Local zoning · Fairfax
Fairfax — Development Standards
Development Standards under the Fairfax local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Quick answer
Fairfax caps residential lot coverage at 35% townwide (§ 17.040.010) and limits height by slope: on flat lots the cap is 28.5 ft and 2 stories, with hillside adjustments in RS‑6, RM, and RM‑S up to 35 ft downhill (§§ 17.080.060, 17.088.060, 17.090.070). In the HRD overlay, add 50‑ft creek buffers, a rainy‑season grading ban (Oct 1–Apr 1), and a 3,500 sf habitable cap for clustered projects (§ 17.072.090).
Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · detailsless
Compiled from Fairfax's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Fairfax planning staff before relying on it.
Overview
Fairfax’s development standards live in Title 17 (Zoning Code) and set the numeric rules that shape what can be built: lot coverage, building site dimensions, height, and special hillside and overlay controls. These standards apply in addition to use permissions in each base zoning district and any applicable overlays. Always verify where your property sits on the official zoning map before applying district standards.
The single biggest “first-cut” rule in Fairfax is lot coverage: in all residential zones, total building footprint may not exceed 35% of the lot area unless a variance/waiver or density-bonus concession applies (§ 17.040.010).
Use this page together with related topics like the townwide zoning map, land use, design review, parking, overlay districts, and ADUs.
How Fairfax applies development standards
- Compliance is mandatory: property can only be used and developed as the Zoning Code allows, and no structure may exceed the height/area or encroach into open space beyond what its zone permits (§ 17.004.140).
- The official zoning map controls where each district applies (§ 17.012.010–.180; mapping subsections listed by district). Verify mapping with the Town; boundaries are codified but parcel specifics are not in the source materials.
- General “Article I: General Zone Regulations” include townwide items such as lot coverage and creek adjacency; only the lot coverage standard is provided in the source materials (§ 17.040.010; see also § 17.040.040 title listing).
- Minor dimensional relief can be granted as a waiver under the “Exceptions and Modifications” chapter when a variance is not possible (§ 17.044.010). Separate rules address single-family homes on irregular historic lots (§ 17.044.030).
District-by-district standards
Each subsection below summarizes decision-relevant, Fairfax-specific standards from the Zoning Code. Where information was not in the source materials, it is labeled accordingly. Locations are as mapped in the Zoning Code chapters listing boundaries (§ 17.012.050–.180).
RS-6 — Single-Family Residential (Low-Medium Density)
Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: As mapped for the RS-6 district (§ 17.012.060).
Key dimensional standards:
- Building site: 6,000 sf minimum lot area and 60 ft width on slopes ≤10% (§ 17.080.050(A)). On 10–15% slopes, increase area by 300 sf per 1% and width by 1 ft per 500 sf added (§ 17.080.050(B)). Above 15% slope, increase from 7,000 sf / 65 ft by 1,000 sf area and 3 ft width per 1% (§ 17.080.050(C)); fractions drop (§ 17.080.050(D)).
- Height (principal structure): On ≤10% slopes, max 28.5 ft and 2 stories. On >10% slopes: downhill side of street up to 35 ft; uphill side 28.5 ft and up to 3 stories (§ 17.080.060(A)).
- Height (accessory structure): 15 ft and 1 story; ADU heights are governed separately in the ADU chapter (§ 17.080.060(B), § 17.048.010).
- Lot coverage: 35% max in all residential zones (§ 17.040.010).
- Setbacks: Not found in source materials.
Other applicable processes:
- New residences and major remodels in RS-6 are subject to design review per applicability (§ 17.020.030).
RS-7.5 — Single-Family Residential (Medium Density)
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Where it applies: As mapped for the RS-7.5 district (§ 17.012.050).
- Key dimensional standards:
- Lot coverage: 35% max (§ 17.040.010).
- Height, setbacks, minimum lot size/width: Not found in source materials.
RD 5.5–7 — Duplex/Single-Family Districts
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Where it applies: As mapped for RD 5.5–7 (§ 17.012.070).
- Key dimensional standards:
- Lot coverage: 35% max (§ 17.040.010).
