide strategies and considerations related to mitigating the potential impacts of climatological changes. Learn more.

Parking Reimagined Planning Commission Public Hearing #2 

Wednesday, September 13, 7:30 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium

12000 Government Center Pkwy.

The Parking Reimagined staff report and staff report addendum (dated 8/16/2023) are available for public review and feedback ahead of the public hearing for the Planning Commission on September 13 and Board of Supervisors meeting on September 26. The staff report outlines the proposed changes to Article 6 of the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance. Learn more.

Land Development Services Permit Library

Planning home improvements? Check out Land Development Services’ (LDS) new permit library, providing step-by-step guides. LDS building and site records are applied for in PLUS. You will find a list of LDS record types available in PLUS along with the associated process requirements for that record. If you are unsure whether you need a permit or not, visit the When a Permit is Required page for more information. Learn more.

Health, Housing & Human Services

Human Rights: Legal Updates and Emerging Frontiers

Thursday, September 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium

12000 Government Center Pkwy.

Register today.

Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs is hosting a free, in-person multi-jurisdictional Fair Housing and Equal Employment event. The event will include presentations from:

• The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
• The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Local Human Rights Jurisdictions
• The Equal Rights Center

Innovation Fund Seeks Proposals from Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations

The 2023 Innovation Fund seeks proposals from businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop creative, innovative, sustainable and replicable human service programs. It will provide one-year seed funding to businesses and nonprofits to start a new social impact initiative or enhance a current initiative. Social impact programs or projects must benefit Fairfax County residents. Priority consideration will be given to businesses and nonprofit organizations collaborating on social impact needs.

Affordable Housing to Accept Waitlist Applications for Select Properties in Fairfax County

Individuals interested in applying to affordable housing waitlists will have the opportunity to do so on September 11 for select properties in the County. Including:

• The Residences at North Hill, 7250 Nightengale Hill Lane, Alexandria
• The Arden, 2317 Huntington Avenue, Alexandria

Learn more.

County Releases Draft FY 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance And Evaluation Report; Seeks Public Comments 

The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development has prepared a draft of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Each year, the report provides an evaluation of Fairfax County’s use of federal funding provided through the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Solutions Grants programs. Learn more.

Transportation

WMATA Celebrates FTA Low-No $104 Million Bus Grant for Cinder Bed Road Bus Division

On Wednesday, August 30, I was pleased to join the celebration of the Low-No $104 million bus grant given by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to help convert the Cinder Bed Road Bus Garage in Lorton to a fully battery-electric bus facility. This grant will support electrification for the bus facility, as well as the purchase of 100 electric buses and develop a workforce development training program for bus operators, mechanics and first responders to ensure safe and efficient operations of its electric bus fleet.

Community Meeting on Visualize 2050 the Region's Long Range Transportation Plan

Tuesday, September 12, 7 p.m.

Microsoft Teams

Join by phone: 571-429-5982 Access code: 358535088# 



How do you envision the transportation network in Northern Virginia in 25 years? The planning process is already underway! The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) began the process of updating the region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Visualize 2050, in February 2023. To provide an opportunity to discuss local projects that are being considered, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss Visualize 2050, the long-range transportation plan for the National Capital Region. Before attending the meeting, review the active, funded and/or under construction Visualize 2045 projects. Learn more.

Public Information Meetings I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study 

Learn about and provide input on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study (495 Southside Study), an environmental study evaluating the potential extension of the Express Lanes system on the southern section of the Capital Beltway (I-495) by 11 miles from the Springfield interchange (I-95/I-395/I-495) in Fairfax County, across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, to the MD 210 interchange in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Since introducing the 495 Southside Study at public information meetings in May 2022, VDOT has developed proposed preliminary alternative concepts to address identified transportation needs within the study area, which are to:

• Extend and provide continuity of the Express Lanes system on I-495
• Provide additional travel choices
• Reduce congestion
• Improve travel reliability
• Improve safety
• Provide consistency with local and regional plans

VDOT will share preliminary alternative concepts for review and input at upcoming public meetings to inform the range of alternatives that will be carried forward in the study. Learn more.

Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, September 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Register for the meeting or participate by phone: (855) 925-2801
• Meeting code: 3196

In-Person Meetings

Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (presentation starts at 7 p.m.) 

• Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center (Multi-purpose Room), 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria

Wednesday, September 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (presentation starts at 7 p.m.) 

