Date Printed: 06/16/2009
JTS Box Number: 1FES 76
Tab Number: 129
Document Title: City of Fairfax Community Handbook
Document Date: 1993
Document Country: United States - Virqinia Document Language: English
1FES 1D: CE02542
~ 11~1I111~ I~III ~I~ 6 580 2 3 E * City of Fairfax
COlTIll1.uoity Handbook 'JI' Unless otherwide noted. all area codes City Newsline ...... 273-1776 are 703 Recycling Infonnation (BFI Recyclers) ...... 471-1320 EMERGENCY Refuse Collection ...... 385-7810 Fire ...... 9II Tax Rate Infonnation ...... 385-7880 Police ...... 591-5511 (voice) Tax Payments ...... 385-7900 359-2480 (IDD) Poison Control Center ...... 202/625-3333 HOTLINES - 24 HOURS Water Adult Protective Services ...... 324-7450 Business hours ...... 385-7920 (voice) Child Protective Services ...... 324-7400 385-7859 (TOO) Woodburn Mental Health Mter hours ...... 385-7924 (voice) Emergency Line ...... 573-5679 359-2480 (IDD) Northern Virginia Hotline ...... 527A077 TOO Service Rape Crisis Hotline ...... 360-7273 Virginia Relay Women's Shelter ...... 435-4940 Center ...... 828-1140 (voice) Victim Assistance Network ...... 360-7273 828-1120 (IDD) UTILITIES CITY OFFICES Virginia Electric Power City Manager's Office ...... 385-7850 COmpany ...... 934-9670 Code Enforcement Office ...... 385-7830 Northern Virginia Commissioner of the Revenue .385-7880 Natural Gas ...... 750-95oo Community Relations· ...... 385-7855 C&P Telephone Fire (non-emergency) ...... 385-7940 New Service ...... 876-7000 Human Services ...... 38S-7894 Repair (lines) ...... 954-6611 Police (non-emergency) ...... 385-7924 Water Service ...... 385-7915 Pnblic Works ...... 385-7810 Transit and utilities ...... 385-7920 GENERAL INFORMATION Treasurer's Office ...... 385-7900 Department of Motor Voter Registration ...... 385-7890 Vehicles ...... 761-4655 Fairfax City Post Office ...... 273-5571 FREQUENTLY USED SERVICES Fairfax City Regional Animal Control ...... 385-7924 Library ...... 246-2281 Building Inspections Media General Cable ...... 378-8400 and Pennits ...... 385-7830 School Enrollment ...... 246-2111 CUE Bus' ...... 385-7859 Time ...... 884-2424 Curbside Collection ...... 385-7825 Weather ...... 936-1212 Dog Licenses ...... 385-7900 Zip Code Infonnation ...... 273-5571 Job Line (City Gov'l.) ...... 385-7860 Marriage Licenses ...... 246-2993 >:0 these numbers also are TDD numbers City of Fairfax COllllllunity Handbook A PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF FAIRFAX APRIL, 1993 Written by the Community Relations Office City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Diane C. Cabe, Community Relations Manager Chris Fow, Community Relations Specialist Joan C. Gano, Community Relations Assistant Designed and printed by Martin Communications, Incorporated Cover art: Charles A. Wagner Artwork available at the Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center Call 385-7855 for Page 1 COll1ll1unity Handbook and the Dulles Toll Road. National Airport is about 17 miles east of the city and is accessible from Routes 395 ACCESS OF FAIRFAX. An erner· (Shirley Highway). 1-66 and the Metrorail gency care center located in the city of system. See also: Metro, CUE Bus. Fairfax. The telephone number is 591- 9322. See: Hospitals. ALARM ORDINANCE. See: Security Alarm Ordinance. ADOYfION. For information on adopt ing children, call the Fairfax County ALCOHOUSM. See: Substance Abuse. Circuit Court at 246-4358. AMBULANCE. For emergency medical AIDS TESTING. Available free of service and ambulance service, call 911 charge from 6 - 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday (voicetrDO). Emergency ambulance ser and Wednesday at the Joseph Willard vice is provided at no cost to city resi Health Center. 3750 Old Lee Highway. dents by the Fire and Rescue Services. For information, call 246-7100. See: AMPHITHEATER. On the west lawn Health Services. of City Hall, the Veterans Amphitheater AIRPORTS. The city is located near two is host to outdoor concerts, including the major airports. Dulles International Summer Concert Series, which features Airport, located about 20 miles west of performances by the City of Fairfax the city, straddles Fairfax and Loudoun Band Thursday evenings. See also: counties and is accessible from Route 28 Concerts. -.~ --- Fair/ax, in the heart ofNorthern Virginia Page 2 CorruTIunity Handbook ANIMALS. All dogs age four months assists in the removal of stray animals and older must be vaccinated against from streets and public areas. When the rabies and licensed. Licenses are avail· animal warden is not available, police able in the Treasurer's Office. Licenses will investigate the report. are due by January 31 each year; the cost The city's Department of Public is $5 for a spayed or neutered dog and Works will pick up dead animals on most $10 for a fertile dog. Owners must pre roads; call 385-7980. Owners are respon· sent the dogs' rabies vaccination and sible for the disposal of their deceased proof that the animal has been altered (if animals by having the body cremated, applicable). For more information, call buried or otherwise disposed of in accor 385-7900. dance with Health Department laws. The Cats must be vaccinated against Fairfax County Animal Shelter will rabies but no license is required. accept small deceased animals for crema The city of Fairfax has an ordinance tion; call 830-1100. prohibiting exotic or wild pets. ARBORIST. See: Extension Services. The city also has a leash law and a "pooper-scooper law" for dogs, enforced ART LEAGUE. The Fairfax Art by the animal control officer. League comprises local artists whose Dogs picked up by the animal warden works are displayed and sold at the art are returned to the owners' home (if the league's gallery on the second floor of home can be identified). Dogs with no Old Town Hall. FAL art also is dis identification are confmed at Town and played and sold in City Hall. Country Animal Hospital until the owner Membership is open to all artists. For claims them. Dogs not claimed in seven information, call 352-ARTS. days will be put up for adoption or eutha· ASSESSMENTS. See: Real Estate nized, depending on the amount of space Assessments; Personal Property Tax. available for strays at the hospital. Those who suspect their dog has been picked up ATHLETIC GROUPS. The area by the animal warden should call the ani· abounds with athletic groups for adults mal warden through the City of Fairfax and children. Police Department at 385-7924 or Town Adults may join any of a number of and Country Animal Hospital at 273- athletic teams. Fairfax County sponsors 2110. leagues for softball, flag football, volley· Cats are picked up only if they are ball, lacrosse, rugby, basketball and soc injured and wild animals are collected cer; most leagues have men's, women's only if injured or if they pose a threat to and co-ed teams. For information, call humans or other domesticated animals. the Fairfax County Athletic Services at For information about animals in the 324-5522. Residents also may join the city or to report violations of animal laws, Fairfax Church Softball Cooperative call the animal warden at 385-7924. The League; call 968-7504. animal warden enforces laws dealing with Children can participate in sports domestic and wild animals, investigates with the Fairfax Police Youth Gub, the complaints of cruelty to animals, quaran· Fairfax Little League and the Fairfax tines animals who have bitten humans, Babe Ruth League. See also: Children. Page 3 Community Handbook ATIORNEY, mation, call 761-4655. You may order COMMONWEALTH'S. See: from the DMV a special license plate with Commonwealth's Attorney. the city seal on it (whiCh may be personal ized). The nearest full-service DMV ATIORNEYS. Residents can locate an office is at 11215-G Lee Highway. An attorney from a number of resources. The express station is located in nearby Fair Legal Referral Office (273·9780) has a Oaks Regional Shopping Mall; the office list of local attorneys; this office is a divi processes only license and tag renewal sion of the Circuit Court, but lawyers and duplicate registrations and titles. referred by this office may be used for Child safety seats-Children any legal service. The Women's Center, a younger than age 4 must be in a child non-profit private organization in Vienna, safety seat when riding in a vehicle. also maintains a list of attorneys; call Emission inspection-AU vehicles 281·2657. built after 1979 must have an emissions AUTOMOBILES. Within 30 days after inspection every two years. Proof is moving to the city of Fairfax, new resi required for vehicle registration. dents must obtain a Virginia driver's Inspections are performed by state license, title and registration (or change approved commercial service stations, their addresses on existing ones) with the which usually advertise the selVice with state Department of Motor Vehicles a sign visible from the street. (DMV). New city residents also must Handicapped parking decals, license obtain a local decal for each vehicle. New plmes-See: Disabilities Services. vehicles must be in compliance with IIWperable motor vehicles-It is these laws within 30 days of purchase. unlawful to keep an inoperable motor City registration decal-All vehicles vehicle in a city residential or commer garaged in the City of Fairfax are cial district unless that vehicle is stored required to display a city registration in a fully enclosed Structure. The city decal. Decals are sold in the city defines an inoperable motor vehicle as Treasurer's Office (Room 208 of City one that is mechanically inoperable as Hall) and expire May 1 each year. The well as legally inoperable (in other fees are $20 for cars and trucks 4,000 words, lacking the proper license, regis pounds and less, $25 for car.; and trucks tration and stickers). For more informa heavier than 4,000 pounds and $8 for tion, call the City of Fairfax Police motorcycles. Prices are prorated after Department at 385-7924. October 15. Military personnel living in Insurance requirements-Virginia the city whose legal residence is not in residents must either prove they have car Virginia are exempt from paying the reg insurance or must pay an uninsured istration fee but must obtain and display motorist fee (the amount set in 1993 was a decal. For more information, call the $400). The fee does not provide insur Treasurer's Office at 385-7900. ance-it only allows you to register and Driver's license, license plates, regis operate the vehicle. tration, title-State license plates, driver's RJJdar detectors-it is illegal to use licenses, registrations and titles are avail radar detection devices in Virginia. able from the Virginia DMV. For infor- However, drivers may have a detector in Page 4 Community Handbook Fairfax Trail and Bike Route DOD Trall/_po._(aophAlt) 11111 Tr&lI/~pnl. IIIII IIib!rooR _ with ...-I _ COIInty/RqioNlTrallt =- the vehicle if the device has no power BAND. The City of Fairfax Band source and no one in the vehicle can involves the talents of more than 60 vol access it. unteer musicians from all walks of life. Safety belts-Virginia law requires The band perfonns at a number of the driver of a vehicle and the front seat events, including municipal events, and passenger.; to use lap belts and shQulder presents a regular summer and winter harnesses. concert series. Any musician with high Safety inspection-All motor vehi school or college band experience is eli cles registered in Virginia must pass an gible. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays in annual routine safety inspection, and the Fairfax High School Band Room. For inspection stickers must be displayed more information, call 759-2903. inside the front windshield. Proof is BANNERS. Banners for special events required for vehicle registration. can be displayed at the intersection of Inspections are performed by state North Street and Route 123 and at the approved commercial service stations, intersection of Main and West streets. which usually advertise the service with There are installation and rental fees. For a sign visible from the street. information, call the City Manager's See also: DMV. Office at 385-7850. Permits are required for banners, and permit applications are Bb available in the Zoning Office; call 385- 7820. BABE RUTH BASEBALL. See: Children. BICYCLE TRAILS. Marked bicycle Page 5 Community Handbook trails interconnect the city's schools, Inland Fisheries, P.O. Box 11104, parks, employment and shopping centers. Richmond, VA 23220. Plans call for access to the Vienna Metrorail Station just northeast of the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. The city, to the Northern Virginia Regional city has more than two dozen volunteer Park Authority's distinctive W&OD trail boards and commissions, most of whose and to the Accotink and Ox Road trails members are appointed by the City cast and south of the city. For a map of Council. These boards perform various city bicycle trails, call the Department of services: they supervise city schools, Parks and Recreation at 385-7858. they make policy for a 9,OOO-acre region al park system, they induce businesses to BICYCLES. Although registration of move to the city, they plan for future bicycles is not required, the City of development of the city, and much more. Fairfax Police Department recommends In addition, residents also serve as the residents record the bicycle serial num city's representative on several regional ber at police headquarters, If the bikes boards. Whatever a person's interest or are lost or stolen, this will aid in their expertise-planning, architecture, the recovery. For information, call the City arts, recreation, schools, transportation, of Fairfax Police Department at 385- historic preservation-there is probably a 7924. board or commission which could benefit BIRTH CERTIFICATES. The Virginia from that knowledge. The city encour Department of Health maintains all ages all registered voters to apply for records of births in the state. To apply for vacancies on these boards-which are a copy, include the full name of the per advertised on Cityscreen-12, the city's son, the date and place of birth, the maid cable television station, and in the en name of the mother and the name of monthly Cityscene newsletter mailed free the father. All requests must include the to all cilY households--or to attend these relationship between the person who is meetings, which are always open to the requesting the certificate and the person public. whose certificate is being requested. Below is a list of city and regional Include a check or money order for $5- boards. The city clerk has a brochure made payable to the Virginia Department describing each; to request a copy, call of Health-and mail to the Division of 385·7935. Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, City Boards Richmond, VA 23208·1000. Allow at Board of Architectural Review least four weeks for processing and mail Board of Equalization of Real Estate ing of the certificate. For information, Assessments call (804) 786·6228. Board of Housing and Hygiene BWCK GRANT PROGRAMS. See: Board of Zoning Appeals Housing Programs. Boards of Electrical Examiners, of Plumbing Examiners and of BOAT REGISTRATION. All boats in Refrigeration, Heating and Air Virginia must be registered with the Conditioning Examiners Virginia Commission on Game and Building Code and Appeals Board Page 6 Community Handbook City/George Mason then goes before the City Council in University/Business Community January. Both the Planning Commission (CUB) Comminee and the City Council hold several public Commission for Women work sessions and public hearings; citi Commission on the Arts zens are encouraged to altend and, at the Community Appearance Committee hearings, express their views. The eIP Disabilities Advisory Board then is adopted and incorporated into the Electoral Board budget. Historic Fairfax City, Inc. The city manager prepares the budget Industrial Development Authority and presents it to the City Council and Park and Recreation Advisory Board the public by the first meeting in March. Personnel Advisory Board Again, several public work sessions and Planning Commission public hearings are held, at which citi School Board zens are encouraged to attend and, during Transportation Safety Commission the hearings, express their views. The 2020 Commission budget is then adopted by the City Regional Boards Council in April and implemented July 1. Fairfax County Commission on For specific budget information, call the Department of Finance at 385-7870. Aging Fairfax County Domestic and All the above meetings are publicized Juvenile Court Citizens Advisory in the Cityscene and all City Council Council public hearings-along with the city Fairfax County Public LibI1lI)' Board manager's budget presentation-are tele of Trustees vised on Cityscreen-12. Fairfax-Falls Church Community BUILDING ALTERATIONS, Services Board INSPECTIONS AND PERMITS. Health Systems Agency for Northern Except in the case of detached single Virginia family houses, all plans that alter the Northern Virginia Community exterior appearance, architectural features College Board or landscaping of buildings throughout Northern Virginia Planning District the city, including signs in the Old Town Commission Fairfax Historic District and transition Northern Virginia Regional Park overlay district, must be approved by the Authority Board of Architectural Review. Requests Woodburn Center of Community should be submitted through the Depan Mental Health Advisory Board ment of Community Development and BUDGET. The city's fiscal year begins Planning in City Hall. For information, July 1. The process for approving each Contact the Community Development fiscal year's budget actually begins with Division (Zoning) at 385-7820. the preparation and approval of the capi Building permits must be obtained tal improvement program (CIP). The CIP for all new construction, enlargement, comes before the Planning Commission alteration, removal or destruction of a during late November and December, building or structure in Fairfax. This Page 7 Community Handbook includes decks, swimming pools, storage ness privilege license annually. Existing sheds, re·roofing and siding. Permits also licenses must be renewed in January and are required for installation of any gener· new businesses in the city must get a al wiring or electrical devices, mechanj· license within 30 days of the date of cal installations and plumbing and gas opening. Business licenses are available installations. Residents acquiring permits from the Commissioner of the Revenue must arrange for on·site inspections dur· in City Hall; for infonnation, call 385- ing and after completion of work. 7880. Residents who hire a contractor to do this BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS. There sort of work should be certain that the are a number of business organizations in contractor is licensed to do work in the the city. including the Central Fairfax city and that a permit is obtained and Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown inspections made. To obtain a permit or Fairfax Coalition and the Old Town request inspections services, contact the Fairfax Business Association. For a com Code Enforcement Office at 385-7830_ plete list, call the Economic Develop Commercial construction and alter· ment Office at 385-7862. See also: ations, including paint color changes, Chamber of Commerce, Economic must be reviewed and approved by the Development Office. Board of Architectural Review before securing a building permit; for infonna· BUSINESS PROPERTY TAX_ All tan tion, call 385-7820. gible personal property, machinery or A permit also is required for any tools used in connection with a business work which necessitates excavation in a in the city are subject to taxation. public street or right.of·way. All under Businesses are required to file a report of ground utility lines must first be located taxable personal property with the com and marked before any excavation work missioner of the revenue between may begin. To locate city water lines, January 1 and May 1. Forms are supplied call 385-7915. For other utilities, contact by the commissioner's office. Business Miss Utility 48 hours in advance at (800) property taxes are payable to the treasur 257-7777. See also: Hazardous Use er by December 5. For more information, Permits. call 385-7SSO. See also: Taxes. BUS SERVICE. See: CITY WHEELS, CUE Bus, Metro. BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND CABLE TELEVISION. Media General Cable is franchised to operate the cable INFORMATION. For information on television system for subscribers in the and assistance with opening and main city of Fairfax. For information about the taining a business in the city. call the availability of service or programming. Economic Development Office at 385- call Media General Cable at 378-8400. 7862. See also: Economic Development For service and repair, call 378-8440. Office. For problems residents cannot BUSINESS LICENSES_ Owners of city resolve with Media General, please call businesses are required to obtain a busi- the Community Relations Office at 385- Page 8 Community Handbook 7855. The cable-TV franchise is Fairfax Babe Ruth Baseball League and monitored by the Community Relations the city's Department of Parks and Office, and Media General Cable gives Recreation. For information on these pro Fairfax 5 percent of subscribers' fees, grams, call 385-7858. part of which funds Cityscreen-12, the Athletic groups-Activities of the city's government-access channel. non-profit FPYC include programs for Cityscreen-12, operated by the boys and girls ages 5-18; call 591-FPYC. Community Relations Office, broadcasts More than 6,000 youngsters from the city live and taped City Council meetings, in and surrounding Fairfax County panici addition to selected special events, public pate in such activities as basketball, service features and a 24-hour electronic baton and drum corps, football, soccer, bulletin board. For information about softball and wrestling, as well as cheer Cityscreen-12 programming. call 385- leading, lacrosse and T-ball. Youngsters 7855. ages 8-12 are eligible for Fairfax Little League baseball (the season is from April CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT to July) and 6- and 7-year-olds are eligi PROGRAM. The ClP is a 5-year pro ble for T-ball; registration for all Little gram of capital improvement projects League activities is in February. Fairfax costing more than $10,000, such as road teens ages 13-19 are eligible for the repair and building maintenance. The Fairfax Babe Ruth Baseball League, current year's capital projects are includ which begins its 21-game season in May. ed in the fiscal year budget. See: Budget. Registration is in February. CEMETERY. The city operates a ceme City ncreatWn programs-The tery for city residents. Non-residents may Parks and Recreation Department pro purchase plots, but their requests must be vides youngsters with a wide variety of approved by the City Council. For infor year-round leisure activities, such as fee mation, call 385-7997 or 385-7995. classes in a variety of recreational and cultural activities. Times and locations of CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The upcoming programs are publicized in the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Cityscene and ,?n Cityscreen-12, the city has served Fairfax for more than a quar cable television station. In addition, a 7- ter of a century. Its primary function is to week playground program for city promote and assist the business commu youngsters in grades preschool-9 is con nity. The chamber holds monthly meet ducted each summer at city schools from ings and publishes a monthly newsletter, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays from June to the Progress. August. In conjunction with the program, Chamber offices are located at 3975 extended hours are offered from 7-9 a.m. University Drive, Suite 350. Office hours and from 3-6 p.m. in some elementary are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. For schools. The program offers sports and more infonnation, call 591-2450. games, swimming, films and field trips, CHILDREN. Youngsters of all ages can ans and crafts and special events. Teens keep busy all year in recreation programs can be kept busy in the summer in the sponsored by the Fairfax Police Youth city's Teen Center at Fairfax High Club (FPYe), Fairfax Little League, School; call 385-7858 for information. Page 9 Community Handbook Child abuse-To report suspected the school system that he or she does cases of child abuse or neglect, or to not wish the child to attend. Children receive assistance 24 hours a day, call the who will reach the fifth birthday after Fairfax Counly Department of Human September 30 and on or before October Development Child Abuse Hotline at 31 may be enrolled in kindergarten; the 324-7400. All infonnation is confidential. elementary schools provide counseling Child support-Citizens can rely on for parents or guardians of children the Department of Social Services who reach their fifth birthday during Division of Child Support Enforcement this period regarding the advisability of for assistance in collecting child support. school attendance. A child who will be For information, call 934-0099. six years old on or before September 30 Daycare-There are a number of must attend school during the school alternatives for individuals seeking child year beginning that fall. Parents should care for children of all ages. The city's take a birth certificate or equivalent and Human Services Office and the Fairfax a transfer slip or report card from the County Office for Children maintain list previous school to the school office ings and have brochures to assist citizens when enrolling a child. Evidence of in locating child care. Available listings immunization also is required; a certifi include names and addresses of daycare cate of a physical examination is and pre-school centers as well as home required for elementary students. For care providers. For infonnation, call the more information or to find out in Human Services Office at 385-7894 or which school to enroll your child, call the Fairfax County Office for Children at 246-2502. See also: Immunization, 359-5860. The School-Aged Child Care Schools. (SACC) program is available in three elementary schools-Jennantown, CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT. Westmore and Layton Hall-offering Citizens can rely on the Department of before- and after-school care for elemen Social Services Division of Child tary schoolchildren. Payment is on a slid Support Enforcement for assistance in ing fee scale. For infonnation, call 359- collecting child support. For infonnation, 1097. Child care providers in the city call 934-0099. must obtain an annual pennit to provide CHOCOLATE WVER'S daycare in their homes. For infonnation, FESllVAL In February, the city joins call the Human Services Office at 385- forces with merchants and community 7894. organizations citywide to host a Safety seat>-Children younger Iban Chocolate Lover's Festival. Bakers, con age 4 must be in child safety seats when fectioners and chocolate manufacturers riding in a vehicle. offer sample tastes of their wares and Schooh-Virginia law states that cooking demonstrations. For infonna any child who has reached the fifth lion, call 385-7855. birthday on or before September 30 must be enrolled in kindergarten for CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING. that school year beginning in the fall See: Curbside CollectionJRecycling unless the parent or guardian notifies Program. Page 10 CODlDlunity Handbook Boundory Adjustments CHURCHES. City residents may Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 4325 choose to attend any of several different Chain Bridge Road (273·1440) houses of worship. St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Christ Lutheran Church, 3810 3700 Old Lee Highway (273-5369) Meredith Drive (273·4094) Truro Episcopal Church, 10520 Main Church of the Apostles, 3500 Pickett Street (273-1300) Road (591·1974) CIGARETIE TAX. The city levies a Congregation Olam Tikvah (conserv tax on each pack of cigarettes sold in the ative-affiliated with United city, initially paid by the wholesaler and Synagogue), 3800 Glenbrook Road passed on to the customer. See also: (425·1880) Taxes. Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main Street (385·3520) cmES. In Virginia, incorporated cities Fairfax Kingdom HaU of Jehovah's are independent of the counties that Witnesses, 3701 Jennantown Road adjoin or surround them. The city of (691·3902) Fairfax is an independent city surrounded Fairfax Presbyterian Church, 10723 by Fairfax County, and even though Main Street (273·5300) some county offices are located here, the Fairfax United Methodist Church, city is a completely separate jurisdiction 10300 Stratford Avenue (591·3120) from the county. City residents must, for First Church of Christian Scientist, example, have a city, not a county, vehi Fairfax, 3725 Old Lee Highway cle decal. (591·2122) Because the U.S. Post Office uses a Page 11 COOlOlunity Handbook zip code breakdown rather than jurisdic this allows Council to adopt, with a tion, it is possible to have a Fairfax single vote, a number of routine or address without living in the city of procedural items. Any items to which Fairfax. a councilmember objects are placed 00 the regular agenda. CITY COUNCIL. Fairfax has a COlln Public heariogs-Staff presents a ciVrnanager form of government and the report on the issue; the party making mayor and six at-large councilmembers the request may speak; the public is are elected every two years and run on a invited to speak; after which the Coun non-partisan basis. They do not have cil discusses and votes on the issue offices in City Hall, but they can be Items not requiring a public hearing reached at their homes or through the Appointments to boards and commis City Manager's Office at 385-7850. A sions current listing of the mayor and coun Approval of Minutes cilmembers is in the center section. See Comments by Councilmembers also: Elections. Executive Session-The public's CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, The business must be conducted in the City Council holds meetings on the sec open, and the Council is limited as to ond and fourth Tuesday of each month in what it may discuss in private City Hall. Work sessions are usually held essentially, personnel and legal mat on the first (and sometimes the third) ters. Toward the end of most meetings Tuesday of each month. All meetings (and sometimes at the beginning of and work sessions are open to the public, meetings as well), the Council although at work sessions there are no adjourns to discuss those matters in opportunities for the public to speak. "executive session." Regular work sessions and special meet Adjournment ings are televised on Cityscreen-12, the CITY IIALL. Located at 10455 city of Fairfax's cable television station. Annstrong Street, this stately Georgian The Community Relations Office can building was built in 1961 and houses answer questions about city government; call 385-7855. most city government offices, as well as Sample Meeting Agenda ..... --- <. _ ~ the Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Proclamations and Commendations Adoption of Agenda Presentations by the public on any item not subject to public ~~an~~t agenda- ~~-- City Hall -;. ;;:¥"f;;/; Page 12 Community Handbook meetings of most city boards and com· transportation within the city, to the missions, including the Fairfax City Vienna Metrorail Station, to George Council. City offices are open from 8:30 Mason University and the Fair Oaks a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Hospital for people who, due to a disabil The City Hall annex, the Draper ity, are unable to use conventional bus House, is adjacent to City Hall and houses service. For more information or for an the offices of the registrar and the application, call the Transit Office at schools' superintendent. On the west 385·7859 (voiceffDD). lawn of City Hall, the Veterans CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS. Many city Amphitheater is host to a variety of out· subdivisions have organized civic associ door