Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A Comprehensive Plan is a community’s long-term “roadmap” for growth, redevelopment, and investment. It guides decisions on land use, transportation, housing, economic development, sustainability, and quality of life.
2. Why is Fairfield updating its plan now?
Fairfield’s current plan, Fairfield Forward, was adopted in 2019. Since then, conditions have changed:
- COVID-19 reshaped how people live, work, and shop
- Redevelopment opportunities have emerged along Route 4 and in the Town Center
- Regional requirements mean comprehensive plans must be updated every 5 years
This update ensures the plan stays relevant and actionable.
3. Does this change zoning for my property?
No. The Comprehensive Plan is a policy guide, not a zoning code. It sets the long-term vision for land use and redevelopment, but zoning changes are considered separately by City Council and Planning Commission, with their own public processes.
4. How will my input be used?
Community feedback is central to the update. Input from surveys, open houses, and online tools will:
- Help shape recommendations for redevelopment and quality of life
- Inform updates to transportation and housing priorities
- Be summarized in a public “What We Heard” report shared with the community
5. What are the focus areas for this update?
The update will place special attention on:
- Redevelopment along Route 4
- The future of Town Center
- Two undeveloped parcels still available for development
- Strategies to improve quality of life for residents
6. How can I participate?
There are several ways to get involved:
- Take the community survey (open now)
- Post on the community forum (open now)
- Attend the Virtual Open House to learn and give feedback (coming this winter)
- Visit this website for updates, maps, and resources
- Follow the City of Fairfield on social media for announcements
7. Who is leading the project?
The update is led by the City of Fairfield with support from a professional planning team. An Advisory Committee made up of community members and stakeholders will provide guidance throughout the process.
8. When will the updated plan be ready?
The update is expected to be completed in Spring 2026, with opportunities for input at every stage.
