The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance Table of Contents

The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance contains the land use regulations for all land in Arlington County. The Code of Virginia Title 15.2 Chapter 22 forms the basis for such land use regulation as follows:

15.2-2280. Zoning ordinances generally. - Any locality may, by ordinance classify the territory under its jurisdiction or any substantial portion thereof into districts of such number, shape and size as it may deem best suited to carry out the purposes of this article, and in each district it may regulate, restrict, permit, prohibit and determine the following:

1. The use of land, buildings, structures and other premises for agricultural, business, industrial, residential, flood plain and other specific uses;
2. The size, height, area, bulk, location, erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, maintenance, razing, or removal of structures;
3. The areas and dimensions of land, water, and air space to be occupied by buildings, structures and uses, and of courts, yards, and other open spaces to be left unoccupied by uses and structures, including variations in the sizes of lots based on whether a public or community water supply or sewer system is available and used; or
4. The excavation or mining of soil or other natural resources.

The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance is subject to amendment by the Arlington County Board. The Zoning Ordinance presented here is current as of June 11, 2011. Should you have any questions regarding the Zoning Ordinance contact the Arlington County Zoning Office at 703-228-3883.

RECENT Zoning Ordinance AMENDMENTS

From time to time the Arlington County Board amends the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that land use and development regulations meet the needs and goals of the community. The following Zoning Ordinance Amendments are listed chronologically starting with the most recent.

2011 AMENDMENTS

Sidewalk, Umbrella, Parking Signs  - Adopted December 10, 2011. (ZOA-11-04) An amendment to Section 34, that allows for the first time, signs on umbrellas (up to 4 sf per umbrella) and temporary sidewalk signs (A-frame or sandwich board signs) with a maximum height of 3.5 feet and sign area of 7 sf on each side.  Adopted standards for sidewalk signs require that a minimum clear walkway width of six feet exist on the sidewalk on which the sign is placed, and allow the sign to be placed within the landscape and utility zone (the area between the curb and the landscaping area), or within the area immediately adjacent to the building.  Placement of the sign must maintain any required clear walkway.  This amendment also allows parking signs consistent with Arlington way finding standards on parking garages that provide public parking during defined hours.  Staff Report.  Supplemental Report.

New C-O Crystal City Zoning District - Adopted December 10, 2011.  (ZOA-11-03)  Amendments to create a new zoning district and update several other districts to support the implementation of the Crystal City Sector Plan. “C-O Crystal City” was newly adopted as Section 25C. of the ordinance, to codify permitted uses, use limitations, special exceptions, and other regulations governing land use for properties within the “Crystal City Coordinated Redevelopment District” depicted on the General Land Use Plan in a manner consistent with the Sector Plan vision. Also includes amendments to: Section 1 to add new terms included in “C-O Crystal City”; Section 2.B to add “C-O Crystal City”, “C-O Rosslyn”, “Columbia Pike Form Based Code”, and “Mixed-Use Virginia Square” to the list of districts in the County; and Sections 25B.E.1 and 36.H.7 to clarify that the provisions of 36.H.7 shall not apply to the “C-O Crystal City” or “C-O Rosslyn” districts. Staff Report.

Large Format Sales Establishment - Adopted October 15, 2011.  (ZOA-11-02)  Staff Report.  This amendment  defines the term "Large Format Sales Establishment" as a use for which the primary activity is the sale of any combination of food, merchandise and/or personal and business services, and for which a single certificate of occupancy is provided; and requires special exception use permit approval by the County Board for “Large Format Sales Establishments” that have either a gross floor area of 50,000 sf or more on any level or that propose to provide 200 or more parking spaces.  County-wide, commercial uses classified as "large format sales establishments" within "C-1" zoning districts, and by reference, within "C-3","MU-VS", "C-O-A", "C-M", "M-1" and "M-2" zoning districts, are subject to this provision.

