RSU Amendment

MASON DISTRICT COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

RESOLUTION ON PROPOSED FAIRFAX CO. RESIDENTIAL STUDIO UNITS AMENDMENT:

September 9, 2013

Whereas, the Residential Studio Units (RSU) proposal would permit studio units in all residentially zoned areas, without protection for existing neighborhoods (residents do not have the authority to deny Special Exceptions);

Whereas, all other jurisdictions in Virginia have restricted Studio Units to areas zoned for multi-family buildings or zoned industrial, institutional or manufacturing;

Whereas, the proposed amendment, as written, would be detrimental to the existing stable neighborhoods of Mason District and is contrary to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan – the blueprint written to protect the quality of life for all residents in Fairfax County;

Whereas, we recognize the need to preserve and protect the neighborhoods within the Mason District and the property values of those who have chosen to live in the Mason District;

Therefore be it resolved that Mason District Council of Community Associations and its members stand with the Fairfax Federation and do not support the proposed Zoning RSU Amendment in its current form. We urgently call for a delay in any vote by any Fairfax County elected official, commission or other board and ask for reconsideration of the proposed amendment.

Therefore be it further resolved that the Mason District Council of Community Associations will not support any Residential Studio Unit Amendment until and unless the proposed amendment is revised to reflect the following amendments:

1. Residential Studio Units may only be permitted in commercial and multi-family-residential zones.

2. The conversion of single-family-detached homes or townhouses into Studio Units should be prohibited.

3. Residential Studio Units must be subject to and included in the calculation of the maximum density (dwelling units or person per acre) or intensity (floor area ratio) whether a stand-alone use or when co-located on a lot with any other use. RSUs cannot be exempted.

4. Open-space requirements should be applied in accord with the existing county standard (e.g., Zoning Ordinance Section 3-2009). RSUs must accord with county standards and not exempted.

5. Parking requirements should be applied in accord with existing county standards for multifamily units (Section 11-103). RSUs must be accord with county standards and not exempted.

6. Studio Units should be permitted primarily in areas with adequate open space, convenient access to neighborhood retail services, and along major thoroughfares served by established transit routes. RSUs must not be located along connector roads that run through neighborhoods nor on the borders of neighborhoods.

7. An assessment should be made of the need for affordable apartments over and above those available in existing facilities and multi-family units, including the rental rates for the existing units. This assessment should include an estimate of the maximum number of studio units that could be built within the limits of the proposed amendment as modified by the statements in this Petition.

8. Residential studio units should only be permitted in Residential Districts R-20 and greater, to ensure compatibility with existing neighborhoods and the reasonable expectation of those who live in those neighborhoods that the character of their neighborhood will not be adversely affected. (SEE CHART p. 3)

9. Residential studio units should be limited to a maximum of 60 units per dwelling, as they are elsewhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

10. Residential studio units should be primarily single occupancy with no more than 10% of units with 2 occupants. No unit should have more than 2 occupants.

11. Residential studio unit uses should not duplicate the objectives and intents of other uses such as Independent Living and Congregate Care.

Residential studio units should only be located proximate to (1/4-mile walking distance) public transportation (rail, streetcar, metro or a major bus transit area) retail (grocery stores), medical, recreational and other uses necessary to support the residents;

12. Buildings with residential studio units must be at least 1 mile from any other building with a residential studio unit component.

OTHER VIRGINIA CITIES WOULD NOT ALLOW

SRUs IN YOUR LOW DENSITY NEIGHBORHOOD