Arlington County, a Washington, D.C., community that took shape in the 1950s, when single-family homes were the rule in suburbia, recently became one of the first locations on the East Coast to eliminate single-family-only zoning.
Lots in the 26-square-mile county that previously were limited to one home will now allow densities of two to six units. The actual number of units permitted on each site will be determined by the size of the lot, with lots larger than 6,000 sf permitted to have five or six units.
The new zoning rules will be phased in beginning on July 1. Arlington will allow 58 permits per year for multi-unit conversion on lots that were previously restricted to single-family construction until 2028. At that point, there will be no limits on new multifamily projects.
Multifamily buildings on formerly single-family lots still must conform to the limits on height, lot coverage, floor plans, and setbacks that were applied to single-family homes. The zoning change is the fruit of a report, the Missing Middle Housing Study, conducted by the county to assess the need for multifamily development.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 5, 2020
COVID-19: Most multifamily contractors experiencing delays in projects due to coronavirus pandemic
The NMHC Construction Survey is intended to gauge the magnitude of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak on multifamily construction.
Plumbing | Mar 13, 2020
Pioneer Industries launches new website
Pioneer Industries launches new website
Multifamily Housing | Mar 5, 2020
The Aviator apartment community opens near Henderson Executive Airport
The community is inspired by antique airplane designs.
Building Materials | Mar 3, 2020
84 Lumber President Maggie Hardy Knox receives Career Achievement Award
Maggie Hardy Knox, President of 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, to receive Career Achievement Award.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 26, 2020
School districts in California are stepping in to provide affordable housing for faculty and staff
One high school district in Daly City has broken ground on 122-apartment building.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 23, 2020
A post-storm Puerto Rico reconsiders how and what to rebuild
Federal help means tougher code enforcement. And will this island of homeowners embrace renting?
| Feb 17, 2020
Interior designers weigh in on outdoor kitchens
Designers weigh in on outdoor kitchens
