Fairfax County uses tree canopy goals, cool roof incentives in Tysons, and stormwater bioretention to mitigate urban heat islands in dense activity centers under the CECAP framework.
The Comprehensive Plan sets a 45 percent countywide tree canopy goal, with 30 percent target in Tysons. The Tysons Urban Design Guidelines require shade trees on streets, light-colored paving, and green roofs on large blocks. Reston Master Plan and Comp Plan amendments add similar standards to other transit station areas. Heat vulnerability mapping by the Health Department targets cooling-center expansion in older neighborhoods. Cool pavement pilots run through the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. There is no standalone heat ordinance.
No direct heat-island fines; non-compliance with Tysons design or canopy conditions is enforced through zoning proffer review and certificate of occupancy holds.
See how Fairfax's heat island mitigation rules stack up against other locations.
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