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Volume 18 | Issue 3
03.09.2026
Dear Neighbor,
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Spring is getting closer and now that Daylight Saving Time has begun, I’m looking forward to the later sunsets and more time to connect with you as I am out and about in the community.
As you may have noticed, this Braddock Beacon is coming to you on a Monday rather than a Thursday or Friday. We’re updating our newsletter process into a format that enhances readability to be more accessible. While we were doing that, we thought why not send the Beacon at the beginning of the week instead of the end? I mean, what could be a better way to start your week than with the Braddock Beacon? 😊 As such, here is our inaugural Monday Braddock Beacon.
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I was honored to host our first Best of Braddock event as Supervisor along with the Braddock District Council, recognizing the community members who have committed countless hours to make Braddock District a better place to live. Thank you to Chairman Jeff McKay and all those who came out last Wednesday for the Best of Braddock event. Our County could not function without our amazing volunteers.
Many folks in our community volunteer countless hours over the course of years – whether by coaching a youth sport, PTA or boosters, providing support for those in need, beautifying our community, meeting the needs of their neighborhoods, and just checking on their neighbors and lending a hand.
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These are the selfless acts of kindness that make Braddock such a special place to live – and are the backbone of my faith in humanity. As a former long-time volunteer and community advocate, I know how much energy, focus, time, and passion these volunteers bring to giving back and making their world a better place. My office is working on more ways to connect volunteers with opportunities and to engage the community about ways that residents can lend their time and their expertise, whether through mentorship, connection, or supporting our local nonprofits.
While there were so many people deserving of recognition, please join me in congratulating these amazing volunteers:
Special Recognition
Bob Mizer, Country Club View
Club or Organization Making a Difference
Annandale Mission Center
Neighborhood Beautification, Enhancement or Community-Building Effort
Leo “Chip” Boucher, Old Forge/Surrey Square
Most "Can-Do" Public Employee
Margaret Thaxton, Fairfax County Park Foundation
Young Person of the Year
Anthony Nguyen, Annandale High School
Citizen of the Year
Marcy Stennes, New Lakepointe
Scroll down to learn about these awardees!
| March is Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month, a time to celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. I’d like to recognize the work of our Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) which, among its other many responsibilities, provides services to people with developmental disabilities. CSBs are state-designated entities, many of which cross jurisdictions, but our local CSB is primarily supported by Fairfax County thanks to our commitment to providing quality services to those in need. The CSB’s talented and dedicated Developmental Disability Support Coordination Team serves over 5,000 enrolled individuals, helping them navigate their various needs across their lifetime. | | |
March is also Women’s History Month. At last week’s Board meeting, we had a presentation from the Commission for Women about their initiatives for this year. I also took the time to recognize my mother, who was a refugee as a child, became one of the early women to earn a PhD in mathematics/computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology and a groundbreaker working in Silicon Valley in the 1970s, overcoming societal barriers of race, gender, and accent to build a career in STEM while opening doors for others.
In the Braddock District, we were honored to be represented by groundbreaking female leaders Audrey Moore and Sharon Bulova, both of whom went on to become Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Moore and Bulova helped shape Braddock and Fairfax County into the dynamic and welcoming place it is today and created a legacy of thoughtful, community-oriented service that I hope to follow and live up to.
Yours in Service,
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In this issue:
- Best of Braddock Winners
- Braddock Bravo
- Notes from the Boardroom
- Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- Environment & Parks
- Transportation Updates
- Economic Development
- Education News
- Human Services
- Public Safety
- Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
- Land Use & Development
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Special Recognition:
Bob Mizer, Country Club View
Bob is a long-time Fairfax resident who has made monumental contributions to his community throughout his lifetime. He started this journey as a young Naval Academy graduate who went on to honorably serve his country in the Navy. Fortunately for us, Bob’s military career brought him to Fairfax,
where he and his family settled into Country Club View. Bob immediately looked for new ways to help those around him.
In the early 1980’s Bob founded Country Club View’s Neighborhood Watch program. Bob grew this program until there were eighty teams of volunteers on his roster. These volunteers patrolled the neighborhood multiple times a week, providing an invaluable service to more than 400 households. Today the neighborhood watch is the second oldest continuously-run program of its kind in Fairfax County.
