Re-establishing the PFM as Guidelines: Update to the Land Use Aides
1. Update on Fairfax County’s
Public Facilities Manual
Flexibility Project
RE-ESTABLISHING THE PFM AS GUIDELINES
LAND USE AIDES MEETING APRIL 16, 2018
2. Recap: PFM
The Public Facilities Manual (PFM):
Main source of information and guidance for construction
projects.
Sets minimum expectations for designers, consultants and
developers.
Enables efficient and effective designs.
3. Recap: PFM Flexibility Project
PFM Flex Project is a Fairfax First initiative to re-establish
the PFM as guidelines.
Updated standards benefit the community.
Keep pace with technology, improvements in
construction practices and evolving land development.
Show that Fairfax County is forward thinking, flexible,
and innovative.
4. Update
The jurisdictional survey, existing state report and draft
final state report are complete.
Completion of identifying priorities:
Priority 1: initial update targeted for Dec. 2018 hearings.
Priority 2: update requiring extended research and industry
involvement.
5. Update
Hosted 85 stakeholder meetings.
First round of PFM edits completed.
ESRC recommended approval of 6 chapters.
On track to complete initial PFM update by year end.
PFM Flex Website launched.
6. Recent Directive
January 30, 2018, Development Process Committee (DPC)
provided the following directive:
Immediately amend PFM to make it clear that the PFM contains
guidelines that can be waived.
Staff revised introductory language of Chapter 1 to meet
directive, and updated a definition.
7. Recent Directive
Proposed text specifies that the LDS Director may approve
a waiver where:
Strict application of a standard cannot be met for a particular
site, or where new/creative designs are proposed.
Variations must meet the intent of the provisions, and a
statement of justification and supporting data must accompany
any waiver request.
8. Recent Directive
Updated definition:
The words shall and must are mandatory minimum requirements;
however, the Director may waive these mandatory minimum
requirements.
This definition was generated in consultation with the
Office of the County Attorney.