Affordable Dwelling Units

About the Affordable Dwelling Unit Program

The Affordable Dwelling Unit Program supports the development of mixed-income housing in the City of Fairfax by requiring a portion of new residential units to be designated as affordable.

On June 23, 2020, the City of Fairfax Zoning Ordinance was amended to include Affordable Dwelling Unit provisions. This change was part of the City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan recommendations to increase housing affordability.

To implement the program, City Council:

First-Time Homebuyers Program

For details on the First-Time Homebuyers Program, email FTHBhomeownership@fairfaxcounty.gov or contact the Homeownership Resource Center at 703-246-5087 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Additional Information

For Developers and Builders

Administrative Regulations
The administrative regulations outline the requirements for the sale or rental of Affordable Dwelling Units.

View Administrative Regulations(PDF, 462KB)

Key Provisions

  • Applicable to any new development with a minimum of 30 dwelling units that is seeking a rezoning, special use permit, special exception, or has filed a site plan or subdivision.
  • Single-family developments, including detached, attached, townhouse, and duplex units, provide 10% of the total units as affordable.
  • Multifamily developments provide 6% of the total units as affordable.
  • Affordable Dwelling Units available for purchase are required to be affordable to households with incomes of 70% or less of the area median income.
  • Rental Affordable Dwelling Units are required to be affordable to households with incomes of 60% or less of the area median income.
  • Affordable Dwelling Unit developments are provided an approximately 20% bonus density through the modification of certain dimensional requirements of the applicable zoning district.

Modification Requests
Modifications to ADU zoning requirements are limited to specific provisions and must be submitted using the application below. All requests require City Council approval following a public hearing.

Submit Modification Application(PDF, 4MB)

To discuss the modification process or schedule a pre-application meeting, contact the City of Fairfax Community Development Division at 703-385-7930.

Zoning Ordinance
For questions about the Zoning Regulations, visit the City Code webpage or contact the City of Fairfax Zoning Division at

Email: zoning@fairfaxva.gov

Phone: 703-385-7820

For Prospective Renters and Homebuyers

Dedicated Affordable Rental Housing
The following developments offer dedicated affordable rental housing in the City of Fairfax.

These units are managed by property owners, not Fairfax County. Please contact the leasing offices directly for availability:

Dedicated Affordable Housing for Sale
The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development administers affordable dwelling units on behalf of the City of Fairfax. Participating properties include:

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