concerts and festivities. See also: ations that serve as forums for communi Concerts. ty opinion on matters of mutual interest. CITY OFFICES. City offices are locat· Most groups meet monthly and publish ed in: periodic newsletters. Civic associations City Hall-I0455 Armstrong Street often serve as liaisons between neighbor John C. Wood Municipal Complex- hoods and City Hall. In addition. the 3730 Old Lee Highway groups formed a Council of Civic Property Yard-3410 Pickett Road Associations that comprises representa An departments are located in City tives from each association to discuss Hall except Fire and Rescue Services, issues of mutual concern. City of Fairfax Police Department and The Community Relations Office the Department of Parks and Recreation, maintains an up· to-date listing of these all of which are at the Wood Complex. organizations and contacts. To request a and certain divisions of the Public Works copy. call 385-7855. and Transit and Utilities departments, City Civic Associations and which are at the Property Yard. The city Homeowners Associations also has a water treatment plant at the Ardmore Goose Creek Reservoir. Assembly CITYSCENE. A monthly newsletter Breckenridge mailed free to all households and busi· Cambridge Station nesses. See: Community Relations. Comstock Council of Civic Associations Country Club Hills Courthouse Square #1 §~:~:'1;ihllscrreJ2 Courthouse Square #2 Fairchester Woods cable television ~] Fairfax Oaks station. See: Cable Television; Fairfax Triangle Community Relations. Fairfax West Apt. Owners CITY WHEELS. CITY WHEELS is a Fairview transportation network of private taxi Foxcroft Colony companies and IifHquipped vans subsi Great Oaks dized by the city. The program offers Limewood Mews Page 1.3 Community Handbook Little River Hills occurring in tbe city. The principal focus Lyndhurst of this office is major crimes, such as Mosby Woods murder, rape, robbery, burglary, arson, Mosby Woods Condo. drug distribution and assaults on chil Olde Fairfax Mews dren, and the office works closely with Old Lee Highway the City of Fairfax Police Department. Rustfield The post is an elective office with a Southeast Fairfax four-year term, elected in odd-number Warren Woods/Joyce Heights years. Westmore Offices of the Commonwealth's Attorney are located in the Fairfax COLLEGES AND UNIVERSmES. County Judicial Center, 4110 Chain Two major schools of higher education Bridge Road. For information, call 246- are located near the city of Fairfax. 2776. Northern Virginia Community College is a COMMUNITY APPEARANCE two-year, state-sup COMMITIEE. This committee ported regional college organizes beautification and recy with five campuses in cling programs such as residential the area, including the and commercial beautification, main Annandale cam adopt-a-spot, clean-up mont~ and pus near the city. For holiday decorations. This commit more information, call tee meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth 323-3000. Wednesday of every month in City Hall. George Mason University, located on For information, call 385-7995. the city's southern boundary, is a rapidly COMMUNITY DEVEWPMENT growing university thai serves nearly AND PLANNING. All land in the city of 21,000 students and offers undergraduate Fairfax is zoned for residential, planned and graduate programs. The university development, commercial or industrial has a number of performing art forums, uses. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a such as the Patriot Center and the Center basic guide for the city's development; for the Performing Arts. GMU welcomes copies are available in Department of citizen use of its cultural and recreation Community Development and Planning facilities. For more information, call 993- office, Room 101 in City Hall. LOOO. Since 1979, the City/University/ Density of development and permit Business Community (CUB) Committee ted uses for each zoning category are meets regularly to identify opportunities specified in the zoning ordinance. Under for more cooperation in providing pro the ordinance, certain land uses are per grams and facilities. mitted in each district as a matter of COMMONWEALTH'SATIORNEY. right. Others require special permits, As the cbief law enforcement officer in which---depending on the type of the city and in Fairfax County, the permit-must be approved by either the Commonwealth's attorney prosecutes Board of Z,ming Appeals or by the City criminal cases, including all felonies Council. Page 14 Community Handbook All applications for changes of zoning newsletter on activities and programs in are carefully evaluated by the Department city schools. The Cityscene is an impor of Community ~velopment and tant means of keeping abreast of what's Planning, after which public hearings are going on in the city. held by both the Planning Commission The Community Relations Office and the City Council. Both hearings must also publishes an Annual Report, a yearly be advertised in advance; signs are also summary of activity in the city; the posted on the property and written notice Council Reporter, a summary of the is sent to owners of adjacent properties. results of every City Council meeting; Anyone who supports or opposes the the Community Calendar, a list of activi application may speak at these hearings. ties in and around the city; and several The Board of Zoning Appeals, other brochures, flyers and pamphleL'i. appointed by the Circuit Coun, hears For a complete list of available publica appeals from rulings of the zoning tinns, call 385-7855. administrator, applications for variances Cityscreen-12, operated by the and special use permits for certain zoning Community Relations Office, broadcasts districts. Zoning decisions by the City live and taped City Council meetings, in Council may be appealed to the Circuit addition to selected special events, public Court. service features and a 24-hour electronic Copies of the city's zoning map and bulletin board. Monthly programming ordinance may be obtained from the zon schedules are listed in the Cityscene. ing administrator in City Hall; for infor Citizens who want to receive the mation, call 385-7820. agendas and reports of the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning COMMUNITY RElATIONS_ The Appeals, Board of Architectural Review Community Relations Office in City Hall and School Board meetings should con provides information about city and com tact the Community Relations Office and munity activities to citizens, using a vari request to be placed on the agenda and/or ety of methods. Council Reporter mailing lists. The Cityscene, a monthly eight-page The office also serves as a general newsletter, contains timely news about inquiry center for city residents to obtain the actions of the City Council and other infonnation. Call the Community departments and services, reminders Relations Office at 385-7855 nr the 24- about tax, voting and vehicle decal dead hour City Newsline at 273-1776. lines, details and schedules of events such as Independence Day and the Fall COMMUNITY USE FACILmES. Festival, classes and activities sponsored See: Wood Municipal Complex, Fairfax by the Parks and Recreation Department, High School Community Center, Old and much more. The publication also Town Hall. includes issues of the Sa/etyscene, a newsletter by the Fire and Rescue COMPOSTING. Residents can obtain Services; the Police Informer, a newslet infonnation about backyard composting ter by the City of Fairfax Police from the Department of Public Works. Department; and the SchoolScene, a The city has a composting demonstration Page 1.5 Community Handbook site behind City Hall. For information, COURTS. City of Fairfax residents are call 385-7995. See also: Recycling. served by three Virginia courts: the Circuit Court of the 19th District, the CONCERTS. The music community is General District Court for the city of extremely active in Fairfax and the city Fairfax, and the Juvenile and Domestic sponsors or helps organize concerts with Relations District Court. Judges for performances by local and national talent. these courts are appointed on an as Every summer, citizens gather with needed basis by the Virginia General picnics, blankets and lawn chairs at the Assembly. Veterans Amphitheater for the Summer General District Court. The General Entertainment Series, a season of free District Court for the city of Fairfax diverse concerts held Thursday evenings; hears traffic violations and criminal mis call 385-7858. demeanors. Court is held in Room 305 In the autumn and winter, the Old of City Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m. Town Hall Performance Series features Tuesday and Thursday. Because this musicians and other talented performers court is not of record, all cases are heard in free concerts twice a month; for infor by a judge; there are no jury trials at this mation, call 352-ARTS. level. For information about pre-pay The City Band offers entertainment ments on traffic violations, call 385- ail year. For a schedule of band concerts, 7865 (24-hour recording). For informa call 759-2903. tion on court records or case scheduling, George Mason University's Center call the clerk's office at 385-7866. for the Performing Arts and the Patriot However, fmes for parking violations Center offer performances year-round of are handled by the Treasurer's Office; both student talent and nationally recog call 385-7900. nized performers; for a schedule of per Circuit Court. The Circuit Court formances, call 993-1000. hears felonies, civil suits, divorce cases and appeals from lower courts. The CONSUMER AFFAIRS/CONSUMER Circuit Court is located in the Fairfax PROTECftON. The city of Fairfax County Iudicial Center, 4110 Chain does not have a consumer affairs office; Bridge Road. For information, call the instead, the Virginia Office of Consumer Clerk ofthe Circoit Court at 591-8525. Affairs, an office of the state govern The clerk's office also handles informa ment, offers assistance in solving con-' tion about: sumer and landlord/tenant problems. For adoption (246-4358) information, call (804) 786-2042. deeds (591-8580) City residents who need assistance divorce (246-4358) concerning a business located in Fairfax estate administration (246-4193) County may contact the Fairfax County land records (591-8580) Department of Consumer Affairs, 12000 marriage licenses (246-2993) Government Center Parkway, Suite 433. name changes (246-4358) For infonnation, call 222-8435. notary (246-4100) CONSUMER EDUCATION, See: passport applications (246-4100) Financial Education. wills probate (246-4193) Page 16 Community Handbook Juvenile Cases (Family Court). CUE BUS SYSTEM. The city's CUE Cases involving all offenses committed Bus system not only provides regularly by juveniles in the city, including traffic scheduled, low-cost service to George citations, are conducted by the Juvenile Mason University, to shopping centers and Domestic Relations Court at the and other locations within the city of County Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Fairfax, but also serves as a feeder net Road. It also hears cases of offenses by work 10 the Vienna Metrorail station. adults against juveniles and other cases GMU students and faculty ride for free, such as non-support, assault and child while senior citizens and all other stu custody. For more information, call juve dents pay a reduced fare. nile intake at 246-2495. Residents who, because of a disabili Magistrates. Magistrates are judicial ty, are unable to use CUE Buses may officers who issue arrest and search war participate in CITY WHEELS, which rants and determine pre-trial releases. provides taxi or lift-equipped transporta City residents would request such ser tion. Sec also: CITY WHEELS. vices from the magistrate at the Adult For any city transit information, Detention Center, 10520 Judicial Drive; please call 385-7859 (voicefIDD). call 246-2182. See also: Parking Violations. CURBSIDE COLLECflON/ CRAFT FAIR. See: Fall Festival, RECYCUNG PROGRAM. The city Holiday Craft Show. offers curbside collection upon request of: City of Fairfax Cue Green Route Gold Route [t===::J Page 17 ---~~~~~~~-----~-~- Community Handbook Christmas trees Death certificates for all who died in Grass clippings Virginia are kept by the Virginia Yard debris Department of Health. Each copy costs These items are nOl collected with the $5. To request a certificate, include the trash. full name of the deceased and the date Christmas trees. After the holiday and place of death. All requests must season, citizens can place their include information on the relationship Christmas trees at the curb (with all between the person who is requesting the the decorations and tinsel removed). certificate and the person whose certifi Grass Clippings. The city offers cate is being requested. Include a check curbside collection of grass clippings or money order made payable to the in the spring and summer. Please Virginia Department of Health and mail place the clippings in a container that the request to the Division of Vital weighs no more than 40 pounds; Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA grass clippings in plastic or paper 23208- !ODD. Allow at least four weeks bags will not be collected. for processing and mailing of the certifi Yard debris. Branches, tree stumps cate. For infonnation, call (804) 786- and other yard debris will be collect 6228. ed from the curb year-round. If possi ble, make sure branches are no more DEEDS. City residents file deeds to their than six feel long. so they can fit eas property on the third floor of the Fairfax ily and quickly in the mulching County Circuit Court, 4110 Chain Bridge machine. Road. To request special curbside collec Residents must bring to the land tion, call 385-7825 and leave on the records office a legally prepared deed recording your name, address, phone that has a tax map number and is signed number and items to be collected. and notarized. Deed filings are processed Requests received by 6 a.m. Monday will from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays. be collected that week, although a high The cost of filing a deed varies volume of calls may delay pickup. depending on the type of deed, and fees Grass clippings and yard debris may be paid with cash or a money order. resulting from work performed by a pri For information, call 591-8580. vate contractor will not be collected by DETENTION FACILITIES. The city the city. See also: Recycling. contracts for detention facilities through its City/County General Services Agreement. The Adult Detention Center is located at 10520 Judicial Drive. The DAYCARE, See: Children. 24-hour information number is 246- DEATH CERTIFlCATES. Death cer 2100. tificates for those who have died within City of Fairfax juveniles who require the past five years in the city and in confinement are placed in the Fairfax Fairfax County are available at the Joseph County Juvenile Detention Center, 10650 Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Page Avenue. The 24-hour information Highway. For information, call 246-7122. number is 246-2844. Page 18 Community Handbook DISCRIMINATION. The Virginia code er for use by a driver with disabilities or prohibits discrimination on the basis or by someone transporting people with dis race, color, religion, national origin, sex, abilities. For an application and for more age, marital status or disability. To report information, call the DMV at 761-4655. complaints of possible violations, call the The Fairfax County Library system Virginia Office for Human Rights at provides collections both for and about (800) 633-5510 (voice(fDD). people with disabilities. More than 23,000 Talking Books are available DISABILITIES SERVICES. All city through the Special Services Office at the services and facilities are accessible to Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 persons with disabilities. The city has a Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria; phone Disabilities Advisory Board. For infor 660-6943 (TDD: 660-8524). Special mation, call the Human Services Office machines required to play the recorded at 384-7894 (TDD: 385-7859). books are also available on long-term City publications can be made avail loan through this free service. Large-print able in large print or recorded on cassette books are available through all branches. tape and city boards and commissions Hearing-impaired persons who have TOD meetings can be signed for citizens with machines can contact the library. hearing disabilities; for information, call Real estate tax and rental relief bene 385-7855. fits also are available to residents with A number of programs provide addi permanent disabilities. The city also par· tional services for city residents with dis ticipates in the Home Improvement Loan abilities. Programs are available through Program, which offers assistance to eligi the public school system as well as under ble low-income elderly and disabled contract through appropriate Fairfax homeowners. For information, call 385- County health agencies. 