- Height, setbacks, minimum lot size/width: Not found in source materials.
- Notes: Duplexes in RD 5.5–7 may trigger design review per applicability (§ 17.020.030).
UR — Upland Residential
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Where it applies: As mapped for UR (§ 17.012.160).
- Key dimensional standards:
- Building site: Minimum lot area must match the General Plan category for the site; minimum width 60 ft (§ 17.124.050(A)–(B)). Low-impact clustered development may adjust lot size/width where allowed by the HRD overlay rules (§ 17.072.090(H) referenced in § 17.124.050).
- Lot coverage: 35% max (§ 17.040.010).
- Height, setbacks: Not found in source materials.
RM — Multiple-Family Residential
- Purpose/uses: Multi-family zone; conditional uses include a single duplex, and multi-family at up to 1 unit per 3,000 sf of land if consistent with the General Plan (§ 17.088.030(A), (B)).
- Where it applies: As mapped for RM (§ 17.012.080).
- Key dimensional standards:
- Height (principal structure): On ≤10% slopes: max 28.5 ft and 2 stories. On >10% slopes: downhill side up to 35 ft; uphill side 28.5 ft and up to 3 stories. Density bonus projects with affordable housing may allow up to 36 ft and one additional stepped-back story under Chapter 17.050 (§ 17.088.060(A)).
- Height (accessory structures): 16 ft and 1 story (§ 17.088.060(B)).
- Lot coverage: 35% max (§ 17.040.010).
- Yards/setbacks: Chapter lists “Yards,” but numeric distances were not in the source materials (§ 17.088.070 title listing).
- Other applicable processes:
- New construction in Multiple Residential zones falls under design review applicability (§ 17.020.030).
- Off-street parking applies per Title 17 (see parking); RM chapter lists a parking section but numbers not in the source materials (§ 17.088.090 title listing).
RM-S — Multiple-Family Residential, Senior
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Where it applies: As mapped for RM-S (§ 17.012.180).
- Key dimensional standards:
- Height (principal structure): On ≤10% slopes: max 28.5 ft and 2 stories. On >10% slopes: downhill side up to 35 ft; uphill side 28.5 ft. Regardless of slope, no more than 3 stories (§ 17.090.070(A)).
- Height (accessory structures): 15 ft and 1 story (§ 17.090.070(B)).
- Lot coverage: 35% max (§ 17.040.010).
- Yards/setbacks: Listed in chapter but not provided in source materials (§ 17.090.080 title listing).
CR — Commercial Recreation
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Where it applies: As mapped for CR (§ 17.012.130).
- Development procedures and standards:
- All structures and exterior changes require design review unless specifically exempted (§ 17.108.020(B), § 17.108.060(A)).
- If a use permit is required, any related design review approval is not effective until the use permit is effective (§ 17.108.060(B)).
- The Planning Commission may require additional studies/submittals for use permits (§ 17.108.060(C)).
- CR projects must also comply with off-street parking, design review, and signage regulations (§ 17.108.060(D)).
SF-RMP — Single Family–Residential Master Plan (planned development context)
- Purpose/uses: Planned single-family development governed by adopted master plans.
- Where it applies: As mapped for SF-RMP (within Fairfax’s planned development framework; see chapter reference).
- Key development standards:
- Minimum project area: 4 acres contiguous, unless the Planning Commission specifically finds a smaller site suitable (§ 17.116.060(A)).
- Ownership: Joint applications under separate ownership require written consent from all owners (§ 17.116.060(B)).
- General Plan/specific plan consistency required (§ 17.116.060(C)(1)).
- Density is set at the time zoning is established, based on site constraints and service levels; density is based on gross acreage and may aggregate where split GP categories apply (§ 17.116.060(C)(2)–(4)).
- Geotechnical hazards, safe building site count, traffic/drainage impacts inform density setting (§ 17.116.060(C)(3)).
A — Agricultural & Conservation District (Combining)
- Applicability: The A combining district can be applied over RS-7.5, RS-6, or PDD; if A-district standards conflict with the underlying residential district, the A standards control (§ 17.120.010).
