Department Resources

McLean: District Design Guidelines

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean contains written and visual ideas for the design of streets, lighting, and the area fronting buildings. The guidelines provide design direction to enhance the appearance of the McLean Commercial Revitalization District (CRD). They are a companion document to the Volume I: Urban Design Guidelines for Fairfax County Revitalization Districts and Areas. These two volumes are to be used together when proposing, designing, or reviewing development projects. The Guidelines were endorsed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on September 12, 2023.

Project Highlights

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean were completed in approximately 18 months. The process began with the establishment of an Advisory Group that was comprised of members of the McLean Planning Committee (MPC).

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean serves to implement the existing Comprehensive Plan vision for the McLean Community Business Center (CBC) through its detailed urban design and streetscape guidance. The Guidelines should be used by owners, developers, citizens, and Fairfax County staff, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors when proposing, designing, or reviewing development projects. Whether a development requires zoning or site plan approval or is being constructed by-right, developers are encouraged to abide by these Guidelines to assist in implementing the community vision for McLean.

For more information about the Guidelines, please review the MPC Urban Design Guidelines Overview.

Past Meetings & Materials

Advisory Group Meeting #11
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Meeting Agenda | Meeting Video (Passcode: *bLrv0Mz) | Community Feedback Presentation

Community Open House
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The meeting showcased draft urban design ideas related to streetscapes, landscaping and environmental designs, building architecture, parks, gateways, and public art. Nearly 200 residents and business owners attended and hundreds of community comments were recorded.
Display Boards

Advisory Group Meeting #10
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Meeting Agenda

Advisory Group Meeting #9
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Trees & Landscaping Presentation | Lighting, Wayfinding, Art & Parking Presentation

Trees, Landscaping, and Streetscape Site Visit with Urban Forestry
Monday, November 28, 2022

Advisory Group Meeting #8
October 26, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Staff Presentation | Building Zone Public Realm Diagrams

Advisory Group Meeting #7
September 28, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Meeting Video (Passcode: f@ALCD6m) | Street Paving & Furnishings Presentation | Cycletrack & Urban Trail Design Overview

Advisory Group Meeting #6
July 27, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Streetscape Presentation | Urban Park Network Presentation #2

Advisory Group Meeting #5
June 22, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Draft Streetscape Model | Urban Park Network Presentation

Advisory Group Meeting #4
May 25, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Streetscape Presentation

Advisory Group Meeting #3
April 27, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Urban Design Concept

Community Workshop
March 23, 2022
A community workshop was held to discuss desired designs for streetscapes, lighting, furnishings, parks and plazas, and public art. A follow-up online survey was also available. Almost 100 people attended the workshop and 200 people responded to the survey. The results of the survey and workshop are being used to inform the recommendations in the McLean urban design guidelines.
Workshop Agenda | Workshop Video | Workshop and Survey Results

Advisory Group Meeting #2
February 23, 2022
Meeting Agenda

Advisory Group Meeting #1
January 26, 2022
Meeting Agenda | Comprehensive Plan Presentation | Volume 1 Guidelines Overview

For More Information

Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development
Community Revitalization Section
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 755, Fairfax, VA 22035
revitalization@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-9300

RELATED RESOURCES

2008 McLean Open Space Standards

Comprehensive Plan Area II: McLean CBC

Zoning Ordinance

seal

Our Mission

The Community Revitalization Section of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development facilitates strategic redevelopment and investment opportunities within targeted commercial areas that align with the community's vision and improve the economic vitality, appearance and function of those areas.