July 2022 Civic Affairs Committee Report

by | Jul 6, 2022 | Civic Affairs, Committees

July 2022 Civic Affairs Committee Repor

Sully District Council of Citizens Associations activities:

  • June Meeting – State of Sully Presented by Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith
  • No planned July & August Meetings
  • 28 September Meeting – Tentatively: Congressional Candidates night jointly with the League of Women Voters, Fairfax Area

Joint Sully District Land Use and Transportation Committee activities

  • June Meeting –
    • Raquel Montez, Superintendent (Acting), National Park Service, Manassas National Battlefield Park
    • Korean Central Presbyterian Church (SEA 2005-SU-007)
    • Airport Noise Comprehensive Plan Amendment
      • Testimony to BOS: (http://www.sullydistrict.org/testimony/20220628_Testimony2020-CW-3CPAirportNoisePolicy(BOS).pdf)
    • 18 July– Parking Reimagined
    • 15 August – McDonalds – Village Center Shopping Center

Fairfax Federation activities:

  • June Meeting –
    • State of the County by BOS Chair Jeff McKay (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlzmKC3vuCE)
    • Testimony to BOS on Airport Noise Comprehensive Plan Amendment (http://www.fcfca.org/resolutions/ResolutionComprehensivePlanAmendmentAirportNoisePolicyApproved20220623.pdf
  • No planned July & August Meetings