7894. Suspected abuse or neglect of adults For information about access to pub with disabilities should be reported to the lic facilities and transit, call the city's Adult Protective Services. For informa human services coordinator at 385-7894 tion, call 324-7450. To report suspicions (TDD: 385-7859). See also: Senior of abuse or neglect of disabled children Citizens, TOD Services. or to receive assistance 24 hours a day, call the Fairfax County Department of DIVORCE. City residents who wish to Human Development Child Abuse file for divorce must file through the Hotline at 324-7400. All information is Fairfax County Circuit Court in the confidential. Fairfax County Judicial Center, 4110 Chain Bridge Road. For information, call Parking permits, which enable people the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 246- with disabilities to use specially desig 4358. nated parking spaces and which must be displayed in vehicle windows, are avail DIVORCE RECORDS. The Virginia able from the Virginia Department of Department of Health maintains all Motor Vehicles. Permits are available in records of divorce in the state. To apply the form of license plates or placards that for a copy of divorce records, include the can be moved from one vehicle to anoth- full name of the husband and the wife Page 19 Community Handbook (including the wife's maiden name), the historic sites and buildings in Old Town date and place of the divorce and the rea· Fairfax. The office mails to every city son the certificate is needed. Include a business the BusinessScene, a newsletter check or money order for $5-made with information about the actions of the payable to the Virginia Department of City Council and other governmental Health-and mail the request to the bodies, notices of special events that Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box merchants can participate in, reminders 1000, Richmond, VA 23208-1000. about taxes and more. Allow at least four weeks for processing Other publications distributed by this and mailing of the information. For office include business factsheets and a information, call (804) 786-6228. brochure on merchants in Old Town Fairfax. For information, call 385-7862. DMV. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is a state agency and is in ELECTED OFFICIALS. City residents no way connected with the city govern· elect representatives on the local, state ment. The general information number is and federal level. Residents also elect 761-4655. The nearest office is 11215-0 shared city/county officials, such as the Lee Highway. Limited service is avail· clerk of the court, sheriff and common· able in the DMV office in the Fair Oaks wealth's attorney. See the current list of Mall. See also: Automobiles. elected officials in the centerfold. DOG UCENSES. See: Animals. ELECTIONS. Non-partisan, at-large elections for the office of mayor and for DRIVER'S UCENSES. See: six seats on the City Council are held in Automobiles. even·numbered years on the first DRUG ABUSE. See: Substance Abuse. Tuesday in May. The elected council assumes office on the first day of July following the election. The treasurer and commissioner of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The the revenue serve four·year terms. Their Economic Development Office serves as elections are held in odd·numbered a liaison between commerce and city years, every four years, on the first government. attracting and retaining Tuesday following the first Monday in businesses to Fairfax, helping new busi· November. The treasurer and commis· nesses set up shop and assisting estab· sioner of the revenue each assume office lished businesses. The Economic on the first day of January following the Development Office maintains a list of election. businesses in the city and a list of city City residents are also eligible to vote business organizations. in the November general election and in The Economic Development Office periodic special elections. also works with the Museum and Visitors The city is part of the 19th Judicial Center to promote tourism and, for visi· Circuit and, as such, also elects the clerk tors and residents of Fairfax alike, main· of court, sheriff and commonwealth's tains a list of local hotels and other attorney. tourist information and a brochure on A court·appointed electoral board Page 20 Community Handbook conducts city elections. identification of insect and plant diseases To run for any office, contact the and a farmers' market. state Board of Elections at (800) 552- For information on lawns, plants and 9745 for the proper fonns. Local offices shrubs, call 222-9760; soil resources, call require petitions signed by at least 125 324-5300; gypsy moths, ca11324-5304; qualified voters. All necessary forms for home economics, -food and nutrition, local office must be filed with the clothing and money management, call General Registrar. 324-5302; youth and 4-H programs, call For more information, call the city 324-5301; and agriculture and natural Registrar'S Office at 385-7890. resources, call 324-5326. See also: Voter Registration. The Cooperative Extension Office is located at 12011 Government Center EMERGENCIES. For emergency fire Parkway. or ambulance service, dial 911 See also: Farmers' Market. (voiceffDD). For emergency police ser vice, dial 591-5511 (IDD: 359-2480). For water emergencies, call 385-7915 Fe (IDD: 385-7859) between 8:30 a.m. and FACIUTIES INSPECTIONS. 5 p.m.; evenings, weekends and holidays, Inspections of non-building improve ca11385-7924 (IDD: 359-2480). ments on commercial and residential EMPLOYMENT. For infonnation development sites and right-of-way work about current vacancies with the city of requiring a street opening pennit may be Fairfax, call the 24-hour Job Line at 385- arranged by calling 385-7810. 7860 (IDD: 385-7855) or visit the FAIR OAKS HOSPITAL. Phone num Personnel Office, Room 302 in City Hall. ber is 391-3600. See: Hospitals. The city of Fairfax is an equal opportuni ty affirmative action employer. See also: FAIRFAX HIGH SCHOOL Unemployment. COMMUNITY CENTER. Groups may reserve use of classrooms, the auditorium EXTENSION SERVICES. The and the cafeteria at Fairfax High School. Department of Extension and Continuing Rooms also may be reserved in other city Education offers a wide variety of infor schools by calling each school directly mation on agricultural and horticultural (see: Schools). To schedule use of this topics to city residents. This service is facility, contact the community activities sponsored jointly by Fairfax County, the director at 273-4863 or 273-4732. Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Department of FAIRFAX HOSPITAL. Phone number Agriculture. The city of Fairfax partici is 698-1110. See: Hospitals. pates in the activity as part of its contrac FAIRFAX POUCE YOUTH CLUB. tual agreement with Fairfax County. See: Athletic Groups. Services to city residents include soil analysis, guidance on family nutrition FALL FESTIVAL One of the area's and health habits, assistance to 4-H most popular outdoor extravaganzas, the clubs, advice on lawn maintenance and Fall Festival is'held from 10 a.m. to 5 Page 21 Community Handbook p.m. on the second Saturday in October budget, planning fmances for retirement on the streets of Old Town Fairfax. The and paying for college educations; call festival features food, children's rides, 324·5730. live music and, most of all, hundreds of The Consumer Credit Counseling and arts and crafts exhibitors. Educational Service of Greater Applications for exhibiting at the fes Washington, Inc., can help residents tival are due several months in advance. communicate with creditors. The private For information, call the Parks and non-profit service helps arrange payment Recreation Department at 385-7858. plans and offers financial counseling to avoid debt. There is no charge for their FARMERS' MARKET. Fresh vegeta· services. For information, call 591-9020. bles and more from the people who pro duce them are available at the Farmers' FIRE AND RESCUE. To report a fire Market held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or obtain emergency fire assistance or Tuesdays from May through November medical aid, call 911 (voice{fDD). at the city-owned lot next to Truro City fire protection and emergency Episcopal Church. The Farmers' Market medical services are provided by a com is sponsored by the city and the Fairfax bined salaried and volunteer force of fire County Agricultural Extension Office. fighters and medical support personnel. For information, call 385-7862. In a reciprocal agreement, Fairfax County provides back-up and fill-in ser FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND vices to the city when needed. Emer CAROLS. Held during December, this gency medical care is furnished by full month-long celebration features a com time, 24-hour emergency medical munity-wide holiday decorating and technicians (EMT) and EMT -paramedics lighting competition that culminates in a and is supplemented by volunteer EMTs tree lighting, caroling festival and recep and paramedics. There are two fire and tion at Old Town Hall. For more infor rescue stations in the city: Station 3 at mation about the festival, call the Parks 4081 University Drive (385·7877) and and Recreation Department at 385-7858. Station 33 at 10101 Lee Highway (385· FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. The city 7941). offers financial assistance for tax and In addition to providing fire and res rent relief to residents with disabilities cue services, the department offers a and to elderly residents with low nationally recognized, award-winning incomes. These programs are adminis home and commercial fire safety educa tion training and inspection program. As tered by the Department of Finance; for a service to residents, free blood-pres information, call 385-7870. See Also: sure testing is available at both fire sta Disabled Services, Housing Assistance tions. Services, Human Services Assistance, For more information, contact the Senior Citizens. Fire and Rescue Services public educa FINANCIAL EDUCATION. The tion officer at the Wood Municipal Financial Education Center, run by Complex. 3730 Old Lee Highway, or call Fairfax County, offers free workshops on 385·7940. topics such as making and keeping a Citizens 18 and older interested in Page 22 Community Handbook becoming volunteer firefighters should GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY. call 385-7869. See: Colleges and Universities. FISHING LICENSES. State license is GOVERNMENT. The city of Fairfax required. Licenses are available from operates under the councilwmanager form area hardware and sporting goods stores. of government. All legislative powers are For information, contact the Virginia vested in the mayor and six council Commission on Game and Inland members, elected atwlarge for two-year Fisheries, P.O. Box 11104, Richmond, terms in May of every even-numbered VA 23220. year. They establish city policy, make appointments, pass resolutions and ordiw FOOD STAMPS. See: Social Services. nanees, approve the city budget and set tax rates. Although these officials do not Gg have offices in City Hall, they can be contacted through the city manager's GASOLINE TAX. A gasoline tax is office; call 385w7850 or write to them at levied throughout Northern Virginia. The City Hall. Councilmembers also may be state collects the tax and returns it to the contacted at their homes; their home Northern Virginia Transportation addresses and phone numbers (see City Commission, which, in tum, allocates the Council in the center of the book). funds to help defray each jurisdiction's Also elected by the voters to 4wyear share of Metro bus and rail expenses and terms are the city treasurer and commisw other transit expenses. See also: Taxes. sioner of the revenue, the sheriff and City of Fairfax Organizational Chart I Genenli ReglatTaT Electoral ICIrcuit. -- JuvenIle...... 0'''"", end ~ I ~Booud _co.", Treaaurer I City of Fairfax ShorlfI. """"'-"'" F Co~_ 1 A_. I Voters Clrcun Court CIef1I. I of the Revenue I Mayor I School Board I Boom..nd .nd Commlsalona Ii City Council I I I .no_~~ I : CItyCIef1I.:.l -~-.... ""'_ ww C;;:.-;:., 1--1 CHy ...... I Mal1room Pe~nel IJ- Human Servlon --- Community Relatlona :~ Comm..... 1ty "- ~ =-~ I I I 1 1 1 .. 1 - I --"""""""" ...... 1 w... 1 I "- I 1 --00'_ Page 23 Community Handbook commonwealth's attorney and-to an 8- and storage of combustible and flamma year term-the clerk of the circuit court. ble materials. Hazardous use permits may The city manager, appointed by the be obtained from the Code Enforcement City Council, directs the day·to·day oper· Office at City Hall. For more informa ation of the city and a professional staff tion, call 385-7830. See also: Household of department heads and other staff offi Hazardous Waste Disposal. cers, who are responsible for the opera tion of their respective offices. The city HEALTH SERVICES, Under a con· departments and offices are the City tractual agreement, the Fairfax County Manager's Office, Community Health Department provides public Development and Planning, Finance, Fire health services to city residents. These and Rescue, Parks and Recreation, Police, services include adult day health pro Public Works and Transit and Utilities. grams, school health programs and spe In addition, the city contracts with cialized clinics. Detailed information is Fairfax County to operate various ser available from the Joseph Willard Health vices. The county, for example, operates Center, 3750 Old Lee Highway. For city schools and provides health services infonnation, call 246-7100. to city residents. See also: City Council, The Willard Health Center offers Elected Officials, Elections. limited health services to city residents. Among these are AIDS testing, family GRASS CLIPPINGS, See: Curbside planning, maternity and specialized child Collection/Recycling Program. health care, orthopedics, a daytime development center, tuberculin testing, GYPSY MOTHS. The city and Fairfax immunization clinics, sexually transmit County have been involved in a coopera ted disease control and some eye, speech tive gypsy moth suppression program and hearing services. Fees are charged since 1982 in cooperation with the according to the patient's ability to pay. Virginia Department of Agriculture and For environmental health services Consumer Services and the U.S. Depart such as inspection of restaurants, swim ment of Agriculture. For more informa ming pools, barber shops; insect and tion, call the county Department of rodent control; and enforcement of envi Extension and Continuing Education's ronmental state and local health regula Gypsy Moth Office at 324·5304. tions, contact the Fairfax County Health Department at 246·2205. IHIlln See also: Hospitals. HANDICAPPED SERVICES, See: HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND SITES. Disabilities Services. The city of Fairfax, like much of the sur HAZARDOUS USE PERMITS. City rounding area, has a long and colorful his ordinances require a hazardous use permit tory .. Its historic buildings and landmarks in certain situations. Among those are the serve as a reminder to the community of storage of large quantities of gasoline; its heritage and attest