- Specific A-district yards/area standards: Not found in source materials (chapter titles list yards and site area requirements).
Overlay: HRD — Hillside Residential Development Overlay
Projects in mapped HRD areas must meet objective hillside standards in addition to the base zone and any other overlay.
Fire and hazards:
- Must comply with the Town’s Fire Code (§ 17.072.090(A)).
- No construction on slides, natural springs, or fault zones without Town Engineer approval based on licensed soils/geologic reports; development is prohibited where instability cannot be acceptably mitigated (§ 17.072.090(B)).
Topography and grading:
- Sculpt/contour grading to blend with terrain; cut/fill slope not to exceed 1 ft rise per 1.5 ft run without Town Engineer approval (§ 17.072.090(C)(1)).
- Include dust/tree protection; minimize retaining wall height; integrate with landscape (§ 17.072.090(C)(2)–(3)).
- Provide erosion control and revegetation; no initial grading during the rainy season Oct 1–Apr 1 (§ 17.072.090(C)(4)).
Ecology and riparian:
- Minimize disruption of habitats; tree removal requires a tree removal permit under Chapter 8.28 (§ 17.072.090(D)(1)–(2)).
- No development within 50 ft on either side of the stream’s high-water centerline; maintain water quality and natural conditions (§ 17.072.090(D)(3)).
Landscaping:
- Use native/fire- and drought-resistant species where appropriate; avoid obstructing views/solar access (§ 17.072.090(E)).
- Provide a landscape documentation package consistent with MWELO for new residential with ≥500 sf landscape; the ≤2,500 sf prescriptive option limits turf to ≤25% (§ 17.072.090(E)(1)).
- No construction within the dripline of preserved trees except per certified arborist recommendations (§ 17.072.090(E)(2)). See also landscaping and screening.
Circulation and parking:
- Roads must meet Subdivision Ordinance and Fire Code; guest/public parking may be required in addition to required off-street parking; parking must comply with Chapter 17.052 (§ 17.072.090(F)) and the town’s parking rules.
Design:
- Must meet the design criteria in § 17.020.040 (objective standards referenced) (§ 17.072.090(G)) and be subject to design review where applicable (§ 17.020.030).
Low-impact clustered development (for identified Housing Element sites >1 acre with average slope >15%):
- Maximum density via slope formula: MN = Site area (sf) ÷ [10,000 + 1,200 × (average slope% above 15)] (§ 17.072.090(H)(1)).
- Minimum lot size/dimensions may be reduced if overall density stays within the General Plan maximum (§ 17.072.090(H)(2)).
- Gross building area (habitable) capped at 3,500 sf; garage area exceeding 500 sf counts toward that cap (§ 17.072.090(H)(3)).
- Street/driveway grades: up to 18%; up to 25% with Director/Public Works exception; slopes >15% require durable non-asphalt; >18% require grooves/scoring; provide aprons/transitions (§ 17.072.090(H)(4)).
- Emergency access: at least two means of ingress/egress for clustered developments with 5+ lots; maintain existing fire roads as required (§ 17.072.090(H)(5)).
- Building/site design: locate along lower portions away from ridgelines where feasible; use split levels/stepped footings; vary floor elevations; roof articulation every 60 ft; facade articulation; avoid extended horizontal rooflines beyond 40 ft; and provide 200 cubic feet of enclosed, lockable private storage per dwelling (min 4 ft dimension), separate from parking (§ 17.072.090(H)(6)).
Townwide rules that often affect development envelopes
Single-family on irregular, older recorded lots: A detached single-family home may be built on a substandard recorded lot if ownership and conformity conditions are met (§ 17.044.030).
Inclusionary housing (when applicable): Inclusionary units must be dispersed, built concurrently with market-rate phases, be comparable in infrastructure, construction quality, exterior design, base-level finishes, appliances, and have proportional bedroom mix; residents must have equal access to amenities (§ 17.140.070).
ADUs/JADUs:
- ADUs/JADUs that meet § 17.048.010 are deemed consistent with zoning, do not count toward density, and are approved ministerially (§ 17.048.010(B), (D)).