• John R. Lewis High School (Cafeteria), 6540 Franconia Road, Springfield  

Year-Round Safety on the Water: FCPD's Dedicated Marine Patrol Unit

Protecting and patrolling the waterways of Fairfax County is no small endeavor, which is why FCPD’s Marine Patrol Unit is committed to operating around the clock to ensure the safety of everyone engaging in water activities. The unit is the only full-time local law enforcement marine patrol in Northern Virginia’s waters, thus it is their duty to work collaboratively with all area jurisdictions to promote boating and water safety. The Marine Patrol Unit consists of highly trained officers equipped with state-of-the-art marine equipment, preparing them to tackle any situation they may encounter on or in the water. The FCPD Marine Patrol Unit’s primary patrol areas include the Occoquan/Belmont Bay, Pohick Bay, Little Hunting Creek, Dogue Creek and Belle Haven. They also patrol Occoquan Reservoir and Burke Lake. Read more from FCPD News.

FCPD Offers Free Home Security Assessments

The Fairfax County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit's officers offer free home security assessments. The officers review landscaping, security cameras and lighting. You can set up an appointment for an assessment by contacting your local district station.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Awarded International Reaccreditation Status

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. The FCFRD is one of more than 300 agencies to achieve Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. Read more from FCFRD News.

FCPD Share the Many Ways to Keep in Touch 

We hear many questions about where to find and sign up for public safety and police information. FCPD has put out a helpful flyer. Learn more. 

Climate Action: Local Government and School Collaboration

Friday, September 15, 12 p.m.

Zoom

Register today.

Is there value in local governments and their school systems coordinating on climate actions? Learn the answer at the George Mason University Webinar! As Chairman of the Board's Environmental Committee and the Board/School Board Joint Environmental Task Force (JET), I am honored to be a key speaker for this webinar where we will discuss important questions surrounding climate action with other Northern Virginia local officials. I will be talking about the work of our Joint County/Schools Environmental Task Force (JET) that I led to set our County and Schools operations being carbon neutral by 2040.

National Public Lands Day Volunteer Opportunities - September 23

For 30 years, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of our public lands. The event is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America's public lands. Below are some volunteer opportunities in the District:

North Hill Park Clean-up with Fairfax County Park Authority

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. meet at 7230 Nightingale Hill Lane, Alexandria

Volunteers at North Hill Park will clean up cans, bottles and other items of trash to help beautify this 30-acre park. Instructions and supplies will be provided upon check-in.

Register today.

Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area Native Seed Collection

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. meet at 10702 Harley Road, Lorton

Native seed collection will occur along the Mustang Loop Trail’s meadow. Volunteers will collect various native seeds and pull invasive species throughout the meadow. There will be environmental educational resources and activities available for families and children. Sign in will start at 10 a.m. under the Multiuse Pavilion next to the trailhead. Volunteers will be given a NPLD t-shirt, refreshments and gloves. It is recommended that volunteers wear closed toe shoes, long pants, sunscreen and bring water. If you are interested in signing up for our NPLD event, please email BLM_ES_Meadowood@blm.gov.

Invasive Vegetation Removal at Riverside Park 

1 - 3 p.m. Stratford Lane, Fort Hunt - meet near the Riverside Park parking lot

The Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will be improving the trail around Riverside Park. Volunteers may perform some of the following work:

• Using pruners and loppers to cut vegetation
• Using hand saws to cut tree branches
• Hauling away vegetation and fallen tree branches
• Picking up trash 

Register today.

Virginia Department of Forestry Joins Virginia Nurseries to Launch 'Throwing Shade VA'

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is partnering with three Virginia nurseries to launch a new pilot program featuring discounts on native trees and shrubs. “Throwing Shade VA” helps nurseries promote native trees through customer discounts of $25 on eligible trees valued at $50 or more. Three nurseries responded to DOF’s request for participation in the pilot program including Burke Nursery & Garden Centre. The program is funded through state water quality improvement funds, which DOF is using to reimburse participating nurseries for the tree discounts. Available exclusively for retail sales, landscapers interested in using the discount program must ensure customers receive the benefit of the reduced pricing. Learn more.

Wetlands Ordinance – Existing Bulkheads Generally Grandfathered

There has been a lot of information and misinformation being shared with community members, especially those who live along our waterways as to what is permitted or not permitted based on the 2020 Virginia Wetlands law. I want to reassure residents whose property connects to a navigable waterway that maintaining existing bulkheads and the grandfathering of existing bulkheads in good repair is covered under the state law, and as written in the County ordinance. Read more in my Mount Vernon Gazette article..