Regulating Farmers Markets as Open-Air Markets - Adopted June 11, 2011.  (ZOA-11-01) Historically, farmers’ markets were regulated as vegetable and fruit stands, but due to the extent and range of products currently sold at the County’s farmers’ markets, all are more appropriately classified as open-air markets, which incorporate regularly occurring outdoor markets selling goods to the public.  This Zoning Ordinance amendment facilitates regulation of farmers markets as open-air markets, consistent with regulation of other outdoor markets selling goods to the public.  The amendment permits open-air markets are subject to use permit approval, in all commercial, industrial, public, and special districts.  Staff Report.

FBC New Local north-south street - Adopted April 16, 2011.  (FBC-13).  This amendment amended the Master Transportation Plan Map to add a new street segment between 11th Street South and 12th Street South.  Additionally, the Columbia Pike Form Based Code Town Center Regulating Plan was amended to incorporate this new north/south street with a “Local” designation and associated Required Building Lines.  The new street will facilitate improved site circulation to and from the redevelopment planned for this block, allow for an urban arrangement of townhouse buildings and open spaces, and will promote good urban design principles envisioned in the Form Based Code. Staff Report.

FBC 32' Height Limit - Adopted April 16, 2011.  (FBC-12).  The FBC establishes Building Envelope Standards for all building sites within the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District. The Building Envelope Standards set the basic parameters governing building construction, including height, depth, and placement of buildings, as well as other required elements, such as balconies, stoops and street walls. Within each Building Envelope Standard, height is generally limited to 32 feet where any part of the site is within 40 feet of a Building Envelope Standard lower in the hierarchy, or an existing single-family house. This amendment modified the 32-foot height limit to allow additional height in such areas between Form Based Code developments of different frontage types, and reduced the height where new development is within 40 feet of an existing single-family house, in order to ensure an appropriate transition up in height from single-family houses; to establish transitions between different FBC frontage types that balance urban design goals established in the FBC with the goal of providing increased light and air; and to avoid unintended design impacts resulting from  modification of architectural elements. Staff Report.

Criminal Penalties - Adopted January 22, 2011.  (ZOA-10-03) Amendment to Section 37.F, Violations and Penalties, Criminal Penalties, to make it unlawful for a firm, corporation, owner, agent or occupant to violate Section 37.G. of the Zoning Ordinance (any violations treated as criminal penalties), and it clarify that the party responsible for causing or, with knowledge, permitting the three specific types of criminal violations as set forth in Section 37.G. can be cited and held liable for that violation.  Staff Report.

2010 AMENDMENTS
Height in Residential Districts– Adopted June 12, 2010.  (ZOA-10-02) Amendment to Section 5. "R-20" One-Family Dwelling Districts to allow height up to 55 feet on sites of 100 acres or greater, subject to special exception use permit approval. Staff Report.

FBC Stoop, Stacked Flats, Finished Floor Elevation, Clear Heights - Adopted May 25, 2010.  Amendments to the Columbia Pike Form Based Code Building Envelope Standards and Definitions.  These amendments were studied in response to concerns about the requirement that all Local non-live/work units be elevated 36 to 60 inches above grade and concerns regarding the proliferation of stoops related to the construction of stacked flats.  The amendments provide greater clarity as to what is permitted in Local site development, to better regulate the design and impacts of such development and to remove a barrier to accessibility on Local sites unique to the Form Based Code, as follows: Permit construction of  non-live/work Local street buildings either zero (0) to five (5) inches above grade, in order to provide accessible entry, or at 36 to 60 inches above grade; clarify that stacked flat development is permitted on Local sites, while multifamily development is not;  allow no more than one stoop or porch per Local street building, plus an additional entry for English basements; and allow no more than two entries per stoop or porch; eliminate the parking waiver for Local sites under 20,000 square feet in land area when more than two units per local street building are provided.  Staff Report. 