Fairfax County

  • Fairfax County Police Department
    • Self Defense Program
      • Registration is now open for the August (9th, 11th, 16th, 18th) class!
      • Join us for essential crime prevention and personal safety information followed by hands-on self-defense practice
      • This FREE program is four nights (and students must agree to attend ALL four nights to register).
      • If the registration is full please continue to check the link as someone may decide to cancel and delete their spot.
      • Space is limited and there is no waitlist. WOMEN ONLY. (Participants 13-17 years old are welcome and MUST be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian all four nights.)
      • Register here:
  • NOVA Parks
    • Draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan
      • Please provide input to help guide the future of NOVA Parks.
      • Northern Virginia residents, businesses, visitors and community organizations are being asked to review the Draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and provide feedback online by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 8.
      • Input received will help inform NOVA Parks’ priorities through 2027. The draft plan is organized into 5 pillars—Environment, Belonging, Our Team, Building the Future, and Revenue and Efficiency—with 2 short questions per section and 2 overall questions. Responses will take only a few minutes and will help inform NOVA Parks’ upcoming priorities.
      • Visit http://ow.ly/li0k50Jx4AF to review the plan and provide feedback by July 8.
  • Department of Planning and Development
    • Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) Public Hearing Tuesday, July 19
      • A public hearing on the county’s SSPA will be held Tuesday, July 19, 4 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center. The SSPA process allows anyone to propose site-specific land use changes to the Comprehensive Plan (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/fairfax-county-comprehensive-plan), the county’s guiding document for land use and development decisions. An evaluation of the SSPA process took place from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, and the recommended changes were published in a detailed report (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/sites/planning-development/files/assets/documents/compplanamend/sspa/retrospective/sspa-retrospective-recommendations.pdf) in May.
      • Learn how to view the public hearing and submit public hearing testimony: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/about-board-meetings. View the full list of recommended changes to the SSPA process and learn more about the evaluation process on the SSPA website (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plan-amendments/sspa).
    • Zoning Administration Division
      • Zoning Ordinance Work Program for FYs 2023/2024
        • On June 28, 2022, the Board of Supervisors endorsed the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Work Program for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The approved Work Program can be found here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/work-program. This is a two-year Work Program that is updated annually.
        • For general information about the Zoning Ordinance, you may review the document online here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance.
        • Additionally, you may contact the Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314 or ORDADMIN@fairfaxcounty.gov.
      • Fairfax County PLUS: New Fairfax County Permitting System
        • On October 31, 2022, the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) will be the central Fairfax County platform for customers doing business with these county agencies:
          • Environmental Health (Department of Health)
          • Department of Code Compliance
          • Department of Planning and Development
          • Land Development Services
          • Office of the Fire Marshal (Fire and Rescue Department)
        • Land development-related processes, including creating and submitting applications, scheduling inspections, paying fees, tracking application status and submitting complaints to the Department of Code Compliance will be performed in PLUS.
        • What to Know:
          • Many records (permits and other applications) are already active in PLUS, but on October 31 over 100 additional records will be available for customers seeking land development-related permits for use, including all building permits. See the complete list of new records at fairfaxcounty.gov/plan2build/plus. See “Agency-specific Records & Web Pages.”
          • PLUS and all legacy systems currently in use (such as FIDO, PAWS and ProjectDox) will be unavailable between Oct. 21-31.
        • Please plan ahead if you are trying to start a new project or complete one that has been in the system. The outage impacts legacy systems within Land Development Services, Planning and Development, Code Compliance, Environmental Health and Office of the Fire Marshal. For several weeks after October 31, data will still be migrating, and processing of records may be impacted.
        • You can learn to use PLUS via live and video webinars and YouTube videos:
        • Subscribe to the PLUS email subscription to receive notifications on training, scheduled maintenance outages, etc
        • Visit “Stay Connected” at fairfaxcounty.gov/plan2build/plus
        • PLUS YouTube Channel – Training videos for PLUS can be found on our YouTube Channel Fairfax County PLUS – YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/FairfaxCountyPLUS)
        • .Join us in July for PLUS Webinars, Wednesdays at 11:30. Visit the Go To Webinar page https://www.gotostage.com/channel/f05fb66e6c144c1ca95962ed7132e2dd?fbclid=IwAR0Y4X3J-BGwyOnBcGXtM6qYNwbvrZMbgXB1FY8nSfV-YThV_235oevJB2M
          • July 13 Understanding DPOR and BPOL Learn how you can successfully enter your DPOR and BPOL information into applications in the new Planning and Land Use System.
          • July 20 PLUS Webinar Wednesdays: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) in PLUS. Join the Office of the Fire Marshal for an overview of the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) records in the new Planning and Land Use System. This session will review the process for linking legacy records to the new PLUS platform so that customers can see all their records in one place. Customers will also review the ITM renewal process and what they can expect as they reach their renewal timeframe under PLUS.
          • July 27 PLUS Basics – 101. What is PLUS? Join Fairfax County staff for a free webinar to see a demonstration of the new Planning and Land Use System (also known as PLUS). Bring your questions and learn how this centralized platform will help streamline the customer experience.
  • Public Works and Environmental Services
    • Document Shredding
      • The document shredding service is open to residents of Fairfax County, Clifton, Herndon, the Town of Vienna, and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church only. Businesses, including home-based businesses, are not invited to participate.
      • Shredding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Events are from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., unless the trucks fill up prior to the end time. All participants must be in line by 11 a.m. to be served. Please be aware, however, that when the shredding trucks are full, the event will end.
      • There is a four (4) box limit, based on standard banker/copy box size (12.5” W x 15.5” L x 10.5” H). If you bring documents in plastic bags, please do not tie them. All boxes, plastic/paper bags, or other containers will be returned to you after emptying.
      • Due to traffic and safety concerns, you may not exit your vehicle or stay in the area to watch shredding. The contractor guarantees all documents will be shredded on-site.
      • Dates:
        • July 9, 2022, Westfields High School, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly
        • July 16, 2022, South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston
        • July 23, 2022, Rolling Valley Park and Ride, 9220 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke
        • July 30, 2022, Kilmer Middle School, 8100 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna
        • August 6, 2022, Lake Braddock High School, 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke
      • Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
        • Aspiring Entrepreneur? Small Business Start-Up?
          • Join our panel of small business experts for an interactive webinar on how to start your business. We will provide you with informative step-by-step information sessions that will cover registering your business, permitting requirements, business feasibility and business plan basics, business certifications, financing options and government resources.
          • In addition, the Entrepreneur Spotlight will feature Bob Rogers, President of Chesapeake Digital Solutions, LLC.
          • Presented by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), the Community Business Partnership (CBP) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), this course will provide the business fundamentals needed to successfully start a business! Register now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/entrepreneurship-101-starting-a-business-in-fairfax-county-tickets-342404219237
        • Library Events
        • Summer Reading Challenges for Youth and Adults
        • Did you know the Summer Reading Adventure isn’t just about reading? Children, teens and adults can also participate in lots of fun activities to keep you busy and having fun all summer long!
        • Learn more via the Summer Reading Challenge webpage https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/reading-challenges/SRA-2022
        • Library links:
          • Centreville Regional Public Library (Hours and events https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/centreville-regional)
          • Chantilly Regional Public Library (Hours and events https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/chantilly-regional)
          • Find all upcoming events on the Library Events webpage https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events/
  • Car Tax Update
    • You will soon be receiving your Personal Property (car) Tax bill in the mail. During the budget process earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors approved 15% in tax relief to offset an unprecedented spike in vehicle assessments. Vehicle values have soared as a result of the pandemic that caused a worldwide shortage of computer chips needed for today’s cars and trucks. As a result, new cars are in short supply, and fewer people are selling their old cars. High consumer demand for vehicles combined with low supply have driven prices up sharply.
    • The15% in tax relief was automatically applied to your tax amount, so you won’t see the reduction listed. Fairfax County’s tax relief is in addition to the state relief that is listed separately on your bill. If you have questions about your bill or vehicle assessment, contact the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration by email or at 703-222-8234, TTY 711.

