On July 5, 2023, the MCA Board of Directors adopted a resolution concerning the Fairfax County Parking Reimagined Initiative. MCA supports the county’s effort to update Article 6, the portion of the Zoning Ordinance that deals with off-street parking and loading. It also supports the Initiative’s goals and objectives. MCA objects, however, to several provisions in the current draft of the proposal. MCA is especially concerned that the proposed 20-40% reduction in minimum parking rates for multifamily dwellings in Revitalization Areas like McLean, Transit Station Areas, Transit Oriented Developments and the Planned Tysons Corner Urban District are unrealistic and will not meet the needs of future residents. MCA points out that despite access to public transportation, residents in these areas will still need to rely on personal vehicles to reach work places, shopping areas, medical services, churches and recreation facilities for at least the next 15-20 years.
MCA opposes the provision in the draft proposal that would permit reductions in parking rates for residential buildings that exclusively provide affordable and workplace housing beyond those that would be available for other residential buildings. It believes that the FFC Land Services Director’s authority to unilaterally reduce parking rates should be eliminated. If such authority is given, the Director’s unilateral decisions should require prior public notice and opportunity of public comment. MCA also believes that reductions in parking rates for residential buildings should be accompanied by a requirement for increased open space, tree canopies, and landscaping proportionate to any resulting increases in building footprint.