Bob’s contributions to his community don’t stop with the neighborhood watch. His leadership skills have made him a valuable member of Country Club View Civic Association’s Executive Committee, where he has served for many years. Bob also finds time to serve as an usher each Sunday at St. Mary of Sorrows Church and has been doing so since 1980. Last but not least, Bob has given many years of his time as a volunteer to the Burke Volunteer Fire Department.
The Braddock District is a much better place thanks to Bob’s tireless and humble service to others.
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Club or Organization Making a Difference:
Annandale Mission Center
The Annandale Mission Center is a non-evangelical outreach organization within the Annandale United Methodist Church. It serves the highly vulnerable Heritage neighborhood by providing and hosting a wide variety of services and activities for the local community. These include:
- Supplemental Groceries Distribution
- Monthly Shopping Events for Clothing and Hygiene Products
- Seasonal Distribution of Items, such as school supplies & winter coats
- Two Little Free Libraries
- Meeting Space - for neighborhood organizations, such as a Spanish language youth group and a cultural dance team, and space for THREE religious congregations (of over 320 people) who can’t afford their own buildings.
- A Children’s Wellness Clinic, and more!
Their signature program is the supplemental groceries distribution program already mentioned. It serves over 325 families PER WEEK (52,000+ individuals/year). Volunteers use their personal vehicles to transport, stock and distribute over 270,000 pounds of donated and purchased food every Thursday afternoon.
Shoppers can browse and select foods from several categories that always include milk, meat, fresh vegetables, fruit, and more.
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Neighborhood Beautification, Enhancement or Community-Building Effort:
Leo “Chip” Boucher, Old Forge/Surrey Square
Chip recently researched, designed, built and installed two new Little Library structures on Helenwood Drive near the Brandywine Swim Club. He also coordinated with the original Little Library owner, Donna Fricas, to transfer the registration and stewardship of the account to his name and added it to the My Free Little Library map.
Additionally, Chip replaced a COVID-era bin of puzzles near the Little Library with a well-designed, constructed and installed Little Puzzle Library. Chip researched the design of other puzzle libraries in the area and developed a matching design to the Little Free Library.
Chip took on this extensive project on his own time and made sure to have both libraries installed in time for the Olde Forge-Surrey Square Fall Festival on October 19th. The libraries are filled to the brim and in use by our community!
This little community and other communities in the Braddock District have been enhanced and beautified by Chip's incredible workmanship and dedication to these projects.
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Most "Can-Do" Public Employee:
Margaret Thaxton, Fairfax County Park Foundation
Margaret Thaxton is recognized for her years of service as the Director of Development for the Fairfax County Park Foundation, where she works with individual, corporate, business and foundation donors to secure sponsorships and donations for Fairfax County parks.
Margaret has been a Fairfax County resident for more than forty years.
In addition to her work with the Park Foundation, she is a community activist who has served in many capacities including:
- On the Community Action Advisory Board (CAAB) as the Federation of Citizens Associations’ representative,
- A member of the PTSA for Canterbury Woods Elementary School, Frost Middle School and W.T. Woodson High School, where she served as President, and
- She served on the board of the Canterbury Woods Swim & Tennis Club board for 20 years, four of them as President.
Margaret has been a fundraiser since 1978, working with nonprofits, foundations, association political action committees and even a presidential campaign. Prior to her current role raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships with the Park Foundation, she worked as the Director of Development for two nonprofits, Transitional Housing Corporation (rebranded in 2016 as Housing U) and FACETS, whose missions are to improve the lives of homeless and at-risk families and individuals.
As the Director of Development for the Foundation, Margaret has developed
strong relationships with individuals, corporations and foundation representatives, something very key to the high rate of funding approvals.
Margaret was instrumental in securing grants and donations for the 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th), the Monticello Dog Park, the Wakefield Skate Park, and Braddock Nights Summer Entertainment Series.
Before she joined the Foundation, they raised $607,699 in Fiscal Year 2012. She raised $2,413,365 in FY 2024 and a record-level of $5,261,023 in FY 2025!
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Young Person of the Year:
Anthony Nguyen, Annandale High School
Anthony is not only a model student leader at Annandale High School, but also a talented photographer, entrepreneur, and athlete. According to Anthony’s Student Leadership teacher, he is reliable, kind, dedicated and committed to supporting the success of Annandale High School.