- Completeness determinations within 15 business days; ministerial action within 60 days of a complete submittal (§ 17.048.010(D)(3)).
- Processing fees may be reduced by 50% under an incentive program in effect until Jan 1, 2036 (§ 17.048.010(D)(2)).
- See ADUs and note state law context (California ADU law).
Variations without a variance: Certain site-standard variations approved in preliminary/master development plans don’t require a variance; some alterations that don’t worsen nonconformities can also proceed without a variance (§ 17.028.130). For other relief, see variances and exceptions.
Design review applicability: New residences and major remodels in residential zones, and most new construction in commercial/multi-family/planned development contexts, are subject to design review (§ 17.020.030; § 17.020.020 purpose).
Snapshot: headline standards by district/overlay
| District/Overlay | Minimum Lot Area/Width | Height (Principal) | Accessory Height | Coverage | Other Key Limits | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All residential zones | — | — | — | 35% max | Coverage waivers/density-bonus concessions possible | § 17.040.010 |
| RS-6 | 6,000 sf / 60 ft (≤10% slope); increases with slope per formula | 28.5 ft/2 stories (≤10%); up to 35 ft downhill, 28.5 ft uphill on >10% slopes; up to 3 stories uphill | 15 ft / 1 story (ADU height per ADU chapter) | 35% | Site area/width increase with slope; fractions dropped | § 17.080.050, § 17.080.060, § 17.040.010 |
| RS-7.5 | Not found in source materials | Not found | Not found | 35% | — | § 17.040.010; § 17.076 (chapter titles) |
| RD 5.5–7 | Not found in source materials | Not found | Not found | 35% | — | § 17.040.010; § 17.012.070 |
| UR | GP category controls min lot area; 60 ft width | Not found | Not found | 35% | May use HRD clustered option per § 17.072.090(H) | § 17.124.050; § 17.040.010 |
| RM | — | 28.5 ft/2 stories (≤10%); up to 35 ft downhill, 28.5 ft uphill on >10% slopes; DB projects up to 36 ft with stepped-back story | 16 ft / 1 story | 35% | Multi density by CUP up to 1/3,000 sf | § 17.088.060; § 17.088.030(A) |
| RM-S | — | 28.5 ft (≤10%); on >10% slopes up to 35 ft downhill, 28.5 ft uphill; max 3 stories regardless | 15 ft / 1 story | 35% | — | § 17.090.070; § 17.040.010 |
| HRD overlay | — | — | — | — | 50-ft creek buffers; rainy-season grading ban; MN slope-density formula; 3,500-sf habitable cap; driveway grades up to 18% (25% by exception); 200 cu ft storage/dwelling | § 17.072.090 |
Checklist
- Confirm base zoning district and any overlay(s) on the zoning map (verify with the Town; see § 17.012.010–.180).
- Apply the residential 35% lot coverage cap (§ 17.040.010).
- Compute minimum building site area/width based on district and average slope where applicable (e.g., RS-6 per § 17.080.050; UR per § 17.124.050).
- Check slope-based height limits and story caps (e.g., 28.5 ft baseline; hillside adjustments per district) (§ 17.080.060; § 17.088.060; § 17.090.070).
- If in the HRD overlay, apply hillside standards: buffers, grading season, slope-density, gross building area cap, driveway grades, emergency access (§ 17.072.090).
- Determine if design review applies (§ 17.020.030) and prepare objective design compliance.
- Verify parking requirements and any guest/public parking conditions (especially in HRD; § 17.072.090(F)).
- For multi-family or density-bonus projects, apply RM/RM‑S standards and affordable housing/density bonus references (§ 17.088.030; § 17.088.060; § 17.140.070; Chapter 17.050 reference in § 17.088.060(A)(2)).
- For ADUs/JADUs, use the ministerial standards and timelines (§ 17.048.010).
- If site constraints create minor dimensional conflicts, consider an administrative waiver under Exceptions and Modifications (§ 17.044.010) or see variances and exceptions.
- If the lot is irregular but recorded historically, evaluate the single-family allowance conditions (§ 17.044.030).