FBC Corners - Adopted May 25, 2010.  The FBC establishes a Building Envelope Standard for all building sites within the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District.  The BES set the basic parameters governing building construction, including height, depth and placement of buildings, as well as other required elements, such as balconies, stoops and street walls.  There are four different BES used throughout the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District, specifically designated on the Regulating Plan, each of which establish different parameters.  In some cases a single development site may require development under more than one BES.  In such cases, where the BES changes along a site, the FBC permits one Building Envelope Standard to be extended up to 50 feet in either direction.  This amendment clarifies that a BES may also be extended where two BES meet at a corner.  Staff Report.

Section 31A Historic Preservation Districts Appeals Standard - Adopted May 22, 2010. (ZOA-09-10A) Amendments to Section 31A. Historic Preservation Districts.  December 12, 2009, the County Board adopted a comprehensive rewrite of Section 31A. Historic Preservation Districts (see ZOA-09-10 below). However, at that time, the County Board deferred consideration of the provisions for County Board review of appeals of Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) decisions.  This amendment is the result of additional review of the appeals standard within the Historic Preservation Districts Section, by the HALRB, the Planning Commission and the County Board.  The amendments alter the responsibilities of the HALRB regarding Historic District Design Guidelines, amend the Historic District Designation Process for Historic District Design Guidelines, and alter the adoption process for Historic District Design Guidelines.  Staff Report.

Vehicle Service Uses - Adopted April 27, 2010.  (ZOA-10-01/FBC-9) Amendments to Sections 1, 16, 18, 19, 20 (and its Appendix A), 21, 25A, 26, 28, 32A, 33 and 34 to: 1) delete “automobile service station,” “public garage” and “tire shop” and replace with a new term, and single definition for “vehicle service establishment,” which includes vehicle fueling sales, accessory retail sales and vehicle service and repair uses; 2) permit vehicle service and repair as provided for in the “vehicle service establishment” definition, by use permit approval,“C-1” Local Commercial Districts, “CP-FBC” Columbia Pike Form Based Code Districts and “C-O-A” Commercial Office Building, Hotel and Apartment Districts; 3) create a new definition for and update references to “vehicle body shop” as a use that includes both repair uses and vehicle body work, painting and upholstering; and 4) update usage of automobile-related terms throughout the Zoning Ordinance.  Staff Report.  Supplemental Report.

FBC Streetscapes - Adopted January 23, 2010.   (ZOA-09-11/FBC-8) Amendments Form Based Code Section II. Definitions, Section III. Regulating Plans, Section V. Streetscape Standards and Section VI. Architectural Standards.  As final landscape plans for approved projects under the Columbia Pike Form Based Code (FBC) and preliminary FBC proposals have been  reviewed, staff reexamined the FBC regulations for quantity and placement of benches, bike racks, and other streetscape elements.  These amendments modified the street tree alignment line; reduced the quantity of required bicycle parking spaces, equivalent to that required for site plan projects; reduced the required quantity of benches, and modified placement of benches; and added and removed specific species from the Street Tree List.  Staff Report.  Other Columbia Pike Form Based Code information.

2009 AMENDMENTS
Rewrite of Section 31A Historic Preservation Districts - Adopted December 12, 2009.  (ZOA-09-10)  Amendments to Section 1. Definitions, Section 2. General Regulations and Section 31A. Historic Preservation Districts.  This comprehensive rewrite of Section 31A was recommended in the Historic Preservation Master Plan, adopted in December, 2006.  The changes include both legal and policy changes, in response to the growing scope of the HALRB, and reflects the language in Virginia's enabling legislation.  Section 31A was previously substantially updated in 1983, and thus the ordinance was out of sync with current County policies and practices dealing with historic preservation review, and with certain elements of Virginia enabling legislation.  Staff Report.  Supplemental Report.

Nonconforming Apartments in "RA" Districts - Adopted October 24, 2009.  (ZOA-09-08) Amendments to Sections 12, 13, 14 and 15 (Apartment Dwelling Districts) to permit the County Board, when a building is nonconforming, to modify regulations by use permit approval, subject to provision of affordable housing.  Density may not be increased beyond that already lawfully existing on the site and height may not be modified.  Staff Report.