to the role the town welding; use and storage of dynamite; played in history. storage and sale of fueworks; storage of compressed gases and radiation sources; (Continued on page 25) Page 24 Officials MAYORANDCnYCOUNC~ 10455 Annstrong Street (1992· 1994) Fairfax, VA 22030 (703)385-7850 Mayor John Mason City Elecred Officials 3548 Queen Anne Drive Commissioner of the Revenue Juanita W. Fairfax, VA 22030 Dickerson (1989·1993) (703) 273·5325 10806 Maple Street, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 273·3817 City Council Arnold L. "Larry" Larsen, Jr. Treasurer Stephen L Moloney (1989·1993) 3406 Country Hill Drive 9813 Hampton Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030 Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 273·6747 (703) 273·7689 FEDERALELECTEDO~C~ Philip Samuel Mershon President William J. Clinton (1992·1996) 10304 Ranger Road The White House Fairfax, VA 22030 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (703) 385·2116 Washingon, DC 20500 Janice M. Miller Vice President Albert Gore, Jr. (1992· 10525 Providence Way 1996) Fairfax, VA 22030 The White House (703) 691·1748 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washingon, DC 20500 Gary J. Rasmussen 3210 Armory Court U.S. Senator Charles Robb (1989-1995) Fairfax, VA 22030 493 Russell Building (703) 385·2991 Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224·5552 Patrick A. Rodio 3801 Richardson Place U.S. Senator John W. Warner (1991·1997) Fairfax, VA 22030 225 Russell Building (703) 273·5565 Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224·2023 R. Scott Silverthorne 3814 Lyndhurst Drive House of Representatives-II th Dis~ct Fairfax, VA 22031 U.S. Representative Leslie R. Byrne (703) 323·4688 (1992-1994) 1619 Longwortb Office Building City Manager (appointed) Washington, DC 20515 Robert L. Sisson (202) 225-1492 City Hall Page I STATE ELEerED OFFICIALS Senator Jane Woods Governor L Douglas Wilder (34th Senate District) (1990-1994) P.O. Box 1387 The Capitol Fairfax, VA 22030 Richmond, VA 23219 (703) 352-1991' (804) 786-7396 (804) 786-2211 Delegate Richard Fisher Lt. Governor Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (35th Delegate District) (1990-1994) P.O. Bnx 2255 101 North 8th Street Vienna, VA 22185 Richmond, VA 23219 (703) 750-4277' (804) 786-6505 (804) 786-2078 Delegate Robert Harris Acting Attorney General Stephen D. (37th Delegate District) Rosenthal (1993-1994) 4400 Glen Rose Street 101 North 8th Street Fairfax, VA 22032 Richmond, VA 23219 (703) 323-8312' (804) 786-7203 (804) 786-3518 Mailing address during Session for the Senator Warren Barry state senators and delegates is: (37th Senate District) General Assembly Building P.O. Box 137 Richmond, VA 23219 Fairfax, VA 22030-0137 (703) 321-0900' (804) 786-6989 CCIiLty CG- City government offices are closed on Memorial Day the following holidays: Independence Day New Year's Day Labor Day Lee-Jackson-King Day Columbus Day Inauguration Day Thanksgiving and the day after Washington's Birthday Thanksgiving Spring Holiday (the Friday before Christmas Eve (offices close at noon) Easter) Christmas Day Page II Annual Events EVENT CONTACf GENERAL MONTH NAME TELEPHONE DESCRIPTION February Chocolate Lover's Community A new festival featuring chocolate Festival Relations theme with exhibits, tastings, bake sale, 385-7855 kiddie land and demonstrations. April Spring Oeanup Public Works Public & private outdoor housecleaning 385-7810 Late Aprii SpotlightOD Parks & Recreation Visual and perfonning arts activities through the Arts 352-ARTS featuring logal artists and emerging earty May cultural groups. May· Farmers Market Economic Home-grown produce, home-baked November Development goods, plants Tuesdays, 385-7862 9 a.m. -1 p.m. June-July Summer Concert Parks & Recreation City band concerts on lawn Thursdays, Series 385-7858 al City Hall Amphitheater 8pm July July 4 Parade and Parks & Recreation Patriotic parade with bands, floats, Fire evening show 385·7858 Department activities, evening entertainment, fireworks October. Old Town Hall Parks & Recreation Free Musical performances Friday April Concert Series 385-7858 nights October Fall Festival Parks & Recreation 900 arts & crafts vendors, (second 385-7858 entertainment, food, aJl-day outdoor fair Saturday) November Holiday Arts Parks & Recreation 300 arts & crafts vendors, food, & Crafts Fair 385·7858 all-day indoor craft fair December Festival of Parks & Recreation Lunch with Santa, children's activities Lights & Carols 385-7858 caroling,tree-lighting and refreshments Page III ------ M FIRST WEEK OF Wednesday Independence Day MONTH Parks and Recreation Committee Advisory Board 7:30p.m. Monday 7:30 p.m. 385-7858 School Board 385-7858 7:30p.m. FOURTH WEEK OF 385-7910 THIRD WEEK OF MONTH MONTH Tuesday Monday Council Work Session Tuesday Planning Commission 7:30 p.m. Page IV Community Handbook (Continued from poge 24) Fairfax was the scene of several note worthy events during the Civil War. Many of these historic sites are found Captain John Quincy Marr, the first offi within the city's historic downtown area. cer casualty of the Confederacy, was In 1987, this historic district was named killed at Fairfax Courthouse June I, to the National Register of Historic 1861. By late 1862, Union forces under Places, which is maintained by the U.S. the command of Brigadier General National Park Service. Other city build Edwin H. Stoughton occupied the town. ings on the National Register of Historic In an audacious raid led by Confederate Places include the Fairfax Elementary Colonel John S. Mosby in March of School Annex, which houses the Fairfax 1863, Stoughton was captured while he Museum and Visitors Center, the 29 slept in a house which belongs to Truro Diner and the Bailiwick Inn. Episcopal Church. Also in 1863, Antonia The brochure Journey Through Time, Ford, whose girlhood home was the Ford aids in a walking tour of noteworthy Building on Chain Bridge Road, was buildings and monuments in Old Town imprisoned as a Southern spy for aiding Fairfax and offers a brief history of the Confederate General I.E.B. Stuart. city; it is available free from the Fairfax Through the early 20th century, the Museum and Visitors Center, 10209 Town of Fairfax remained a community Main Street; call 385-8414. of farms and small estates, with a tiny core of commerce, government and soci ety in the few blocks surrounding the courthouse. But in the 19505 and 1960s, county court was established here, at the comer of Little River Turnpike and Ox Road, then as now a major regional cross roads. The lillie town surrounding the court was then known as Earp's Corner and in 1805, by an act of the state legisla ture, as the Town of Providence. However, for years it was commonly called "Fairfax Court House" and was officially renamed "Fairfax" in 1874. Page 25 Community Handbook City of :Jaiif~ Prina 'JVi£fwm Cuunty commercial and residential property here HOME IMPROVEMENTS. See: means that city homeowners generate less Building Permits. than half of the city's revenues. HOME IMPROVEMENT City residents enjoy many advantages ASSISTANCE. See Disabilities Service, that people in neighboring jurisdictions Senior Citizens. do not, including refuse collection and snow removal by tbe local government at HORTICULTURIST. See: Extension no additional cost and tax rates that are Services, Tree Planting. about 30 percent lower. HOSPITALS. City residents are served The residents of the city's 7,362 by an emergency-<:are facility, a nursing households have a median age of 30.8 home and two fully accredited hospitals, years and an average household income aU operated by INDV A, a non-profit of $50,913, which is more than 50 per· organization. cent higher than the state median. A third ACCESS (Ambulatory eare Center of tbe adult population has a college and Emergency Services System) of degree. As of 1991, the average single· Fairfax, 4315 Chain Bridge Road, family detached home sold for $187,034. offers 24·hour emergency care for HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW. The both minor and life·threatening ill Holiday Craft Show is held from 10 a.m. nesses and injuries. Laboratory and to 5 p.m. in November at Fairfax High x·ray services are available on·site, School. About 300 vendors fill the and rapid helicopter evacuation to school with their handcrafted items and Fairfax Hospital's trauma unit is Santa generally drops by for photo available for critically ill and injured opportunities and to listen to children's patients. For information, call 591· requests. For information, call 385-7858. 9322. Page 26 Community Handbook Commonwealth Care Center is a HOTUNES. Assistance is available 24 modem, 120-bed nursing home at hours from these phone numbers: 4315 Chain Bridge Road. For infor mation, call 934~5090. Adult Protective Services ...... 324-7450 Fair Oaks Hospital, 3600 Joseph Northern Virginia Hotline ...... 527-4077 Siewick Drive, phone 391-3600, is a Children Protective Services ... .324-7400 160-bed facility located near the city. Poison Control Center ...... 202/625-3333 Services include 24-hour emergency Rape Crisis Hotline ...... 360-7273 department, intensive care unit, Victim Assistance ...... 360-7273 obstetrics, cardiac care, radiology, Women's Shelter ...... 435-4940 laboratory and physical therapy; psy Woodburn Mental Health chiatric care is available on a consult Center Emergency Line ...... 573-5679 ing basis. See also: Children, Disabilities Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Services, Senior Citizens, Women's Road, phone 698-11 J0, located near Services. the intersection of the capital Beltway and U.S. 50, offers surgical, HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS medical, obstetric, neo-natal, pedi WASTE DISPOSAL. Residents may atric psychiatric and trauma care. The take household hazardous waste, such as 658-bed hospital, the largest in insecticides and household cleaners, to Northern Virginia, also provides out the Fire and Rescue Training Academy, patient clinics, diagnostic services 4600 West Ox Road. This site is open 1-5 and a fully staffed emergency depart p.m. Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon Fridays ment for around-the-clock service. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For infor For emergency ambulance service, mation, call 324-5068. dial 911. Citizens can take oil-based paints, The Woodburn Mental Health Center pesticides and petroleum products (such at 3340 Woodburn Road in as gasoline and diesel fuels) to the Annandale, offers publicly funded Fairfax County Transfer Station, 4618 mental health services for residents West Ox Road. For information, call of the city of Fairfax; call 573-0523 324-5230. (emergency 24-hour service: 573- HOUSING ASSISTANCE 5679). Among the mental health ser PROGRAMS, The city of Fairfax par vices available are emergency ser ticipates in the federally-funded vice and trealment, individual and Community Development Block Grant group psychotherapy for children Progratp. Under this program, eligible and adults, services to the chronically citizens receive loans for renovations or mentally ill, residential-based treat home improvements. ment services, court-related services As part of the block-grant program, and a prevention program. The the city also participates in the Home Fairfax-Falls Church Community Repair Program for the Elderly, which Services Board (12011 Government provides minor home repairs for income Center Parkway; 324-7000) admin eligible senior citizens as well as handi isters all mental health programs. capped homeowners of any age. Page 27 COIllIllunity Handbook Under the U.S. Department of through the Fairfax County Health Housing and Human Services Section 8 Department without charge. Immuniza Existing Housing Program, elderly and tions are performed at the Willard Health low-income households also are eligible Center, 3750 Old Lee Highway, from for rental assistance in the city. 2:30-4 p.m. Wednesday. For more infor All housing programs are adminis mation, call 246-7100. See also: Schools. tered for the city by the Fairfax County Housing and Community Development INCOME TAX, STATE AND Authority. For information about home FEDERAL. State income taxes are improvement loans and home repair for required of every person who lived in the elderly and disabled, call 385-7870; Virginia during the tax year or main about Section 8 Housing Program, call tained a residence in Virginia for more 246-5000. than 183 days (provided their Virginia adjusted gross income is above the filing HUDDLESON LIBRARY. See: threshold). Income and exemptions are Library. prorated for less than a full year. For HUMAN SERVICES. Citizens who forms and assistance contact the need help in locating community Commissioner of the Revenue in City resources should call the Human Hall at 385-7882. Services Office at 385-7894 (TDD: 385- The federal government operates a 7859) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. week tax information and assistance office at days. Nter business hours, residents may 5205 Leesburg Pike, Bailey's Cross call the 24-hour Northern Virginia roads; for inquiries, call (800) 829-1040. Hotline at 527-4077. INDEPENDENCE DAY HUNTING LICENSES. State license is CELEBRATION. The city's Indepen required. Licenses are available from dence Day Parade-Northern Virginia's area hardware and sporting goods stores. largest-begins at 10 a.m. July 4 rain or For information, contact the Virginia shine, stepping off from the Massey Commission on Game and Inland Building and winding through the down Fisheries, P.O. Box 11104 Richmond, town historic area. During the afternoon, VA 23220. firefighters from around the region com pete in an old-fashioned firefighters' TIn competition. A night show, featuring entertainment and fireworks is held at IMMUNIZATIONS. Virginia law Fairfax High School's Stalnaker Stadium requires that every new student be immu July 4 (rain date: July 5). For more nized against diphtheria, tetanus, whoop information, call the Parks and ing cough, polio, measles, rubella and Recreation Department at 385-7858. mumps. Without proof of required When July 4 falls on a Sunday, fes immunizations, students will not be tivities are held July 5 (with a rain date allowed to attend schooL Objections of July 6 for fireworks). based on religious grounds may be dis cussed with the school principal. INFORMATION. See: Community Routine immunizations are provided Relations. Page 28 Community Handbook INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLES. advantaged and elderly residents. For See: Automobiles. information, call 246-4500. See also: Attorneys. INSPECfIONS. See: Building Alterations, Inspections and Pennits; LIBRARY. Library services are provid Facilities Inspections. ed to city residents under a contract agreement with Fairfax County. The Jj Fairfax City Regional Library at 3915 Chain Bridge Road, near the center of the JAIL. See: Detention Facilities. city, contains the largest number of books of the county's 22 libraries. The LI library provides reference services, video cassettes, newspapers. magazines, IANDLORDrrENANT PROBLEMS. records, tapes, compact discs, talking and For landlord/tenant disputes or problems, large-print books, business/technical and call the Virginia Office of Consumer Virginia collections, copy machines and Mfairs at (804) 786-2042. meeting rooms; there is a fee for some of LAWN CONCERTS. See: Summer these services. For infonnation, call 246- Entertainment Series. 2741. LAWYERS. See: Attorneys. Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. LEAF COLLECTION. Each autumn, Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. the city operates leaf-collecting vehicles Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout the city from mid-October Sunday noon-6 p.m. through the end of December. Citizens should rake leaves to the curb for pick The Huddleson Library Board of up, ensuring that only leaves are left for Trustees op~rates a small lending library collection. Stones, brush and other on the second floor of Old Town Hall, debris will damage machinery and delay 3999 University Drive. Huddleson pick-up. Library is open from noon to 5 p.m. Leaf collection vehicles also operate Tuesday and Friday, and features an during April-the city's Spring Clean-up excellent selection of recent bestsellers, Month. regional histories and one of the area's The city's air pollution ordinance best collections of mystery and detective prohibits all open burning. Leaves are novels. not collected with trash, as leaves are LICENSE PLATES. See: Automobiles. banned from the Fairfax County landfill, which the city uses. LICENSES AND PERMITS. See infor The leaf collection schedule is pub mation under individual listing. lished in the Cityscene. For more infor mation, call 385-7810. LITI'LE LEAGUE. See: Children. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. Legal Services MIn of Northern Virginia provides civil legal services at no charge to low-income, dis- MAGISTRATE. See: Couns. Page 29 Cotntnunity Handbook MAPS. Free street maps of the city are consent in writing or in person. If the available from the Department of Public applicants are Virginia residents, one Works, Room 204 in City Hall. Other must be a resident of the city of Fairfax or city maps are available for a nominal fee Fairfax County. No blood tests are (tax maps, zoning maps, flood plain required and there is no waiting period maps, topographic maps, etc.). For infor once the license is issued. The license is mation, call 385-7810. valid for 60 days. Marriages are not per formed in the Clerk's office, but appli MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES. The cants may get a list of marriage celebrants Fairfax County Circuit Court maintains a (a ceremony by a celebrant costs $20). record of all certified marriages performed For more information, call 246-2993. after being licensed by Fairfax County. Copies of these certificates are available MEALS TAX. See: Restaurant Tax. from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Third MEDICAID, See: Social Services. Floor, Judicial Center, 4110 Chain Bridge Road for $2.50 each (money order made MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. The payable to the Oerk of the Court or cash) Woodburn Mental Health Center at 3340 and may be requested in person or by Woodburn Road in Annandale offers mail. If requested by mail, allow at least publicly funded mental health services three weeks for delivery. for residents of the city of Fairfax; call To apply for a copy of a certificate, 573-0523 (emergency 24-hour service: include the full name of the groom and 573-5679). Among the mental health ser the bride (including the bride's maiden vices available are emergency service name) and the date of marriage. For and treatment, individual and group psy information, call 246-436l. chotherapy for children and adults, ser A copy of a marriage certificate also vices to the chronically mentally ill, resi can be obtained from the Virginia dential-based treatment services, Department of Health in Ric~ond. court-related services and a prevention Include the information listed above and a program. The Fairfax-Falls Church check or money order for $5-made Community Services Board (12011 payable to the Virginia Department of Government Center Parkway; 324-7000) Health--and mail to the Division of Vital administers all mental health programs. Records, P.O. Box WOO, Richmond, VA MENTAL RETARDATION 23208-1000. Allow at least four weeks for SERVICES, The Community Services processing and mailing of the certificate. Board provides a number of services for For infonnation, call (804) 786-6228. persons with mental retardation and their MARRIAGE LICENSES. Marriage families, including information and refer licenses are issued by the Clerk of the ral, adaptive skills training, work skills Circuit Court, Third Floor, Judicial development, sheltered and competitive Center, 4110 Chain Bridge Road. Thefee employment opportunities, case-manage is $20 cash. Both parties must appear ment services and respite and residential before the clerk to obtain a license and placement. For information, call the must be 18 or older (proof required) or, if Community Services Board's Case between 16 and 18, have formal parental Management Center at 359-9010. Page 30 Community Handbook METRO. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates buses and Nn a rapid-rail train system throughout the NAME CHANGES. Name changes for metropolitan Washington area commonly adults and children are handled by the called "Metro." The nearest Metrorail sta Clerk of the Circuit Court on the third tion is Vienna, which is about a mile north floor of the Judicial Center, 4110 Chain of the city and is accessible from the city's Bridge Road. CUE Bus system. Parking is available at Those who wish to change their the station, although it does fill up rapidly name need to get the proper documents on weekdays. from a sample book in the clerk's For scheduling and fare information, office, Room 337 in the Judicial Center. call (202) 637·7000 from 6 a.m. to 11:30 Copies of the documents can be p.m. obtained from the copy center for a fee. MISS UTILITY. To locate city water The documents can be notarized in the lines and other utilities, contact Miss building, copied (for a fee) as required Utility 48 hours in advance at (800) 257· by law and filed the same day if the 7777. petitioner has proper identification. The filing fee is $20 cash. MOTOR VEHICLES. See: Department Name changes can be done by mail of Motor Vehicles. by sending the proper documents (nota MULCH. Citizens may help themselves rized) to the office with a 520 money to free mulch at the city's mulching facil order. Mail the request to Clerk of the ityat 10660 Page Avenue. The facility is Circuit Court, Third Floor, Judicial accessible daily (including weekends and Center, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, holidays) during daylight hours. For Fairfax, VA 22030. information, call 385-7995. Allow at least two weeks for process ing of the documents. For more informa MUSEUM. The Fairfax Museum and tion, call 246-4358. Visitors Center, run by Historic Fairfax In divorce proceedings, name changes City, Inc., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. are part of the final divorce decree (if seven days a week (except major holi such a request is specified). days). The museum is located in the his toric Fairfax Elementary School Annex at NEWSUNE. The city has the following 10209 Main Street and features many newslines exhibits showing the history of Northern Arts Information Line (concerts, Virginia. The museum also etc.}-352-ARTS offers tourist informa- ~..,..-- City Newsline-273-1776 tion for the area and Fire and Rescue Services Newsline- a brochure outlin 352-7984 ing a walking tour Police Infonnation Newsline-385- of historic Old 7956 Town Fairfax. For information, call NEWSPAPER RECYCLING. See: 385-8414. Recycling Page 31 Community Handbook issued by the Community Development Division in City Hall. For more informa tion, call 385-7820. OLD TOWN HALL. Old Town Hall, owned by the city and a landmark of its nationally recognized historic district, is available for rent, for community use and for social and business func tions. Built in 1900 and present ed to the citizens of the town, the building is used for parties, wedding receptions, business meetings and seminars. Old· Town Hall has a mod em kitchen and bath room facilities. On the second floor of Old Town Hall is Huddleson Library, open from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Friday. Also on the second floor is a gallery featuring the Old Town Hall work of local artists with the Fairfax Art League, open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. NORTHERN VIRGINIA For more information or to schedule COMMUNITY COLLEGE. See: use of Old Town Hall, call 385-7976. Colleges and Universities. See also: Library. NOTARY INFORMATION. For infor mation on becoming a notary, call the Clerk of the Circuit Court Office at 246- 4100. Notaries are available at City Hall; PARKING PERMITS. Residents in a call 385-7855. few neighborhoods in the city must dis playa parking sticker on their vehicles. The neighborhoods have signs advertis ing the need for these stickers, which are OCCUPANCY PERMITS. An occu free of charge from the Treasurer's Office pancy permit must be issued before a in City Hall. The neighborhoods requir new single-family home is occupied, ing parking permits are those near George before a new business or office occupies Mason University and other areas in a new or existing building and before a which there is a problem of non-residents non-resident property owner rents or congesting the streets with parked cars. leases a single-family house. Permits are For information, call 385-7900. Page 32 Community Handbook PARKING TICKETS. Parking tickets ties include paved basketball courts, shel issued by the City of Fairfax Police are tered picnic areas with grills and. at processed through the city's Treasurer's Providence Park, a tennis court. Office. For information on payment of At the western edge of the city is parking tickets, call 385·7900. However, Kutner Park, which has a tennis court, if a ticket has gone to summons, the citi soccer field and an activity center. In addi zen will have to contact the General tion, smaller parks and several lighted District Court in City Hall; call 385-7866. ballfields are scattered throughout the city, In addition to city parks, a mutual PARKS. The quality of life in the city is agreement between Fairfax County and enhanced by the existence of open space, the city allows city residents to use coun parkland and a varied recreational pro ty parks and recreation programs. The gram. The city maintains approximately county's parks system offers more than 150 acres of parkland and athletic facili 14,000 acres of parkland and a variety of ties. Citizens help maintain and enhance facilities, including'neighborhood, com city parkland through the Adopt-a-Park munity, district and historic parks, nature and Gifts Cor Parks programs. The Parks study and recreation centers, skating and Recreation Department schedules rinks, swimming pools, marinas, public use of all athletic fields in city parks The golf courses, tennis courts, paths and department also schedules park picnic trails, playing fields, picnic grills and shelters and prepares picnic kits for com tables, as well as special activities and munity use. For information about these programs. For more information on programs and facilities, contact the Parks county park facilities and programs, call and Recreation Department at 3730 Old the 24-hour park hotline at 941-5008. Lee Highway or call 385-7858. The city of Fairfax annually con Perhaps the most popular city park. tributes to the Northern Virginia Van Dyck Park on Old Lee Highway, Regional Park Authority and city resi covers 20 acres and includes sheltered dents may enter the parks free of charge. picnic facilities, a lighted basketball The authority operates 11 parks in court, exercise trail, four lighted tennis Northern Virginia, five of which are in courts, a tot lot, three large multipurpose Fairfax County. These parks offer 9,000 play areas and an activity center with a acres of hiking, picnicking, boating, fish slide, tire swing and balance beam. The ing, camping, children's playgrounds, largest park, 48-acre Daniels Run, sepa swimming and many other outdoor recre rates the Little River Hills and Old Lee ational activities. The NVRPA offices Highway subdivisions. The heavily are located at 5400 Ox Road. For infor wooded site includes a picnic shelter mation, call 352-5900. with grills, playground equipment and See map of parks on page 35. bike paths. Seventeen-acre Providence Park at PASSPORTS. For inConnation, call the the end of West Drive and IS-acre Clerk of the Circuit Court Office at 246- Ranger Road Park also are heavily wood 4100. ed and equipped with a variety of innov ative playground equipment. Park fadli- (Continued on page 35) Page 33 Community Handbook COBBDALEPARK JERMANTOWN RANGER ROAD PARK • Burrows and Howerton avenues; ELEMENTARV SCHOOL • Ranger Road; 18 acres one·haIf~ • 3616 Jermantown Road • Paved basketball court • Playground equipment • Outdoor basketball court Picnic area • Two practice football fields • Playground equipment DALE LFSI'INA PARK • Playground equipment • Plantation Parkway; 7 acres • Two softball/ three Little RATCUFFE PARK • Playground equipment League fields • locust Street and Sager Avenue; 6_ • Indoor activity rooms DANIELS RUN PARK • Two basketba11 courts Heritage Lane, Embassy Lane, KEITH AVENUE PARK little League field Tedrich Boulevard and Estel • Keith Avenue, 4.1 acres • Small mUltipurpose field Road; 48;u:res • Football field • Playground equipment Primarily in natural state • Two little League fields • Bike,lhike/jog trail • Playground equipment TIlAISS MEMORIAL PARK • Picnic shelter • Pickett Road; 10 acres • Small tot lot KUTNER PARK • Five little League Fields • Jermantown Road and Route 50; • One picnic sheller DRAPER DRIVE PARK 10.5 acres • Playground equipment Beech Drive; 16.6 acres Hikiog tmiI • Bike trail Horseshoe pit VAN DVCK PARK • Multi-use field Picnic shelter • Old Lee Highway; 20 acres • Two soccer fields Play equipment • lighted basketball court Soccer field • Exercise trail FAiRCHF.SfER WOODS • Multipurpose play areas PARK • Tennis court • Volleyball court • Two picnic shelters • Warwick AvenJ:e; one acre • Playground equipment • Small basketball court SIDNEV LANIER • Four Iigbted tennis courts • Park benches INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL • Sand volleyball court • Playground equipment • 3710 Bevan Drive WESTMORE ELEMENTARY FAIRFAX HIGH SCHOOL • FOUl indoor I fOUl outdoor bas- ketba1l courts SCHOOL • 3500 Old Lee Highway • Three soccer fields • 11000 Berry Street • Two baseball/two softball fields • Outdoor basketball court • Four indoor/four outdoor basket- • little League field • Indoor activity rooms little League/softball field ball courts • Playground equipment • Three racquetball courts lAYfONHALL • Soccer/football practice field • Six tennis courts ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • Indoor actiVity rooms • Outdoor track • 3705 Old Lee Highway • Two weight rooms • Playground equipment WESfMORE PARK • Fern and Oakwood streets; one GREENACRES • Two practice soccer fields ELEMENTARV • Two sofiball fields "'" • Indoor activity rooms Basketball court • 4401 Sidebum Road • PiCllic shelter • Outdoor basketball court PROVIDENCE PARK • Playground equipment • little League field • West Drive; 17 acres • Practice tennis court • Playground equipment • Large paved basketball court • Two soccer fields JOHN C. WOOD MUNICIPAL Iighl Page 34 Community Handbook ...... '., \. . '., \; r·"···"··· .. ·.. ·J ...! ; ,...... -..J ,.._••. [ ••••• _ .... _._ ....1 \~~.