Anthony is attentive to detail and immediately steps up for any task, large or small, required by Annandale High School and its leadership group. His high level of maturity and ownership creates a positive and supportive environment for both his peers and the faculty, making him an essential member of the Annandale High School community.
Anthony has a remarkable array of talents and an entrepreneurial spirit. He uses his creative skill as a young photographer to document special moments at school events both during and after school hours. His photos capture the energy of major school events while promoting his brand. He is also a dedicated member of the Annandale HS news show, ensuring our community remains informed and connected.
In every role he assumes, from the sidelines to an SAC meeting, Anthony shows dedication to service, humility, a high level of respect for others and a willingness to collaborate. This is what makes him a unique and special citizen of Annandale High School and our community.
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Citizen of the Year:
Marcy Stennes, New Lakepointe
Marcy Stennes is a resident of the New Lakepointe community in Burke. She has been the engine behind the Hypothermia Shelter at Burke Presbyterian Church (BPC). She has helped host for many years, and this year was their most active year ever.
Marcy helped recruit over 200 volunteers to take on several tasks, including preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeaway meals, mending clothes for guests, playing board games, serving as overnight security to ensure guest safety, and entertaining guests with musical performances – some even join the choir to sing! Volunteers were not only needed for the guests, but to get senior volunteers to the shelter, she recruited younger members of the congregation to drive those volunteers to BPC.
Not only does Marcy run the hypothermia shelter, she has also led BPC’s Crop Walk, a fundraiser walk alongside other Burke churches to raise funds for food-insecure residents. She recruits walkers and donors who pledge a certain amount of money for the number of laps completed. She also has been a volunteer tutor with the church’s Snacks & Backpacks after-school program for over a decade. The Snacks & Backpacks program is mostly run by retired teachers and volunteers and offers a space for kids that do not have after-school programming to attend, to get extra help with homework and after-school snacks.
Marcy is BPC’s co-lead on affordable housing issues. She is working with Fairfax Presbyterian on their affordable housing program that is breaking ground soon. She helped with raising private dollars and securing public funding from the City of Fairfax for the project that will provide low-income residents with secure housing.
Marcy’s pastor, Pastor Becca Messman, said (regarding the hypothermia shelter) “Without her tireless dedication, our church could not have done this. It was one of the coldest weeks of the year, and she created a space of warmth and beautiful welcome!” Marcy’s friend and fellow member of Burke Presbyterian Church, Anita Pesses, said that Marcy is a go-getter who cares very deeply about people, and that serving people is her calling. She said Marcy is a justice-minded individual with the skills to pull off anything she puts her mind to.
Marcy’s service to the people in her community and the Braddock District and her care for others is inspiring.
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We are lucky to live in the Braddock District -- filled with selfless and kind people giving back to our community in countless ways.
Each month we will highlight a Braddock resident going above and beyond and celebrate them with a "Braddock Bravo!" Read below for this month's recipient of a "Braddock Bravo."
Andrew Haydon is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. In the Haydon home, baseball is practically a family language. Andrew has played baseball since he was little and joined the varsity team in his freshman year. It’s a passion his grandfather and father share with him. His younger brother, Nick, an eighth grader with autism, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disabilities, loved the game too when he was younger. But as practices became more demanding, Nick struggled to keep up.
Seeing this up close inspired Andrew to act. He approached his teammates and school leadership with an idea: create an adaptive baseball program that meets kids where they are and opens the game to everyone.
From that idea came the first-ever TJHSST Adaptive Baseball Clinic. In this program, each young participant is paired one-on-one with a TJ baseball player. Together they practice base running, hitting off a tee, throwing, and catching, all in a supportive, low-pressure environment. And the results are exactly what Andrew hoped for: kids who not only get to participate but get to have fun doing it.
Please join me in congratulating Andrew on his outstanding achievements and the positive impact he continues to make in our community!
Do you know someone in the Braddock District deserving of recognition? Email braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov with details!
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March 3 was a full Board of Supervisors meeting. Read the full Board package here. Here are some items I'd like to highlight:
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As noted above, we recognized Women's History Month. Each year, the Commission for Women directs a new initiative, and this year’s theme is Leading the Change: Women Leading a Sustainable Future.
