Fairfax County Expands Reston East Development Study

Supervisors approve broader review of 35 parcels for potential residential conversions.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone office building in Reston East, its facade bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the area's contemplative mood as officials weigh its residential potential.As Fairfax County considers the future of Reston East's aging office parks, the area's quiet, nostalgic character comes into focus.Reston Today

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has voted to significantly expand the scope of a land-use study in eastern Reston, clearing the way for a broader look at residential potential in an area currently dominated by aging office parks and light industrial zoning. The study will now encompass all 35 parcels within the Reston East Sub-District South of the Dulles Access and Toll Road — Non-TOD.

Why it matters

This expanded study represents an important step in Fairfax County's efforts to reimagine the Reston East area, which has been characterized by surface parking lots and outdated office buildings. By evaluating the potential for residential conversions, the county aims to create a more vibrant, mixed-use community that better aligns with the 2026 Comprehensive Plan.

The details

The board approved a motion by Supervisor Walter Alcorn to expand the boundaries of the Site Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) 2023-III-6UP, which was previously limited to 11 parcels. The expanded study will now cover all 35 parcels in the Reston East Sub-District South of the Dulles Access and Toll Road — Non-TOD. While the area is currently zoned for light industrial use, the county is exploring the possibility of transitioning it to residential mixed-use development.

  • The Reston East study was established as a Tier 1 priority in 2023.
  • In June 2025, the board added five additional amendments to the Comprehensive Plan program, increasing the workload.

The players

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Fairfax County, Virginia, responsible for overseeing land-use decisions and comprehensive planning.

Walter Alcorn

The Fairfax County Supervisor for the Hunter Mill District, who proposed the motion to expand the Reston East study area.

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What they’re saying

“This motion should not be construed as a favorable recommendation on these applications by the Board. The action does not relieve developers from existing regulations and in no way prejudices the substantive review of the applications.”

— Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

What’s next

County staff will now begin the expanded analysis of the Reston East parcels to determine if the transition from office and industrial use to residential mixed-use is compatible with the 2026 Edition of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.

The takeaway

This expanded study represents an important step in Fairfax County's efforts to reimagine the Reston East area, which has been characterized by aging office parks and light industrial zoning. By evaluating the potential for residential conversions, the county aims to create a more vibrant, mixed-use community that better aligns with its long-term comprehensive plan.