Arlington County, Va., a Washington, D.C.-area community, is considering proposed legislation that would remove zoning restrictions on multifamily housing up to eight units in size.
The draft proposal, stemming from the county’s Missing Middle Housing Study, is similar to regulations recently passed in Minneapolis and Portland, Ore. The maximum number of units in Arlington’s proposal would depend on lot size, from duplexes on the smallest lots up to a maximum of eight units on larger lots.
This would be a significant change from the county’s current zoning policy that restricts most non-federal land to only single-family homes. Neighborhoods that are predominantly duplexes and townhouses today and other mixed-use areas would not be impacted.
Advocates say the proposal would help alleviate a serious housing shortage. It is likely to generate some contentious opposition, though.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
Steel Framing Alliance updates ‘Thermal Design and Code Compliance for Cold-Formed Steel Walls’ design guide
Includes results of new tests and addresses IECC and ASHRAE compliance paths.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
Helena, Mont., may charge commercial developers a fee to fund public art
The fee would apply to new construction or alteration of nonresidential buildings of at least 20,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
DBIA releases new document on choosing a project delivery method
Provides owners and others with factors to consider when choosing the best method of delivery for their project.
High-rise Construction | Jun 5, 2015
Japanese policymakers discuss mandate for toilets in elevators
This quirky-sounding building code is a safety measure for the earthquake-prone nation.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2015
Rapid growth for environmental insurance in construction industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is paying closer attention to intrusion of potentially harmful vapors into commercial and residential buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2015
Roof collapse at Minnesota water park highlights failure to enforce codes
Rural areas say they can’t afford to enforce state-adopted building code.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2015
U.S. House scuttles EPA plan to expand definition of waters in Clean Water Act
Construction industry officials said the rule would hamper developers, cost jobs.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2015
First EPD covering PVC water and wastewater piping published
Benchmarks impacts of seven PVC pipe products across their life cycles.
Office Buildings | May 18, 2015
New ASHRAE standard offers test method to determine heat gain of office equipment
The standard will aid engineers in configuring cooling systems in office buildings.
Building Team | May 8, 2015
Surety bond forms specifically for design-build projects now available
The documents are the first of their kind to be coauthored by designers and builders.