~Ac:r..U:=-, (Continued from page 33) erty reports should be filed within 30 days of moving into the city. For more PERMITS AND LICENSES. See infor information, call the commissioner of the mation under individual listing. revenue at 385-7881. PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX. City See also: Taxes residents who own molor vehicles, PLANNING. See: Community boats, campers or trailers are subject to a Development and Planning. personal property tax. Citizens are required to file an annual report of tax· PLAYGROUND PROGRAM. See: able property with the commissioner of Children, Recreation Department. the revenue in early May. Personal prop POISONING. Call the Poison Control erty taxes are prorated. Forms are sup Center at (202) 625-3333. plied by the commissioner's office. Returns filed after the May deadline are POLICE. In emergencies, call 591-5511 subject to a penalty of 10 percent of the (TDD: 359-2480). lax assessment (or a $10 minimum, nol Law enforcement, including patrol to exceed the lax). and detective services, crime prevention The commissioner assesses the value and community service activities, are of personal property and the City Council carried out by the City of Fairfax Police sets the rate of the property tax. Personal Department. The department is located in property taxes are payable to the city the John C. Wood Municipal Complex, treasurer by December 5. Personal prop- 3730 Old Lee Highway. The central non- Page 35 Community Handbook emergency number is 385-7924 (J'DD: served by two post offices. Those whose 359-2480). zip code is 22030 are served by the The police department participates in Fairfax City Post Office, 3951 Chain several crime prevention, youth services, Bridge Road, phone 273-5571. Those community relations and traffic safety whose zip code is 22031 or 22032 are programs, including the Alcohol and served by the Turnpike Post Office, 3601 Drug Services (ADS), Block Watch aod Pickett Road, phone 239-2900. Block Mother programs, Operation 10, PUBLIC WORKS. The Public Works Operation Touchback, fingerprinting Department provides a full spectrum of identification for youngsters and residen citizen services. Public Works maintains tial and commercial burglary prevention. roadways, curbs, gutters and sidewalks; A Chief of Police-Citizens Advisory maintains traffic signals, storm drainage Council meets regularly to address citi and lighting; and administers construc zen concerns. For information about any tion contracts. The department also is in of these programs, contact the police charge of sanitation, recycling, maintain community services officer at 385-7975. ing facilities and rights-of-way and beau POOLS. The city does not have munici tification. See: Curbside Collection! pal pools. However, the Oak Marr Recycling Program, Leaf Collection; Recreation Center, a regional facility Recycling Service; Refuse Service; located just outside the city at 3200 Storm Drainage; Street Maintenance; Jermantown Road in Oakton, has pool Street Opening Permits; Traffic Signals; facilities; call 281-6501. In addition, citi Traffic Signs; Tree Planting. zens can purchase memberships at a PURCHASING. Those who wish to bid number of community pools; call the on projects and services for the city may civic associations to get information on place their names on a bid list; caU the community pools. See also: Civic Purchasing Office at 385-7875. Associations. POST OFFICE. City residents are RADON. For a free information packet about radon gas, call the RJJJclif!t-AUison House Page 36 Community Handbook Environmental Health and Radon Hotline Taxpayers dissatisfied with their at 246-2108. assessments may appeal them to the Real RATCLlFFE·ALLlSON HOUSE. This Estate Assessments Office and, if neces is the oldest house in the city of Fairfax sary, to a three-member Board of and, in 1973, was the first city-owned Equalization. building to be placed on the National For more information about real Register of Historic Places. The oldest estate assessments, call 385-7840. section of the house, the eastern portion, Real estate tax relief benefits are was built by Richard Ratcliffe around available to eligible senior citizens and to 1812. The Women's Club offers tours permanently disabled City residents. upon request. For information, call the See: Disabled Services; Taxes; Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center at Senior Citizens. 385·8414. RECREATION PROGRAMS. The REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENTS, Parks and Recreation Department pro TAXES. Real estate in the city is assessed vides all age groups with a wide variety and taxed annually; payment is due semi of year-round leisure activities. Programs annually, on June 5 and December 5. The offered include fee classes in tennis, Assessment Office assesses the value of dance, karate, gymnastics, aerobics and a real propeny and the City Council sets the variety of recreational and cultural activi tax rate each April when it adopts the bud ties for children, teens, adults and senior get. To find out what the current tax rate citizens. In addition, the department is, call 385·7870. sponsors bus trips to SCOres of sporting All assessments reflect the property's and cultural events. Times and locations fair market value and must be equitable of upcoming programs are publicized in with comparable properties. Real estate the monthly Cityscene and on assessments are effective January I and Cityscreen-12, the city cable television are at 100 percent of fair market value. station. As defined in the Commonwealth of The department also sponsors a free Virginia, fair market value is "the price a series of summer lawn concerts and spe property will bring when it is offered for cial events throughout the year at the sale involving a buyer who does not have Veterans Amphitheater. to buy and a seller who does not have to A seven-week playground program sell." for city youngsters in grades preschool-9 Page 37 Community Handbook is conducted each summer at city on recycling service. call BFt at 471-\320. schools. The program offers sports and Bins are property of the city and should games, swimming, films and field trips, be left in the home when residents move arts and crafts and special events. The from the property. New residents who program operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., need a recycle bin should call 385-7995. weekdays June to August. In conjunc All residents may take their recy tion with the program, extended hours clables to the Property Yard on Pickett are offered from 7-9 a.m. and from 3-6 Road, which has a 24-hour drop-off cen p.m. in some elementary schools. The ter for: Teen Center will be open at Fairfax newspapers (without glossy inserts) High School for seven weeks in the aluminum cans summer from 3-10 p.m.; call 385-7858. glass containers (clear, green or The Parks and Recreation Depart brown) ment is located in the Wood Municipal plastic beverage containers (with nar Complex, 3730 Old Lee Highway. For row necks) information, call 385-7858. used oil filters See also: Chocolate Lovers Festival, automobile batteries Concerts, Fall Festival; Festival of household batteries Lights and Carols; Holiday Craft Show; motor oil Independence Day Celebration; antifreeze Spotlight on the Arts; Summer freon Entertainment Series. tires Aluminum cans also are collected at RECYCLING SERVICE. The city Fire Station 3 and Fire Station 33 as pan of offers curbside recycling of newspapers, the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children cans, bottles and some plastics. program, where proceeds from the sale of Recyclables are collected on the the cans fund the care of child bum same day as regular trash @ \Jl victims. pickup; simply place the 4.~ As a health precaution, blue recycle bin at the curb ~ please make sure all recy by 7 a.m. to assure collec- © c1ables are clean. tion. Residents can put the fol The city also collects lowing in their bins: Christmas trees, grass clippings newspapers (without and yard debris, which are glossy inserts) turned into mulch available to aluminum and metal bev residents at no cost. erage and food cans Phone books are colleded glass containers (clear, once a year for recycling; for green or brown) ~ ® information, call 385-7995. plastic beverage con ~~ ~ For recycling informa- tainers (with narrow @ '\1 © ~~ tion, call 385-7995. necks) See also: Curbside Collectionl The city contracts with BFt for its Recycling; Christmas trees, Grass clip curbside recycling service. For questions pings; Leaf CoUedion; Mulch. Page 38 Community Handbook REFUSE SERVICE. The Public Works Department provides weekly refuse col Ss lection for residents in townhouses and SAFETY INSPECTIONS. Residents single-family houses. Collections are may request a home safety inspection or made on regular schedules. However, fire safety inspection of their home. the schedules may be altered due to holi These inspections are offered free of days; check the Cityscene for holiday charge. For information, call the Fire and trash collection schedules, or phone 385- Rescue Services at 385-7940 or the City 7810. of Fairfax Police Department at 385- Trash should be put out no earlier 7946. than the night before pick-up. SCHOOLS. By contractual agreement, Waste materials must be packaged the Fairfax County Public School System in metal or plastic containers with han operates city schools and provides educa dles and tight-fitting covers. Trash con tional services for city students. The city tainers should be a minimum of 10 and pays for these services according to a cost a maximum of 31 gallons. Plastic bags formula agreed to in the tuition contract. are acceptable. No container may The school buildings are owned by the exceed 60 pounds or be taller than five city, however, and city funds are used to feet. Larger items (such as furniture) improve, construct or renovate buildings. will be picked up on the regular trash The City Council appoints a five schedule and must be placed by the member school board, and each member curb. serves a three-year term. The terms are Large appliances, or "white goods," staggered so that one or two terms expire must be disposed of through a special each year. A student representative from pick-up. To arrange a special pickup, call Fairfax High School also serves on the 385·7825. board. The superintendent is the chief Grass, brush and yard debris are col lected upon request through a curbside executive officer of the school board, appointed by tbe board to this part·time collection program. See also: Curbside position. Collection I Recycling. The school board executes the school RENTAL OCCUPANCY PERMITS. tuition contract, implements the annual Absentee landlords who rent or lease operating budget and develops the school detached housing, townhouses and con facility improvement program. The board dominiums must acquire a business meets the ftrst Monday of each month in license from the Commissioner of the City Hall. Residents are invited to attend Revenue and a rental occupancy permit and present their views. For more infor in the zoning office in City Hall. For mation, contact the Superintendent's information. call 385·7820. Office at 385-7910. Virginia law states that any child who RESTAURANT TAX. The city levies a has reached the fifth birthday on or tax on all meals sold by restaurants. The before September 30 must be enrolled in city uses these funds for transportation kindergarten for that school year begin projects. ning in the fall unless the parent or Page 39 Community Handbook guardian notifies the school system that located in the city. he or she does not wish the child to St. Leo the Great Catholic School attend. Children who will reach the fifth Grades K-8 birthday after September 30 and on or 3704 Old Lee Highway before October 31 may be enrolled in 273-1211 kindergarten; the elementary schools pro Paul VI High School vide counseling for parents or guardians Grades 9-12 of children who reach their fifth birthday 10675 Lee Highway during this period regarding the advis 352-0925 ability of school attendance. A child who SECURITY ALARM ORDINANCE_ will be six years old on or before Every city of Fairfax business protected September 30 must attend school during by a security alarm system must obtain a the school year beginning that fall. permit to operate it. The city imposes a Parents should take a birth certificate progressive service charge for false or equivalent and a transfer slip or report alarms to which police officers respond. card from the previous school to the Residences protected by security sys school office when enrolling a child. tems do not need a permit but are subject Evidence of immunization also is to the false-alarm service charge. required; a certificate of a physical exami Applications for a security alarm per nation is required for elementary students. mit can be obtained from the Treasurer's For schools information, call 246-2502. Office by calling 385-7900. For more information about the alarm City Schools ordinance, contact the Police Department Green Acres Elementary at 385-7950. 4401 Sidebum Road 273-5389 SENIOR CmZENS_ A variety of pro- Layton Hall Elementary grams are available for senior citi 3705 Old Lee Highway zens in this area. Most services 273-3643 apply to people aged 60 and older, Jermantown but eligibility varies. Programs Elementary include adult education classes, 3616 Jermantown Road 273-5421 Westmore Elementary 11000 Berry St. 273-1470 Sidney Lanier Intermediate 3710 Bevan Drive 273-0790 Fairfax High School 3500 Old Lee Highway 591-8350 Two parochial schools also are Page 40 COInInunity Handbook Area seniors are welcome to partici ment Block Grant Program. The program pate in programs offered at the city's offers loans to low- and moderate Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. income citizens for housing rehabilita Monday through Saturday at the John C. tion and home improvement. The city Wood Municipal Complex. For informa also participates in the Home tion, contact the city Parks and Improvement Loan Program and the Recreation Department at 385-7858. Home Repair Program for the Elderly, The Learning in Retirement Institute which offer assistance to eligible low at George Mason University provides income elderly and disabled homeown opportunities for seniors to explore inte) ers. For information, call 385-7894. lectual and cull ural subjects and to share See also: CITY WHEELS, Housing their experience and talents. LRI offers Assistance. classes, forums and other special events SEWER. Sanitary sewer service, con and social activities year-round. For tracted from Fairfax County, extends information, call 385-1593. throughout the city. Up to 4.2 million Seniors may wish to volunteer for gallons of sewer capacity is purchased "Seniors in Action," a program that daily from the matches seniors with volunteer programs county's lower based on the individuaJ's interests and Potomac skills. For information, call 324-5407. Suspected abuse or neglect of elderly people should be reported to the Adult Protective Services. For information, call 324-7450. People aged 60 and older may ride the city's CUE Bus for free. Metro or Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging Senior Identification Cards may be used for proof of age. The city also offers a program called CITY WHEELS for those who are physically unable to use the regular CUE Buses. For more infor mation, call the human services coordi nator at 385-7894. ReaJ estate tax and rental relief bene fits also are available to eligible senior citizens and permanently disabled city residents. Seniors must be 65 years old or older. For information about eligibility or for an application, call 385-7870. The city of Fairfax participates in the federally funded Community Develop- Fairfax Clock Tower Page 41 Community Handbook pollution control plant near Lorton. plowing. Crews first salt and sand snow Sewer service charges are calculated emergency routes, then side streets. on the basis of the amount of water used The city's snow-emergency ordinance during each regular billing period; fees authorizes the city manager to declare a are collected as part of the utility bill. For snow emergency which, in essence, more information, or if you have ques decrees that routes must be kept clear for tions about your bill, contact the Transit emergency vehicles and snow plows and and Utilities Department at 385-7915. that all vehicles stranded or stalled on In case of emergency, call 385-7920 snow-emergency routes will be ticketed (TOO: 385-7859). After 5 p.m., call 385- and towed. These routes are Jermantown 7924 (TOO: 359-2480). Road, Chain Bridge Road, Main Street, Old Lee Highway, Pickett Road and SHERIFF. The city shares a sheriff with Arlington Boulevard/Lee Highway. Fairfax County and other local communi Property owners are responsible for ties. The sheriff is an elected official who cleaning snow from their driveways and has criminal and civil jurisdiction in the sidewalks. Pile snow to the right-hand city and surrounding jurisdictions. The side of the street so city trucks can push sheriff is responsible for operation of the it away from residences. It is against the city's General District Court, County law to push snow onto city streets. For Adult Detention Center and County Pre information during inclement weather, Release Center, serving civil processes, call 385-7980. and security of the Judicial Center and The most up-to-date information various county courts. The Sheriff's about the