Indoor Golf Simulator Facility Proposed For Fairfax Commercial Property

MERRIFIELD, VA — NextVision Golf Club LLC filed an application with Fairfax County Planning and Zoning on Monday for a special use permit that would allow it to operate an indoor golf simulator establishment in the Merrifield portion of Fairfax County.

NextVision seeks to convert the single-story commercial building at 8500 Lee Highway into a 7,767-square-foot golf simulator with 11 simulator bays made up of five private rooms and six practice rooms. It will also include sales counters and offices, as well as lounge and bar seating.

“Food and beverages, including alcohol, will be sold to patrons as permitted for commercial recreation, indoor uses,” the application says. “The types of food and beverages will include bar finger food, Asian American fusion cuisine, pastries, soft drinks, coffee, beer, and liquor.”

Located in the Providence District, the property consists of 2.21 acres over two parcels with 73 surface parking spaces and nine unstriped surface parking spaces, according to the application. The commercial building onsite has three tenants: McLean Furniture Gallery, Jordan Kitts Music, and Bill Page Body Shop.

“The golf simulator will provide additional activities to patrons and the community including the sale of golf-related merchandise, coaching sessions, a youth golf program, and a community charity program to offer free use of the simulators for local school golf clubs,” according to the application. “The proposed use will be entirely contained indoors and therefore does not qualify as a ‘golf course’ under the Zoning Ordinance.”

In its application, NextVision Golf says it anticipates about 80 customers on weekdays and up to 150 each on Saturday and Sunday, with no more than 50 customers at a time. Hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

“The Applicant is proposing 21 reserved parking spaces for patrons and employees in excess of the Zoning Ordinance requirement in addition to the non-reserved spaces in the parking area,” the application says. “The reserved spaces will be located at the front and in the rear of the building. Patrons will be able to access the proposed use through the front or rear entrances without needing to walk around the building exterior.”

The property is located in an I-5 (Industrial) zoning district and golf simulator, like the current commercial building, is in harmony with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan, according to the application.

The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals will host a public hearing on Oct 29 on NextVision Golf Club's special use permit application.