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The Board also commemorated Peace Corps Day and the 65th Anniversary of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. In addition to the impactful and long-lasting work the Peace Corps performs abroad, most Peace Corps volunteers go on to be strong community leaders and local volunteers as well. For example, our newest Braddock District School Board Member Tom Dannan is a former Peace Corps volunteer. We appreciate the work of our Peace Corps volunteers across the County!
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Update on General Assembly activities: in the fast-moving Virginia legislative session, our County legislative team is busy advocating for the County’s interests. Read the latest report here. This report provides an update on key legislation and budget proposals under consideration during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session and their potential impact on Fairfax County.
- The House and Senate have each passed their versions of the state budget and will now enter conference negotiations to reconcile differences before the scheduled March 14 adjournment.
- Major policy areas affecting Fairfax County include K-12 education funding, housing affordability initiatives, human services programs, transportation and WMATA funding, and potential tax policy changes.
- The Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee reviewed these issues, received updates on key legislation, and established or updated County positions on several bills.
- The report also summarizes housing legislation and other measures being tracked that could affect local authority, funding, and service delivery.
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As part of our requirements to receive federal grants to support and operate our Head Start program, which serves over 1,800 children, we approved submission of our transportation waiver and a self-assessment report.
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The Board designated Coralain Gardens Apartments in Falls Church as a revitalization area. This designation enables the County to apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to improve these affordable housing residences.
Tuesday, March 10 will see four Board Committee meetings where we will focus on some important issue areas. These links include the agenda and materials:
· 9:30 a.m. – Budget Policy Committee
· 11:00 a.m. – Land Use Policy Committee
· 1:30 p.m. – Safety and Security Committee
· 3:00 p.m. – Council for Economic Opportunity
You can follow these meetings on Channel 16 live or watch the recordings afterwards.
| | Upcoming Events and Opportunities | | |
Lake Accotink Update
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has updated the Smaller Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study public engagement website.
Explore new resources and review their responses to public comments on the Desktop and Permitting Assessment Technical Memorandums.
DPWES thanks everyone who shared feedback. Visit the updated site to learn more.
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Native Seedling Sale Now Underway
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) is accepting orders for their 2026 Annual Native Seedling Sale Program, through which they provide native trees and shrubs to Fairfax County residents at low cost. All seedlings are native to Virginia and were chosen with advice from the Fairfax County Urban Forestry Management Division and Virginia Department of Forestry.
Two packages are available featuring shrubs and trees that were selected because of their value to wildlife. They are a bargain at $20 per package. The first package, “Berry Bonanza”, includes two of each of the following species: Canadian Serviceberry and American Elderberry. The second package, “Pick of the Patch,” includes two each of American Plum and Common Pawpaw.
In addition to the benefits to the environment and wildlife, sale proceeds support the stewardship and engagement programs offered by NVSWCD such as local reforestation efforts, volunteer stream monitoring, their local Envirothon high school competition, storm drain marking and education, Green Breakfasts, and others.
Visit NVSWCD's Storefront for more information and to make a purchase while supplies last!
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Staying Ahead of the Storm for Virginia’s Flood Awareness Week
Did you know flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States? You can stay ahead of the storm by learning about your flood risk and how you can be prepared during Virginia’s Flood Awareness Week, March 8-14.
Here are some actions you can take to be more prepared:
- Know your risk, prepare an emergency kit, and formulate a plan in the event of an emergency.
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Find out if you live in a flood plain or other flood prone area using the Virginia Flood Risk Information System.
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Do not drive through flooded roads. Turn Around Don’t Drown.
- Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. People living in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam are at particular risk.
- One inch of water in a home can cause $25,000 in damage.
- Standard homeowners' and renters' insurance policies do not cover damage from floods.
- If you have a flood insurance policy, consider adding coverage for your home’s contents – typically, flood insurance policies cover only the structure.
- A new flood insurance policy takes 30 days to go into effect. It’s important to purchase coverage well in advance of a disaster.
If your property is in a flood plain or flood prone area, and you need assistance to cover some of the costs of a flood mitigation project on your property, consider applying to the Northern VA Soil and Water Conservation District’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. Property owners could qualify for up to 50% reimbursement for flood mitigation projects!