city government closings and Office has more than 400 uniformed other snow-related news is generally on deputies and civilian employees. The the city Newsline-273-1776---f)r on office is located in the Judicial Center at Cityscreen-12, the city's cable-TV chan 4110 Chain Bridge Road; for informa nel. The Community Relations Office tion, call 246-3227. also supplies news to radio and television SIGNS. The location and size of all stations. See also: Street Maintenance. signs, including temporary banners, real SOCIAL SECURITY. Social Security estate and construction and yard sale is administered by the federal govern signs, are governed by the city's zoning ment. The nearest office is at 7777 ordinance. In many cases, permits are Leesburg Pike, Suite 700, Lobby Level, required. Falls Church, VA 22043. For informa Signs in the Old Town Historic tion, call (800) 772-1213. District and transitional overlay districts require the additional approval of the SOCIAL SERVICES, Many financial Board of Architectural Review. aid, supportive and rehabilitative services For more information, contact the are available to eligible city residents zoning office at 385-7820. under contract through the Fairfax County Department of Human Develop SNOW REMOVAL. The city maintains ment. Programs include Medicaid, food its own streets and therefore is among the stamps, Aid to Dependent Children. adult few area jurisdictions to do all its own and child protective services, prevention Page 42 Cornrn.unity Handbook and employment training services. The STORM DRAINAGE. The Department department is located at 12011 of Public Works maintains the city's Government Center Parkway. For infor storm drainage system. To report clogged mation, call 324-7500. drains or creeks, call 385-7979. SOIL ANALYSIS. See: Extension STREET UGHTS. To report problems Services. with street lights, call Virginia Power at 934-9670. To request new installation, SPECIAL EVENTS. See: Chocolate call 385-7816. lover's Festival, Concerts; Fall Festival; Festival of Lights and Carols; Holiday STREET MAINTENANCE. The city Craft Show, Independence Day maintains all its traffic lights, streets and Celebration; Spotlight on the Arts; highways, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Summer Entertainment Series. The Public Works Department is respon sible for patching pavement, snow SPECIAL USE PERMITS. The city's removal and road resurfacing of the more zoning ordinance specifies particular pur than 11 miles of primary highways and poses for which land can be used in each 52 miles of secondary and residential zoning category. Some uses are by right, streets in the city. Private streets, however, but others-such as dancing, amusement are maintained by individual homeown machines, nursery schools, commercial ers' associations. For information, call recreation, automobile sales and repair 385-7980. and major home occupations-are desig nated "special permit" uses. Depending STREET OPENING PERMITS. on the use, these permits require a public Right-of-way/easement, street repairs, hearing before the Board of Zoning connections, wet taps and other street Appeals or the City Council. For more openings require special permits. For information, or to obtain an application, information, call 385-7810. contact the zoning office in City Hall at SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Alcohol and 385-7820. Drug Services (ADS) provides compre SPORTS GROUPS. See: Athletic hensive alcohol and drug treatment ser Groups, Children. vices for residents of the city. ADS, an agency of the Fairfax-Falls Church SPOTUGHT ON THE ARTS. Held Community Services Board, offers out each April, Spotlight on the Arts fea patient, residential, family, court-related tures several days of art exhibits, plays, and other special programs. Outpatient dance and choral, jazz and classical con services are offered at four locations, certs. Spotlight on the Arts, sponsored including the city of by the city in cooperation Fairfax. These services with George Mason which vary in length, type University, takes place and intensity-include infor at several city and mation I referral, consulta university locations. tion, assessment/evaluation, For more information, substance-abuse education, call 352-ARTS. individual and group counseling, Page 43 Community Handbook extended treatment and case manage· Police Department has a dedicated TDO ment. Specialized programs are available phone number for both emergency and for adolescents, young adults, women non--emergency: 359·2480. For fire and and Hispanics. For more information medical emergencies, 911 services both about any ADS service, call 359-7040. voice and TOO calls. Residents also may use, at no cost, SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT the Virginia Relay Center. This 24·hour SERIES- See: Concerts service enables communication between those with and those without TOO machines. The numbers are (800) 828· TAXES. The city treasurer collects all 1120 (TOD) and (800) 828-1140 taxes and revenues due the city and state. (voice). The commissioner of the revenue deter· TOURISM INFORMATION_ The mines the taxable value of personal prop· Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center in erty such as cars, trailers and boats and the heart of the city has much infonna· administers all taxing and licensing laws tion about tourist attractions in the area, of the city and state. Both offices are including battlefields and historic build· located in City Hall. ings. For information, call 385-8414. The More than half of the city's general Economic Development Office also fund budget is provided throUgh direct offers lodging and restaurant information city taxes, the largest of which is the real from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; call estate tax, based on the market value of 385-7862. See also: Economic land and buildings. The city also taxes Development. Museum. tangIble personal property, utility bills, cigarettes, hotel·motel occupancy and TRAFFIC SIGNALS. The city main licenses. The city collects a sales tax in tains more than 50 signalized intersec· addition to the state's tax. Also, the city tions. Technicians are on-call at all times collects a tax on meals sold by city to correct malfunctioning signals. To restaurants. report a malfunctioning signal, call 385· See the tax infonnation listing in the 7987. On evenings, weekends and holi· center portion of the handbook. See also: days, call the Police Department at 385- Business Property Tax, Cigarette Tax, 7924. Gasoline Tax, Income Tax, Personal Property Tax, Real Estate Tax and Utility TRAFFIC SIGNS. To report missing or Tax. damaged signs, call 385-7980. To request new traffic signs, call 385-7810. TDD (TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF) TRANSIT_ See: CITY WHEELS, CUE SERVICES. The city government has Bus System; Metro. three TOO numbers. The two that share a TRASH. See: Recycling; Refuse Service. line with a voice phone-385·7855 (Community Relations Office) and 385- TREE PLANTING. The city encour 7859 (Transit and Utilities}-are open ages tree planting, partly through the res· 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Fairfax identialtree-planting program. In this Page 44 CornITlunity Handbook Downtown Fairfax program, citizens and community groups unUTY TAX. The city imposes a utili may purchase white dogwood or purple ty tax on the fust $15 per month of elec leaf flowering plum trees at wholesale tric, water, gas and telephone bills of city prices from the city, which, for no extra residents. City commercial establishments cost, will plant the trees in city right-of also pay a 15 percent utility tax of the first ways. To participate, contact your civic $500 per month for electric. telephone. association or call the city at 385-7995. gas and water bills. See also: Taxes. TREE REMOVAL Before any tree with a trunk diameter of five inches or Vv larger in the city can be removed, a per VEHICLE INFORMATION. See: mit must be obtained from the zoning Automobile office in Room 102 of City Hall. For VISITORS CENTER. See: Museum. more information, ca1l385-7820. VISITORS INFORMATION. See: Un Tourism. UNEMPLOVMENT. To apply for VOLUNTEERS. The Volunteer Center unemployment insurance, contact the of Fairfax County provides a volunteer Virginia State Employment Commission. referral service and other programs. For In addition to administering the unem information, call 246-3460. Those who ployment insurance program, the com wish to join the Fairfax Volunteer Fire mission offers free job placement, coun Department may call 385-7869 for infor seling and special job programs. There is mation. one local office to serve city residents: VOTER REGISTRATION. To vote in 13135 Lee-Jackson Highway. Suite 340; city, state and naliona] elections, citizens call 803-11 00. must register and must be a United States unUTIES. These companies supply citizen. 18 year.; old by the time of the utility service to city residents: next November general election, and a City of Fairfax Water-385-7915 resident of Virginia and the precinct in c&P Telephone-876-7000 which they vote. Once registered, a resi (new service) dent may vote in primaries, special elec C&P Telephono-954-66ll tions and referendums. (line repair.;) To register, a social security number Northern Virginia Natural Gas-750- is required (unless one has never been 9500 issued). Voter.; do not specify party affil Virginia Electric Power Co. iation. Military personnel and their (VEPCO)-934-9670 spouses may register by mail using Form Page 45 ----~~----~-~-~-- ComOlunity Handbook 76 furnished by a voting officer or by requesting forms from the city registrar. Residents moving from one of the city's WATER. The city owns and operates its six precincts to another must notify the own water supply system, a 2oo-million registrar by mail or in person alieast 29 gallon raw water reservoir and water treat days prior to an election. ment plant on Goose Creek in Loudoun The city provides registered voters County. In the event of a severe drought, with identification cards that serve as proof additional capacity is provided by a 1.3 of citizenship when traveling to Canada, billion gallon side storage reservoir. Mexico and many other countries. The reservoir is linked to the city by City residents may register to vote at a 25-mile transmission line which also the following locations and times: serves part of eastern Loudoun County General Registrar's Office (Draper and parts of Fairfax County. The city's House, 10455 Armstrong Street, water system also is interconnected with Fairfax, VA 22030): 8:30 to 5 p.m., surrounding jurisdictions. Monday through Friday. Open all To arrange to have their water turned year. on, new residents should contact the Fairfax City Regional Library (3915 water billing clerk at 385-7915. There is a Chain Bridge Road): All open hours. $15 charge for this service and a $35 Division of Motor Vehicles (11215- deposit, the latter of which is applied with G Lee Highway): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. interest to the fmal bill on the account. Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 For information, or if there is a daytime p.m. Saturday when the books are emergency, call 385-7920 (IDD: 385- open. 7859). After 5 p.m., or on weekends and Fairfax Post Office (3951 Chain holidays, call 385-7924 (IDD: 359-2480). Bridge Road): 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. WILLARD HEALTH CENTER. See: Mondays when the books are open. Health Services. Registration closes 29 days before each regular election and six days prior WILLS AND ESTATE to any special election. New residents INFORMATION. Call the Clerk of the who were registered to vote at their old Circuit Court at 246-4193. address may apply for an absentee ballot WOMEN'S PROGRAMS. The from their former residence. Commission for Women acts as an Groups may organize a registration advocate for women in the city of drive in conjunction with the registrar's Fairfax and conducts educational pro office; be sure to submit the request in grams of interest to women. For infor writing three days before the desired date. mation, call the Office of Human Registration assistance for homebound Services at 385-7894. residents with disabilities is available Temporary emergency shelter for upon request at any time the office is battered women and their children is open. available at the Women's Shelter. For more information, call the gener Counseling also is prOvided. For help, al registrar at 385-7890. call 435-4940 (24 hours a day). Page 46 COITlmunity Handbook Counseling, emergency assistance and under age 16 must be accompanied by a advocacy for women who are victims of parent when applying. For more infor sexual assault or spouse abuse are pro mation, and the application forms, con vided by the Victim Assistance Network tact the Fairfax High School office, 3500 al 360-7273 (24 houn; a day). Old Lee Highway, aI591-8350. The The Career Development Center for office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Women is an agency of Fairfax County weekdays. that specializes in career development. Residents of the city of Fairfax are eligi Yy ble for career counseling and job search services. Fees are on a sliding scale, YOUTH GROUPS. See: Children. based on total family income. For infor malion, call 324-5730. Zz The Women's Center, 133 Park ZONING. See: Communily Street, N.E., Vienna, is a private non Development and Planning. profit organization that offers a wide range of programs and services, from ZIP CODES. The city of Fairfax does counseling to lawyer referrals, from not have an exclusive zip code. The three seminars on money management to cop zip codes in Ihe cily are 22030, 22031 ing with stress. For information, call and 22032, all of which are shared with 281-2657. Fairfax County. WOOD MUNICIPAL COMPLEX. Named for former Mayor John C. Wood, Ihis facililY al 3730 Old Lee Highway houses the City of Fairfax Police Department, Fire and Rescue Services administrative offices, the Senior Center and the Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as a space reserved for community use. This includes one large multipurpose room, two single rooms and one double room. Space may be reserved on an annual basis, although no room may be reserved for the exclu sive use of any group. For more infor mation or to schedule use of this facility, call 385-7858. WORK PERMITS. Work permits are required for students younger than age 16 and may be obtained at the student's high school. While there is no fee, stu dents must have a physicaJ examination before the permit is issued. Students Page 47 Community Handbook Information in the center of the Community Handbook will be updated annually, and replacement pages will be sent to residents. Page 48 City of Fairfax Statistical Profile DEMOGRAPHICS Population (1992 Census) ...... 19,911 Households (1990 Census) ...... 7,362 Average Household Size (1990 Census) ...... 2.6 persons Registered Voters ...... 10.972 Public School Membership (1992) ...... 2,331 Unemployment Rate (September 1992) ...... 2.1% Median Household Income (1992) ...... $50,913 Per Capital Personal Income (1992) ...... $21,929 Median Family Inceme ...... $56,419 HOUSING/INFRASTRUcrURE Total Housing Units (1992 est.) ...... 7,677 Single-Family ...... 5,465 Multi-Family Units ...... 2,182 Average Assessed Value Single-Family Homes (1992) ...... $166,500 Percent of Renter Occupied Housing ...... 32.7% City Land Area (square miles) ...... :...... 6.3 Arterial Roads ...... 15.7 miles Colleclor/Local Roads ...... 51.2 miles Sewer Line ...... "...... 90 miles Water Main Line ...... 172 miles FINANCIAL Total Assessed Value of Real Property (not including exemptions) 1992 ...... $1,900,061,900 1991 ...... $2,026,833,800 Tax Rates (1992) Real Property ...... 90 per $100 Perscnal Property ...... 3.29 per $100 COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE Bulk Rate City of Fairfax U.S. Postage 10455 Armstrong Street PAID Fairfax, VA 22030 Fairfax, VA (703) 385-7855 Permit No. 63 CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS CITY OF FAIRFAX FAIRFAX VA22030