Successful County Crisis Intervention Program to Expand

The County’s Co-Responders Program has successfully redesigned how we best serve our residents experiencing a mental health crisis, while best equipping staff to assist those in need. As a proven leader in providing mental health services to residents, and through programs like the Co-Responders Program, we are setting yet another example for other jurisdictions throughout the country to follow. In Fairfax County, we have learned that asking first responders to deal with issues like mental health alone is not our best strategy. Read more in my Mount Vernon Gazette article.

$1 Million Lottery Prize Claimed By Man In Richmond Highway Corridor

A man who bought a Virginia Lottery ticket on the Richmond Highway corridor was shocked to learn he won a prize over $1 million. Alexandria resident Leslie Williams won the $1,063,690 jackpot in the Cash 5 with EZ Match game by matching all five numbers. The winning numbers were 1-20-24-26-35. His first reaction? A "quiet scream." Leslie is a great community leader and this couldn't have happened to a more caring and committed individual. Read more in the Patch.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor’s Office: Through an Intern’s Lens 

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck’s office. As my last week comes to a close, I wanted to reflect and share with you my time at the District office and what I have learned. As a public relations and political science major, I have always had an interest in government, and living so close to D.C. only increased it. I had learned about the federal and state government in school, but never anything relating to the local level. After I got this internship, I was eager to see what I had been missing. It’s safe to say that this experience has opened my eyes to all that happens in local government and how involved teens and young adults can be. Read more in the Mount Vernon Gazette.

Early In-Person Voting Information for November 4 General Election

Early in-person voting opens here at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center on Friday, September 22 and mail-in ballots will be sent out about the same time. In-person voting and ballot drop box times at our governmental center are:

• Weekdays: 1 - 7 p.m.
• Saturdays (Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 4): 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sunday (Oct. 29): 1 - 5 p.m.

Learn more.

Fall for LCAC

Sunday, September 10, 1 - 3 p.m.

Help stock the LCAC Food Pantry! Enjoy an afternoon of family, fun and community. All are welcome to help for a few minutes or a couple hours. This is a great chance for kids, groups and individuals to help prepare the LCAC pantry for Fall! Learn more.

The SOAR Initiative Grand Launch

Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area Resource Center,

5710A General Washington Drive, Alexandria

RSVP today.

Over the span of 11 months each year, SOAR will provide a holistic model in small business development for individuals who have not had adequate access to entrepreneurship training opportunities that have been specifically adapted to their circumstances. RISE, in particular, focuses its support on aspiring entrepreneurs from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. The grand launch will include program participants, program mentors, CIE partners and many others who will be providing participants with the entrepreneurial knowledge and support they need to change the trajectory of their lives and those of their families.

The Council to End Domestic Violence Seeks to Fill Volunteer Leadership Positions

The Fairfax County Council to End Domestic Violence (CEDV) is seeking three volunteer leadership positions: a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Community Leader and Organizer to serve a 3-year term. The mission of the CEDV is to unite senior-level public officials and community leaders; to advise the Board of Supervisors on a range of domestic violence policy, legislative and program issues; and to guide the development of a coordinated and collaborative community response to domestic violence in Fairfax County. Learn more about each volunteer position and how to apply.

Podcast: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence

Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and partner organizations discussing all aspects of interpersonal violence, plus solutions and resources for support for residents of Fairfax County. On this edition of Unscripted, host Kendra Lee talks with Toni Zollicoffer, deputy division director of Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services; and Ina Fernandez, director of Loudoun County’s Department of Family Services, about the history of the anti-violence movement and DSVS’ journey toward showing up for the community.

Tips for Back-to-School Success

With the start of school, comes a new season and new demands on family schedules. It can become increasingly challenging to get kids back into a regular routine. Check out these tips from the Parenting Education Programs on improving family communication and establishing expectations around dinner, bedtime, mornings and homework to help get the school year off to a strong start. Learn more.

Join the Teen Advocates Program 

The Fairfax County Teen Advocates Program is for youth ages 12-19 who want to be community leaders against dating violence. Teen Advocates participate in campaigns to raise awareness about dating and sexual violence and other issues that impact youth. They also work with their peers and Fairfax County agencies to design fun events, such as the annual Art Contest and Talent Showcase, which engage community members in conversations about tough topics like abuse. After submitting an application (due on September 29) and a follow-up conversation, teens chosen as Teen Advocates commit to this program for one year and meet regularly with their regional team and the entire teen program. Learn more.

Team up with Mason to Ignite Social Change

Mason’s learning experiences extend beyond the campuses and into the community. The Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL) brings together students, faculty and community partners to collaborate on positive social change in our community. If your organization offers service-learning opportunities for students, consider becoming a community partner with CECiL. Learn more.