Child Care Centers  - Adopted July 14, 2009.  (ZOA 09-07) Amendment to Section 3. “S-3A” Special Districts to allow child care centers and other uses licensed under Chapter 52 of the County Code, subject to Use Permit approval.  Staff Report.

Use Permits for Businesses providing classes to children - Adopted July 11, 2009.  (ZOA 09-06) Amendments to Sections 20, 26, 26A and 27A to require, in commercial zoning districts, that businesses providing classes to children be subject to use permits if 20% of the total enrollment is children under the age of 18, or if there are ten or more children enrolled in classes at any one time.  Staff Report.

Zoning Fees, FY 2010 – Adopted April 28, 2009 (effective July 1, 2009).  (ZOA 09-03) Amendments to Sections 1. Definitions,  34. Nameplates, Signs and Other Displays, or Devices to Direct, Identify and Inform and 36. Administration and Procedures.  This amendment removed the zoning fee schedule from the Zoning Ordinance and replaced it with a reference in subsection 36.M. to indicate that fees will be charged according to a schedule adopted by the County Board.  Future Zoning fee changes will continue to require adoption by ordinance, and it is expected that changes to such schedule will continue to be heard annually as part of the budget cycle.  Staff Report.

FBC Signage - Adopted April 25, 2009. (ZOA 09-05) Amendments to Section 20 and Section 20 (Appendix A) “CP-FBC,” Columbia Pike – Form Based Code Districts, Section IV.F. Signage, to 1) establish maximums of 3 wall or window signs per tenant, 1 building plaque per building, 1 blade sign per tenant, 1 graphics sign and 1 additional wall or window sign and 1 additional blade sign for corner tenants; 2) to modify the size, dimension, placement and lettering size regulations for signs in the Form Based Code; 3) to clarify the relationship between the Form Based Code and Section 34, and 4) to allow the County Board to modify signage requirements in the Form Based Code by Special Exception.  Staff Report

Clarendon Sector Plan Implementation - Adopted April 25, 2009. (ZOA 09-04) Amendments to Sections 1, 19, 26, 26A, 27, 31 and 36 to create a new zoning tool for the edge areas of Clarendon: a Special Exception, Unified Commercial/Mixed-Use Development (UC/MUD) option applicable to areas zoned "C-1", "C-2", "C-3" or "C-TH" that are planned for "Service Commercial" uses on the General Land Use Plan and within the "Clarendon Revitalization District", in order to ensure consistency with the goals and policies set forth in the 2006 Clarendon Sector Plan.  Staff Report.  

Civil Penalties – Adopted February 21, 2009.  (ZOA 09-02) Amendment to Section 37. Violations and Penalties, and Section 31A, to expand use of Civil Penalties in the Zoning Ordinance.  This amendment decriminalizes the entire Zoning Ordinance, except for those violations that are required by State code to be criminal penalties.  All fines and appeal times were updated based upon maximums allowed by Virginia  Code.  Staff Report.

Acquisition of Property and Nonconforming Use - Adopted January 27, 2009.  (ZOA 09-01) Amendment to Section 2. General Provisions and Section 35. Nonconforming Buildings and Uses to allow for the creation of nonconforming conditions due to acquisition of property by the county for a public purpose subject to conditions as the County Board may approve, so long as the County Board finds that the acquisition is in the public interest and that the nonconforming conditions created will not be detrimental to adjacent properties or change the character of the zoning district.  Nonconforming conditions created under this provision are subject to the nonconforming building and use regulations in the Section 35 of the Zoning Ordinance.  Staff Report.