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County to Prioritize Active Transportation Projects and Funding
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has released project shortlists for the Active Transportation Prioritization Process, and is accepting public feedback. On the Project Prioritization Process webpage, you will find a drop-down for each Supervisor District with that district’s shortlist, and a link to the survey that members of the public can use to provide feedback on shortlisted projects in that district. In addition to collecting feedback through those surveys, FCDOT is also hosting two virtual public meetings:
At these public meetings, FCDOT will be providing information about the prioritization process, and attendees will also be able to ask questions or offer comments.
Public comment will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. You can take the survey to share your thoughts about projects in the Braddock District.
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Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Update
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) brings regional government leaders together to plan and secure funding for transit systems. Supervisor Sizemore Heizer serves as a Commissioner and representative from the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board. NVTC met on March 5. You can view the meeting materials here.
| Route 29 Weekday Lane Closures March 9 to April 3 | |
Weather permitting, VDOT plans single-lane closures as part of their Route 29 Widening Project just to the west of the Braddock District.
Single-Lane Closures Northbound Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive:
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Monday through Friday, from March 9 through April 2: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
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Friday, April 3: 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Single-Lane Closures Southbound Route 29 between Sandy Point Lane (Route 7983) and Stringfellow Road/Clifton Road (Route 645):
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Monday through Friday, March 9 to March 20: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes. For the full announcement, visit the VDOT website.
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Right in Our Backyard: GMU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Did you know one of the region’s most dynamic innovation hubs is just around the corner? George Mason University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is empowering students, faculty, and community partners to turn big ideas into bold ventures. From hands‑on workshops and startup mentorship to pitch competitions and industry collaborations, the Center fuels creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. This resource is not just for students - local businesses and entrepreneurs are welcome! Learn more about this inspiring resource right in our backyard.
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Opportunities with Fairfax CORE
Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs) is a groundbreaking online platform designed to empower business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Fairfax County.
This web-based platform connects business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to establish, expand, and evolve their businesses.
Fairfax CORE features an online navigator providing access to more than 115 entrepreneur support organizations in and around Fairfax County. This tool offers entrepreneurs quick and easy access to a searchable resource database that connects them to the right experts at the right time. The website can be translated into 58 languages, and many of the resource partners are focused on supporting diverse communities.
Check Fairfax CORE's Events page for meetings, trainings, networking events, and more!
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Registration for NCS summer camps kicks off Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services offers a variety of summer camp options for youth and teens throughout Fairfax County. Register early and secure your spot for a summer of fun activities, new friendships and lasting memories!
NCS camps are offered from June 22 – August 21, 2026; registration start dates, program dates, eligibility and costs vary by camp/location. All programs offer reduced fee opportunities. Learn more and find the right camp for your child by exploring NCS’ camp options.
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Give your child a summer that sparks curiosity and builds confidence at George Mason University!
George Mason’s K–12 summer camps offer parents a trusted, engaging way to keep kids learning and having fun all season long. From conflict resolution and conservation to game design, technology, podcasting, theater, music, and more, each program is designed to help young learners explore new interests in a supportive, hands-on environment. Camps are hosted across George Mason’s campuses and partner locations, making it easy for families to find options that fit their schedules. With new academic, arts, and recreation programs added regularly, there’s always something exciting to discover. Explore the full lineup at camps.gmu.edu and secure your student’s spot for an unforgettable summer.
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Adult ESOL Spring Semester Scheduling Now!
FCPS Adult & Community Education (ACE) offers a robust, affordable, in-person program for Adult English Language Learners of all proficiency levels. ACE can offer these classes to any adult in our community at far less cost than college programs or private language schools. Classes are held at convenient locations across the County, from basic English for beginners to advanced specialty courses for career advancement. If you, or someone you know, is interested in strengthening their English Language skills, please click here for more information and scheduling for Adult English Language classes.
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Lunch & Life Luncheon: Brain Health in Every Chapter of Life
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Saint Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church
5222 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032
Lunch n' Life will feature two speakers:
Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, INOVA Brain Health and Memory Disorders Programs -Brain Health in Every Chapter of Life
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Aaron Zajdel, LCSW, Care Connections Manager of Goodwin Living, Advance Care Planning
Cost: $15 per person (lunch & program)
To reserve, call 703-323-4788 and mention this event and leave your name and phone number. Mail checks to 4019 Olley Lane, Fairfax, VA 22032, or pay by credit card at this link.
