McLean: District Design Guidelines

Project Under Development – Expected Completion Summer 2023

The Volume II: District Design Guidelines for McLean will contain written and visual ideas for the design of streets, lighting, and the area fronting buildings. The guidelines will provide design direction to enhance the appearance of the McLean Commercial Revitalization District (CRD).  It is 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.

Currently, the draft McLean District Guidelines are available for public review and comments. Based on feedback provided at a community workshop last spring, the draft Design Guidelines communicate community desires for a walkable, small town feel with brick sidewalks, street trees, outdoor cafes, lively park spaces, and lush landscaping.

Community Open House Recap & Next Steps

On May 2, 2023, a community open house was held in McLean. Nearly 200 residents and business owners attended. The meeting showcased draft urban design ideas related to streetscapes, landscaping and environmental designs, building architecture, parks, gateways, and public art. Hundreds of community comments were recorded. If you did not attend, please review the display boards from the open house. 

Those who live and work in McLean are highly encouraged to review the draft Design Guidelines and share feedback through the online survey and comment page or by email. The review and comment period for the draft Design Guidelines will close on Sunday, May 14. All community input will be reviewed by staff to inform any additional changes. 

The draft is anticipated to be finalized this summer. Then, the Design Guidelines will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for their endorsement. Once final, the guidelines will be used by developers and the county when designing, reviewing, and constructing projects. 

Timeline

DRAFT VOLUME II: McLean DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES

The draft of the ‘Vol II: McLean District Design Guidelines’ is available for public review and comments until May 14, 2023. In addition to the online survey, feedback can be submitted by email to JoAnne Fiebe, Project Manager.

Complete Document

Chapter 1: Introduction and History

Chapter 2: Comprehensive Plan Vision and Urban Design Concept

Chapter 3: Streetscapes

Chapter 4: Building Frontage Design

Chapter 5: Parks

Chapter 6: Gateways and Other Features

Appendix

 

Advisory Group

The Advisory Group is comprised of Directors and Alternate Directors who serve on the McLean Planning Committee. There are three individuals from each of the four MPC community stakeholder groups: the McLean Citizen's Association, Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, Surrounding Citizens Associations, and Commercial Landowners. Monthly Advisory Group meetings occur on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held virtually and are open to the public. A meeting link and call-in information will be made available below before each meeting. 

Upcoming Meetings

TBD

Past Meetings & Materials

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


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-wide 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