FAIRFAX CITY — During the Planning Commission meeting on Oct. 13, staff delivered a routine staff report summarizing recent City Council actions, nearby county planning activity and upcoming public engagement opportunities.

City Council actions noted by staff

- 4131 Chambers Road (Davies property): City Council approved the proposal by a vote of 4‑3. Planning Commission had recommended denial on June 23.

- Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center redevelopment: City Council deferred action on the proposal until Oct. 28.

- General zoning text amendments: City Council approved the amendments (staff said the vote was unanimous).

- Chick‑fil‑A Special Use Permit modification: Staff reported the council on Sept. 9 approved a request to expand the existing drive‑thru (this was a council‑level decision and did not come before the Planning Commission).

Other updates and upcoming engagement

Staff briefed commissioners on a Germantown Road Transportation Improvement Project update that City Council received Oct. 7 and noted two Fairfax County site‑specific plan amendments in the Fairfax Center Land Unit K area currently before Fairfax County planning staff.

Staff also announced several public meetings and outreach opportunities:

- Budget open house: Oct. 21, 4–7 p.m., Sherwood Center.
- Community Engagement Expo (boards and commissions): Oct. 22, 6–9 p.m., Sherwood Center.
- Urban Forest Master Plan public open house (first draft released): Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m., Sherwood Center.

"I will also send an email to all of you with links to these items tomorrow," staff said during the report.

Staff asked commissioners to signal whether applicants at pre‑application briefings should be allowed to respond to clarifying questions; commissioners generally supported permitting limited applicant responses when prompted by staff or the chair, with the caveat that staff should control the interaction to preserve equity across applicants.

Staff noted a possible scheduling question for the commission’s Nov. 24 meeting (Thanksgiving week) and said the commission would be asked at its next meeting whether to hold or reschedule that date.

What this means: Several items the Planning Commission previously reviewed have advanced at City Council, and staff encouraged commissioners to consult online "Engage" pages for the Transit Development Plan, the MU Fairfax Transportation Project and the Urban Forest Master Plan. Staff said they will circulate links to materials.