The Friend of Trees Awards Open for Nominations; Deadline July 31

  • Individuals, not for profit and for-profit organizations, and the development community may be nominated for tree-related projects or programs. Individuals or organizations must have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions in preserving, protecting or planting trees. Learn more.

Environment Energy Coordination

  • 2022 Environmental Excellence Awards Nominations Accepted Until July 15, 2022
    • The call for nominations for the 2022 Environmental Excellence Awardsis open until July 15! If you know of an individual or organization who deserves recognition for their accomplishments in the past year, consider submitting a nomination.
    • The awards celebrate those who advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policies, those who dedicate personal time or expertise beyond their normal fiscal or civic responsibilities, and those who demonstrate leadership or act as a role model for others. Click here to submit a nomination.
  • Fairfax County HomeWise Program Offers Demonstrations, Education Sessions, and More
    • The Fairfax County HomeWise program educates, empowers, and enables residents to make changes that reduce energy use, water use, and associated costs in their homes. Volunteers assist low- and moderate-income residents with physical improvements to their homes and provide support for behavior changes that are proven to conserve resources and money.
    • Starting this summer, HomeWise offers community engagement opportunities upon request including demonstrations/giveaways at community events, “Ask a Volunteer” sessions, education sessions, and demonstration sessions for specific groups or communities. For more information, and to engage with HomeWise, please click here.
  • New Climate Resilience Interactive Map Now Available
    • A new, interactive map is now available for Fairfax County residents and others interested in the county’s climate adaptation and resilience planning efforts. Produced in connection with Resilient Fairfax, the initiative behind the development of the county’s first-ever Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, the tool provides users with numerous options to help visualize the potential impacts of climate change on Fairfax County.
    • The tool includes layers that can be toggled on or off, to give the user maximum flexibility and control over the map. Users can explore the anticipated effects of climate hazards like flooding and heat, and also look at assets throughout the county that are likely to be impacted. Asset categories included in the tool include buildings, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and natural or cultural resources. Click here to access the interactive climate map.
  • New Resources Now Available Online For Prospective Electric Vehicle Owners
    • Is an electric vehicle in your future? Are you curious about what it would be like to own an EV but unsure if it’s the right fit for you? If you’re looking for reliable information and tips to help you prepare for the possibility of owning an EV, we have resources for you! On our new landing page dedicated to electric vehicles, you’ll find info on why you should choose an electric vehicle and the different types of EVs on the market today.Linked to our EV landing page is an FAQ page to help break down some of the most commonly asked questions and to point you toward resources that are up-to-date and trustworthy.
    • Also available from the EV main page is a link to a page dedicated to considerations for common interest communitieslike multi-family apartment or condo buildings, or townhome communities. This page provides a step-by-step guide to installing EV charging infrastructure in these shared communities.
    • Together, these resources are intended to help you better understand the possibilities that exist around EV ownership. If you have questions about the content provided or suggestions for additional content that would help make the journey to EV ownership easier, please email carbonfreefairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov.