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Setback distances | Encroachments drive redesigns and variances | Specific front/side/rear setbacks for each district — not in source materials (general “Setbacks” sections are listed but not provided). Verify with the jurisdiction. |
| RS-7.5 and RD 5.5–7 dimensional standards | Lot size/width and heights affect yield and massing | Minimums and heights for these districts — not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction. |
| A-district detailed standards | Combining district can override base zone | Specific A-district yard/area rules — not found in source materials. Verify applicability and controlling standards. |
| UR density and GP category | UR minimum lot area is tied to GP category | Confirm General Plan designation and whether HRD clustered option can apply (§ 17.124.050; § 17.072.090(H)). |
| Hillside slope and hazard delineations | HRD standards depend on measured slope and mapped hazards | Average slope methodology, geotechnical limits, and creek high-water centerline field location (§ 17.072.090). |
| Height measurement on slopes | Story/height vary by uphill/downhill condition | Confirm how “uphill” vs “downhill” frontage is determined for your lot (§ 17.080.060; § 17.088.060; § 17.090.070). |
| Parking counts in HRD | Guest/public parking may be added beyond base | Whether the Planning Commission will require guest/public parking in addition to minimums (§ 17.072.090(F)(2)). |
| Design review triggers | Objective standards and submittals can be extensive | Whether your scope triggers design review and what objective standards apply (§ 17.020.030; § 17.108.060). |
Plain-English Summary
Fairfax limits residential building footprints to 35% of the lot and caps building height based on slope, with 28.5 ft as the flat-lot baseline. In RS-6, minimum lot area and width increase as slopes get steeper, and hillside properties in the HRD overlay face added rules like 50‑ft stream buffers, a rainy‑season grading ban, and a 3,500‑sf cap on habitable floor area for clustered projects. Multi-family zones carry similar slope-based height caps, and many projects need design review. When standards conflict or a lot is irregular, narrow relief is possible through the Exceptions and Modifications chapter.
Source References
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.004.140 (Compliance with Regulations)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.012.010–.180 (Zone Districts Established; boundaries by district — titles listed)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.020.020, § 17.020.030 (Design Review purpose and applicability)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.028.130 (Exemptions from needing a variance)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.040.010 (Lot coverage); § 17.040.040 (Creek adjacency — title listing)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.044.010 (Exceptions and Modifications purpose); § 17.044.030 (Single-family on irregular lots)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.048.010 (Accessory and Junior ADUs)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.072.090 (HRD Overlay development and design standards)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.076 (RS-7.5 chapter — titles listed)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.080.050, § 17.080.060 (RS-6 building site and height)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.088.030, § 17.088.060 (RM conditional uses; RM height)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.090.070 (RM-S height)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.108.020, § 17.108.060 (CR general provisions; development procedures/standards)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.116.060 (SF-RMP design standards)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.120.010 (A combining district applicability)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.124.050 (UR building site requirements)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.140.070 (Inclusionary development standards)
Sources
Source passages
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.044.030) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.088.030) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.116.060) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.020.030) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.108.060) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.088.060) Medium relevance
- CFC § 17.072.090 (§ 17.072.090) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.120.010) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.040.010) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.020.020) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.044.010) Medium relevance
- CBC § 17.080.060 (§ 17.080.060) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.080.050) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.108.020) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.004.140) Medium relevance
- Fairfax Zoning Code (§ 17.048.010) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.004.140 (Compliance with Regulations) (§ 17.004.140)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.012.010–.180 (Zone Districts Established; boundaries by district — titles listed) (§ 17.012.010)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.020.020, § 17.020.030 (Design Review purpose and applicability) (§ 17.020.020)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.028.130 (Exemptions from needing a variance) (§ 17.028.130)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.040.010 (Lot coverage); § 17.040.040 (Creek adjacency — title listing) (§ 17.040.010)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.044.010 (Exceptions and Modifications purpose); § 17.044.030 (Single-family on irregular lots) (§ 17.044.010)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.048.010 (Accessory and Junior ADUs) (§ 17.048.010)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.072.090 (HRD Overlay development and design standards) (§ 17.072.090)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.076 (RS-7.5 chapter — titles listed) (§ 17.076)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.080.050, § 17.080.060 (RS-6 building site and height) (§ 17.080.050)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.088.030, § 17.088.060 (RM conditional uses; RM height) (§ 17.088.030)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.090.070 (RM-S height) (§ 17.090.070)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.108.020, § 17.108.060 (CR general provisions; development procedures/standards) (§ 17.108.020)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.116.060 (SF-RMP design standards) (§ 17.116.060)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.120.010 (A combining district applicability) (§ 17.120.010)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.124.050 (UR building site requirements) (§ 17.124.050)
- Fairfax Zoning Code § 17.140.070 (Inclusionary development standards) (§ 17.140.070)
Frequently asked questions
What can I build on an RS-6 lot in Fairfax?
