Board OKs School Expansion, Church Fire Pit

The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve additional enrollment at , a private school that rents space at , and continued use of a fire pit on the property. 

The academy plans to increase its enrollment at the location on Lee Highway from 99 to 150 students, starting this fall. The expansion generated little concern, as it is not expected to significantly impact traffic, and there will not be any construction involved. During the permit application process, however, . Last month, an advisory committee ruled that the necessary permit should be approved . That ruling concerned local Boy Scouts leaders, who use the pit with their troop for special events a few times every year. 

Members of the BZA sided with the church, and noted that the pit is located 250 feet away from the nearest residence. They also cited the conscientous nature of the Scouts, who take precautions to prevent open fires.

"You know, I've got a son who's in the Boy Scouts as well, and I know that they're very conscientous about that," said BZA member Tom Smith. "And I think that the provisions that you have in place here will address any concerns. Frankly, I think this goes a lot further than you see in fire pits that are taking place all over Fairfax County in residential areas, in people's homes."

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