Young Invincibles

Young Invincibles (YI) was started by a group of students in 2009 who were ready to stand up and make a difference by creating a long-term organizational infrastructure to support policies and programs that address economic challenges young people face in our country. YI has offices around the country including Washington, D.C. Learn more about how to get involved.

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Ranger

Ranger is a 6 year old, male, black and tan German Shepherd mix. He is easy to please and wants some good training/bonding time with you. Do you like walks? He is your guy! Do you like to hike? Again, your guy! All kids in the home over 12? Perfect! He does enjoy being outside and sniffing around. Ranger is actively looking for his new Ranger buddy. He has been ambivalent with other dogs, so bring your dog to meet him if you have one. He is a wiggle worm when you talk about going out and he is good on a leash.

If you'd like to meet Ranger, or any of the adoptable pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, visit during open hours! For more info on the adoption process, including requirements and fees, click here.

Code Compliance - Driveway Coverage

Summer events and traditions like graduation parties, cook-outs or students home from college – and the vehicles that come with them – may have you thinking about the need or convenience of a driveway expansion. If so, please note your lot may be subject to Zoning Ordinance regulations that limit how big the driveway can be if:

1. Your property is developed with a single-family detached dwelling;
2. Your lot size is 36,000 square feet or less; and 
3. Your property is zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4.

If all of the above apply, the percentage of your front yard that can be surfaced area for vehicle or trailer parking is: 

1. 25 percent if your lot is in the R-1 or R-2 District; and
2. 30 percent if your lot is in the R-3 or R-4 District. 

This informational flyer is available as a resource for determining the zoning district for your lot. Additional information, including what counts as surfaced area and exceptions to these regulations, can be found on the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Yard Coverage flyer (see under Front Yard Regulations). 

Additional information is available in an informational flyer and on DCC’s website.

Emergency Preparedness September Newsletter

Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Christine Morin, Cassidy Donaghy, Camela Speer, Maddie Carcamo Reyes (bottom row left to right) Peyton Smith, Volunteer Shirley Short, Nick Rinehart and Supervisor Dan Storck.

Whether you need a free notary, a "Slow Down" yard sign, Mosquito Dunks or you would like to reserve meeting space in the Mount Vernon Governmental Center -- my office offers all this at no cost to you. Have road maintenance requests, zoning questions or environmental concerns? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help!

Stop by and visit the information tables outside my office for everything happening in the District. From flyers for upcoming events, bike route maps, newspapers and much more, this center is free and available 24/7!

August 2023 Activities:

• Phone calls: 1081
• Meetings: 212

Stay Connected: 

Mount Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane 

Mount Vernon, VA 22306

703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)

mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov 

Office Hours

Monday - Wednesday, Friday:

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Second Saturday Each Month (Except August)

Lorton Library: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Walk-ins and by appointment

Help serve your community by serving on a Fairfax County Board, Authority or Commission (BAC). Please ask your friends, neighbors and community members if they are willing to help serve Fairfax County.

Criminal Justice Advisory Board

To receive and coordinate all phases of planning for the Criminal Justice System in the County of Fairfax and to furnish its advice and recommendations to the County Executive and, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. Reestablished to continue in an advisory capacity though no longer required by Federal Law.

Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (At-Large Members Needed)

Pursuant to County Code Section 61-2-1, to act on applications for appeals from Building Official, Fire Official or Property maintenance Code Official decisions based on the VUSBC, the VSFPC, the Virginia Amusement Device Regulations (VADR) and Chapters 61, 64, 65, and 66 of the County Code as specified.

There are several At-Large positions available as of September 2023 on County BACs.

• Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Representative)
• Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
• Board of Equalization of Real Estate (Professional)
• Consumer Protection Commission
• Engineering Standard Review Committee
• Health Systems Agency Board
• History Commission
• Police Civilian Review Panel
• Tenant-Landlord Commission (Citizen, Condo Owner, Landlord, Tenant
• Trespass Towing Advisory Board
• Uniformed Retirement System Board of Trustees

Learn more about any of these BACs...

Volunteering on these committees increases citizen participation in our District. If you are interested in serving on a county board, authority, commission, or committee (BAC), please provide a current résumé to mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information, please download the brochure for a brief guide to BACs, or learn more on the County website. You can also check out the County's Volunteer Management System for information on these and other volunteer opportunities near you.

Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518

MTVernon@fairfaxcounty.gov | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

STAY CONNECTED