At a minimum, RS-6 requires a building site of 6,000 sf and 60 ft width on slopes up to 10%. On steeper lots, the minimum area and width increase with slope; fractions are dropped in the calculation (§ 17.080.050). Building footprints across residential zones are limited to 35% lot coverage (§ 17.040.010). Height is slope-based, with 28.5 ft/2 stories on flatter sites and hillside adjustments (§ 17.080.060).
How tall can a building be in Fairfax’s multi-family zones?
In RM, buildings on ≤10% slopes are limited to 28.5 ft and two stories. On >10% slopes, downhill sides of the street can reach 35 ft and uphill sides 28.5 ft, with up to three stories uphill. Density bonus projects with affordable housing can reach up to 36 ft with a stepped-back story (§ 17.088.060). RM‑S is similar, with a hard 3-story cap (§ 17.090.070).
Do hillside lots have special restrictions?
Yes. In the HRD overlay, there are objective standards including no grading start between October 1 and April 1, no development within 50 ft of the creek high-water centerline, cut/fill slope limits, and in clustered projects a 3,500‑sf cap on habitable area and driveway grade limits (18% by right; 25% with an exception) (§ 17.072.090).
What if my lot is substandard or irregular?
Fairfax allows a one-family detached dwelling on certain irregular, historically recorded lots if ownership and full conformance with location, coverage, height, floor area, and setback regulations are met (§ 17.044.030). For minor dimensional issues that don’t meet variance criteria, the Planning Director can grant waivers under the Exceptions and Modifications chapter (§ 17.044.010).
Are ADUs counted against density or subject to discretionary review?
Conforming ADUs/JADUs are deemed consistent with zoning and do not count toward allowable density. They are approved ministerially, with completeness checked in 15 business days and decisions within 60 days of a complete application (§ 17.048.010). Fee reductions of 50% are available during the current incentive program through January 1, 2036 (§ 17.048.010(D)(2)).
What are the minimum lot sizes in UR (Upland Residential)?
UR minimum lot area is tied directly to the site’s General Plan designation, and minimum width is 60 ft (§ 17.124.050). On HRD sites that qualify for the clustered development option, the Planning Commission may approve lots smaller than base minimums so long as overall density stays within the General Plan maximum (§ 17.072.090(H)(2)).
Do I need design review?
Most new residences and 50% remodels in residential zones and all new construction in multi-family and many commercial contexts require design review (§ 17.020.030). In the CR district specifically, essentially all structures and exterior modifications require design review unless explicitly exempted (§ 17.108.020(B), § 17.108.060(A)).
What’s the lot coverage limit in Fairfax?
In all residential zones, combined building footprints (including accessory structures, excluding pools) may not exceed 35% of the lot area unless a variance/waiver or density-bonus concession is granted (§ 17.040.010).
Are there special standards for inclusionary housing units?
Yes. Inclusionary units must be dispersed, built concurrently with market-rate units or phases, comparable in infrastructure and exterior design, have proportional bedroom mix, and provide equal access to amenities and comparable base-level finishes/appliances (§ 17.140.070).
Where can I find setback requirements?
Setback sections are listed in the code (e.g., “Setbacks; generally” in Chapter 17.040 and yard sections in each district), but specific numeric distances were not in the source materials provided. Verify current setbacks with the Town before designing foundations or encroachments. Not found in source materials.
General information, not legal advice.
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