Reservation deadline: March 16, 2026.
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Use Daylight Saving Time to Check Your Emergency Supplies and Smoke Alarm
As you set your clocks forward one hour, take a few extra minutes to complete two simple safety tasks that could save your life.
Most people only think about emergency supplies when disaster strikes. The problem? By then, it’s too late to prepare. Daylight Saving Time occurs twice a year, making it a built-in reminder to check your safety equipment and supplies.
Fire safety experts have promoted the “change your clocks, change your batteries” message for decades. But you can do more than just swap out batteries. Use this semi-annual event to review your entire emergency readiness plan.
Read more at the Fairfax County Emergency Blog.
| Resources for Older Adults
and Caregivers | |
Spring Into Senior Softball!
Are you interested in a fun, sporty summer and want to reconnect with your love of slow pitch softball? Then look no further than Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS), the largest organized senior softball league in Northern Virginia, and it’s co-ed too! NVSS offers three conferences for players of all skill levels for men over 50 and women over 40. The Spring season starts in mid-April and runs through July. Doubleheader games are played every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at several parks throughout Fairfax County. A separate Fall season runs in September through October. Both seasons also have an end of season tournament.
To learn more about NVSS, or to sign up to play, visit nvss.org or contact Artie Negrin at (336) 596-6960. Remember, "You don't stop playing because you got old; you got old because you stopped playing!"
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Webinar: Investment Fraud for Caregivers
Wednesday, March 18 | 12:00 – 1: 00 p.m. Virtual
Presented by Carmen Clifford
Principal Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Retail Securities and Franchising Division
In this webinar, hosted by the Fairfax Area Agency, Carmen Clifford, Principal Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Retail Securities and Franchising (Division), will present information on investment fraud for family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities. Investment fraud causes billions of dollars in losses each year, and older adults are the demographic most susceptible. Knowledge and research are critical to avoid investment fraud. The Division regulates companies and individuals in the securities industry in Virginia and conducts outreach to educate Virginians to reduce the incidence of investment fraud. This webinar will provide an introduction to the Division and securities regulation in Virginia, tips for conducting research before investing, and an overview of the red flags of investment fraud.
Carmen Clifford, a Certified Fraud Examiner, worked for the Division as a securities investigator for 8 years before transitioning into Outreach and Training.
REGISTER HERE:
https://bit.ly/CAREWEB1
| March Calendar - Wellness Center for Older Adults | Wellness Center address: 4027B Olley Lane in Fairfax, VA, 22032
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Visit: https://www.servicesource.org/virginia-wcoa/
Call (703) 970-3601 or email VAwellnesscenter@servicesource.org for more information. | |
March 2026 Code Compliance Corner
Homes provide the most affordable location for startup businesses. Fairfax County allows home-based business, but it is important to make sure that your business can comply with zoning limitations and other County rules before starting operations in your home.
One intended purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to create and maintain conditions where people and their environment can coexist. One way it does this is by separating certain incompatible uses – like preventing businesses such as arcades and gas stations in residential districts. However, residents can operate some businesses at their home. The Zoning Ordinance calls these home-based businesses (HBBs), which require a permit and have use standards to reduce impact. Examples include offices with no customers, or music lessons for a limited number of students at a time and per day. More HBB information is available on the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) Home-Based Business flyer.
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A few other types of commerce or business-like activities can be conducted at home but are not considered HBBs. These are also subject to limits and include:
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A limited riding or boarding stable (requires 2+ acres and permit);
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Short-term lodging (with permit);
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A home day care facility (zoning application approval is required for over seven children in a single-family detached dwelling or five children in other dwelling types);
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Caring for up to four companion animals (pets). No permit is required. However, the Zoning Ordinance limits the number of dogs on a property, and dogs receiving care from a non-owner count toward the property’s limit.
Answers to frequent questions regarding business licensing is available from the Department of Tax Administration. And, for aspiring entrepreneurs, Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs) can help you find the information and support you need to start and grow your business.
DCC is here to help. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach them via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit them in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.
| | Follow Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer on
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