Subject:
Title
8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. Request for approval of proposed site plan and modifications of requirements for 800-900 Follin Lane, SE, Navy Federal Credit Union, for the installation of emergency generators and construction of related infrastructure.
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE: n/a
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)’s headquarters, addressed at 820 Follin Lane, SE, was constructed in three phases from the late 1970s through the 1990s and is currently undergoing modernization. The existing emergency generators are aging and require replacement to maintain reliable service. The proposed site modifications include the installation of replacement emergency generators and supporting infrastructure.
To mitigate operational noise, the generators will be enclosed by a 14-foot-high acoustic fence designed to absorb sound from the equipment. The Town Code permits a maximum fence height of six feet under Section 18-513.2D; therefore, the applicant is requesting a modification of requirements to allow the proposed 14-foot fence for enhanced noise control.
Per Sections 18-836.2E and 18-830 of the Town Code, the site plan - including the proposed modifications - requires review and recommendation by the Planning Commission before final approval by the Town Council.
Strategic Plan Initiative:
Vienna as a Safe Community: This project aligns with that strategy by modernizing and securing a critical component of the Town’s emergency power infrastructure at one of its largest commercial campuses. By replacing aging generators with quieter, more efficient models and constructing a sound-attenuating fence, NFCU is:
o Ensuring continuity of operations in emergencies (supporting emergency management and resilience),
o Investing in newer, cleaner, and quieter technology that enhances public safety through reduced operational impacts, and
o Supporting a safe community for adjacent neighborhoods through noise mitigation.
Board or Commission of Interest:
• Planning Commission reviewed the proposed site plan and modification of requirements at their March 12, 2025, meeting and voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• The Board of Architectural Review reviewed the proposed site changes including the fence, landscaping, lighting, and equipment on March 20, 2025, and approved the materials proposed.
Departmental Recommendation: Staff recommends 1) approval of the proposed modification of requirements to allow a 14-foot-high acoustic fence around the proposed generators, and 2) approval of the site plan as presented to include the proposed generators, fence and landscaping.
Town Attorney Recommendation: Pursuant to Town Code Sections 18-836.2E and 18-830, the Town Council must review for appropriateness the proposed site plan modifications. The Town Council should review to ensure the requested modifications would, if approved, be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and would not impair the integrity of the Town Code.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the requested modifications of requirements for the Navy Federal Credit Union’s proposed 14-foot acoustic fence, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve the requested modifications of requirements for the Navy Federal Credit Union, located at 800-900 Follin Lane, SE, related to the proposed 14-foot acoustic fence."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.
AND
“I move to approve the site plan as presented for the proposed generators, fence and landscaping at Navy Federal Credit Union located at 800-900 Follin Lane SE.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.