Fairfax County Passes Big Box Bill

On Monday, May 21 the Fairfax (VA) County Board of Supervisors passed a zoning ordinance amendment on "big box" stores, reports the NOVA CLC NEWS. "The ordinance sought to mitigate the negative effects that large retail establishments -- Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Best Buy, Home Depot, etc. -- often have on local communities," the News reported.
The ordinance defines a retail store size limit (80,000sq/ft) that would be allowed to be developed by right or with special exception. The granting of special exceptions effectively opens up the development process to community oversight and requires that the large retailer address certain criteria, such as;
· - store development that protects the architectural character of existing neighborhoods;
· - store development that addresses traffic congestion;
· - store development that protects pedestrians and bikers;
· - store development that minimizes noise and light impacts (and other environmental concerns) on adjacent properties.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400, The Coalition for Smarter Growth, and the Sierra Club were amongst those that testified on behalf of the ordinance. Similar legislation is pending in the District of Columbia. Click here to receive the NoVa news.