Expanding Communities with Care: Our Land Use Department Leads the Way

Written by: Olaun Simmons

VF&N’s Land Use Department is proud to help bring well-planned, thoughtful communities to life. Recently, the VFN Land Use Department successfully advanced the rezoning application and obtain approval for The Flats at Westminster, a proposed age-restricted community in Woodbridge’s Occoquan District. This project will provide 24 high-end luxury apartments for residents aged 55 and older, while expanding the existing Westminster at Lake Ridge community.

A Collaborative Approach

From the outset, our Land Use Department worked closely with the property owner, County staff, neighboring communities, and other stakeholders. We carefully considered their concerns, incorporated their feedback, and refined the rezoning application accordingly. As a result, the rezoning application moved forward with broad community support.

We participated in outreach sessions with elected officials and neighboring communities. Prior to the public hearing, we received letters of support from the surrounding communities confirm that their concerns were heard, addressed, and resolved.

A Thoughtful Expansion

The Flats at Westminster is more than just a new building — it’s an extension of a thriving, established community. The development will feature:

• Two multi-family buildings, each with 12 apartments
• Spacious residences (1,400–1,600 sq. ft.) featuring private balconies, open floor plans, and luxury finishes
• Access to existing Westminster at Lake Ridge amenities, including a heated saltwater pool, fitness center, library, greenhouse, walking trails, and more
• Beautiful landscaping, open spaces, tree save areas and buffers to protect surrounding neighborhoods

Sustainability was also a priority. The project will incorporate energy-efficient appliances, high-performance building envelopes, LED lighting, and EV charging infrastructure.

Why It Matters

The approved rezoning for the Flats at Westminster at Lake Ridge project not only meets zoning and comprehensive plan requirements but also enriches the broader community.

Our work on this project demonstrates how skilled legal guidance can bridge the gap between developers and the communities they seek to join. By fostering collaboration, encouraging dialogue, and prioritizing transparency, our Land Use Department helped create a project that County staff, neighbors, and elected officials supported with confidence.

We are proud of our team’s efforts and look forward to continuing to help shape communities that are not only legally sound and compliant but also welcoming, sustainable, and embraced by the people who call these communities home.

Planning a rezoning, special use permit, or community development project in Northern Virginia?

VF&N’s Land Use Department can help you navigate zoning laws, work with local governments, and build community support for your project.

Contact our team today at 703-369-4738 or visit vfnlaw.com to schedule a consultation. Together, we can turn your vision into a community success story.

This blog post is not intended to provide legal advice or substitute for the advice of legal counsel with respect to specific facts and situations. See disclaimer