County Design Guidelines Amended to Promote Street Trees in Reston

(Posted Jul. 11, 2023) Did you know that Fairfax County has an adopted set of Urban Design Guidelines that impact Reston’s Transit Station Areas (TSAs) and the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization Area (CRA)? Earlier this year, the County’s Board of Supervisors approved an update to these Urban Design Guidelines aimed at promoting tree installation along streets and in high-density and commercial areas. Specifically, the updated Design Guidelines allow ‘street trees’, or trees planted along major roadways, to count towards canopy requirements imposed on local developers. The updated Design Guidelines also include a new ‘Alternative Planting Standard’ that adjusts requirements for areas that are limited by a higher area of paved surfaces and/or older activity centers, such as the Lake Anne CRA.

With these amendments, the County aims to encourage a more equitable distribution of trees and canopy coverage throughout communities such as Reston, recognizing that healthy, mature and maintained trees not only provide shade and curb appeal, they also offer a positive environmental impact and can improve property values.

Click here to learn more about Fairfax County’s Urban Design Guidelines and how they support sustainable growth in Reston.