Fairfax, Virginia, is preparing for its first major update to zoning regulations for manufactured home communities since the 1970s. Proposed changes, expected to be presented by the end of the year, aim to preserve existing housing, guide future development, and offer more protection to residents.

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Outdated Rules Get a Fresh Look

Zoning rules for manufactured home parks have remained mostly unchanged since 1978. Many communities in place today were grandfathered in at that time, securing exemptions from some of the original requirements. However, as housing needs and living standards evolve, officials recognize the need to modernize these regulations.

Focus on Preservation and Resident Protections

In recent years, county planners surveyed residents and assessed current community conditions to understand key needs and concerns. One central goal of the proposed zoning update is to strengthen protections for residents who rent the land beneath their homes and could be displaced by future redevelopment.

The proposed comprehensive plan amendment would emphasize manufactured housing as a crucial affordable housing option. It would also recommend replacing any lost homes on a one-to-one basis and providing relocation assistance to residents affected by redevelopment.

Key Zoning Changes Under Consideration

Among the updates being proposed:

  • Increased Housing Density: Allowing up to 10 homes per acre, up from the current 6 (or 9 with approval)
  • More Parking: Raising the parking requirement to 2 spaces per home, up from 1.5
  • Revised Setback Requirements: Reconsidering the 15-foot side-to-side clearance between homes, which is more than the 5-foot state minimum

Some of these changes reflect how communities already operate today, while others are based on resident feedback, such as requests for more parking.

No Impact on Existing Communities, For Now

Planners have emphasized that the proposed zoning changes would apply only to new development or redevelopment. Existing manufactured home parks would continue operating under their current rules. Still, officials say clear communication with residents is critical to avoid confusion or unintended expectations.

Exploring Pathways to Ownership

Beyond zoning, officials are also exploring ways to help residents shift from renting to owning. While no easy solution exists yet, there is growing interest in developing creative strategies that support long-term housing stability and ownership opportunities within manufactured home communities.

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A Growing Population in Manufactured Housing

More than 350,000 people in Virginia—about 4.4% of the state’s population—live in manufactured homes. As housing affordability continues to challenge many families, preserving and improving these communities is increasingly seen as a vital piece of the broader housing puzzle.