NoVa Soil & Water Conservation District

  • Horsepen Run Stream Monitoring Workshop
    • When:Saturday, August 27, 9:00-11:30am
    • Where:Horsepen Run Stream Valley Park, Herndon
    • This stream site parallels the park trail and is a favorite with local runners, bikers, and dog walkers! This site scored higher in the spring monitoring than it had in past years – join us to see if this positive trend continues! Space is limited, please register for the workshop here.
  • VASWCD Photo Contest – Entries due August 1
    • The 2022 Photo Contest theme is “Conservation Moments.” A full list of contest rules can be found here: Photo Contest Rules or on the VASWCD website. You can submit up to 10 photos online here. All photographs must be taken within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Reach out to Maura Christian with any questions.
  • Conservation Poster Contest – Entries due September 30
    • Calling all student artists! The 2022 Conservation Poster Contest theme is “Healthy Soil, Healthy Life.” This contest is open to any K-12 student and participating scouts can earn a badge. We also have a new digital poster contest this year for students in grades 7-12.Learn more and contact Ashley Palmer with questions.

Delegate Karrie Delaney

  • Town Hall on Monday, July 11
  • Every time my team and I have sat down to plan my next Town Hall, the General Assembly has been called back down to Richmond. Now that we’re finally done, I am happy to report that I will be holding a town hall on Monday, July 11 at the Sully Government Center at 7 pm with Senator George Barker.
  • Senator Barker is a great friend and colleague, and with the new redistricting maps will be the Senator for my entire district. Please take some to come out and get to know him — he has a wealth of knowledge to share, and is a top budget negotiator, so he understands the ins and outs of the Virginia budget better than most.
  • The event is free for all to attend, but we do ask that you RSVP ahead of time so we have an accurate headcount. You can RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/2022postsessionth

New Helicopter Noise Complaint System

  • S. Representative Don Beyer held a press conference with Jeffery Smith, Vice President of Operations for the Eastern Region Helicopter Council (ERHC), and John Shea of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) to announce a pilot program for a new helicopter noise complaint system for the National Capital Region. (https://beyer.house.gov/uploadedfiles/dc_noise_initiative_flyer.pdf)
  • A 2021 report by the General Accounting Office (GAO) originally requested by Beyer (https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2019/06/06/could-this-study-help-dc-residents-get-relief-helicopter-noise/) and his colleagues (https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-200.pdf) recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) “develop a mechanism to exchange helicopter noise information with operators in the D.C. area.” The just-announced pilot program was developed with this recommendation in mind, and will be evaluated by FAA for potential permanent adoption after a 60-day trial run.
  • Residents in the National Capital Region will be able to submit noise concerns via webform (https://www.planenoise.com/dcmetro/), iPhone and Android-compatible mobile app (https://www.planenoise.com/mobile/dcmetro/), or voicemail at the noise complaint hotline at 877-209-3200. Residents are encouraged to provide as much information as possible when submitting a complaint. Using available flight track data, the system will accurately identify likely aircraft generating concerns and all associated data.
  • Read more on U.S. Representative Don Beyer’s website (https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5632)

Fairfax Water’s 2022 Annual Water Quality Report

  • As required by the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Consumer Confidence Report Rule (https://www.epa.gov/ccr), customers were notified of the annual Fairfax Water Quality Report (https://www.fairfaxwater.org/sites/default/files/newsletters/ccr_2022.pdf). Residents who prefer a paper copy of the report may request a paper copy here (https://www.fairfaxwater.org/reportrequest).