2008 AMENDMENTS
Board of Zoning Appeals Use Permits (Section 36.E)  - Adopted November 15, 2008. Amendment adopted on December 9, 2006, authorized the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant special exception use permits that modify requirements contained in the Zoning Ordinance with respect to physical requirements of improvements on a lot or parcel of land, including setback and other placement requirements, coverage, and height.  This amendment was scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2008.  This amendment readopted this code with no expiration date.  Staff Report.

Fort Myer Heights North - October 22, 2008  Amendment to Section 13. "RA8-18" Apartment Dwelling Districts and Section 15. "RA6-15" Apartment Dwelling Districts to implement the vision in the adopted 2008 Fort Myer Heights North Plan.  The adopted amendment adds new items to the list of special exceptions in order to achieve the community’s goals of preserving affordable housing, historic buildings, open space, significant trees and neighborhood scale through a strategic balance of preservation and redevelopment within the Fort Myer Heights North Special District. Staff Report.  Supplemental Report.   Additional information on the Fort Myer Heights North Plan.

Kiosks - Adopted July 19, 2008.  Amendments to Sections 1, 3, 18A, 19, 22 and 31 to define the term kiosk and to allow for the operation of kiosks within public and private plaza areas greater than 5,000 square feet, with a special exception use permit in certain commercial zoning districts and within the "S-3A" zoning district.  

Accessory Dwellings and Family/Caregiver Suites - Adopted July 19, 2008.  Amendments to Section 1. Definitions, Section 5. "R-20" One-Family Dwelling Districts and Section 31. Special Provisions to allow: A) accessory dwellings (a secondary living unit) within single-family homes, under a strict set of guidelines. Up to two persons, who may be unrelated to the homeowners, could be housed in the accessory dwelling. The homeowner must live in the main or accessory dwelling and must have lived there one year before approval of an accessory dwelling. and non-relatives to live in family/caregiver suites in single-family homes.  This ordinance becomes effective on January 1, 2009.  Effective immediately, amendments to the family suite provisions, to allow up to two persons unrelated to the homeowner (one of whom is a caregiver) to live in a family/caregiver suite in a single-family home, to provide care or assistance to a child, elder or person with disability living in the main building. Additional information on Accessory Dwellings.  Staff Report. 

Signs Identifying Public Parking Garages - Adopted June 17, 2008.  Amendments to Section 34. Nameplates, Signs, and Other Displays or Devices to Direct, Identify, and Inform, Subsection J. Signs Permitted in Specified Areas With Permits.  In the Rosslyn Metro Station Area only, allows up to one building sign or projecting sign per garage entrance, to identify public parking garages.  

Zoning Fee Increase, FY 2009 – Adopted April 19, 2008.  Amendments to Section 34. Nameplates, Signs and Other Displays, or Devices to Direct, Identify and Inform and Section 36 Administration and Procedures to implement a 3.3% increase in zoning fees to adjust for inflation.  More  (PDF Format)

Clarendon Sector Plan Implementation – Adopted April 19, 2008.  Amendment Section 27. "C-3" General Commercial Districts to add Special Exception Site Plan regulations for properties designated “Medium Density Mixed-Use” and within the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use Plan, to ensure consistency with the goals and policies set forth in the 2006 Clarendon Sector Plan.  More  (PDF Format)

Publicly owned Civic Buildings - Adopted April 19, 2008   Amendments to Section 20 “CP-FBC,” Columbia Pike – Form Based Code Districts (Appendix A) of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to move the provisions for publicly owned “Civic Buildings” in Section II.  Definitions, to a new provision, with modifications, in Section III. Regulating Plans, in order to allow publicly owned Civic Buildings, publicly owned Public Art, or Civic Buildings with public uses on County property to have relief from the prescriptions of the Form Based Code. Other Columbia Pike Form Based Code related information.

Ground Floor Retail – Adopted March 15, 2008. Zoning Ordinance Amendment toSection 16. "RA4.8" Multiple-Family Dwelling Districts to permit street-level commercial uses by site plan approval.  More  (PDF Format)

Dinwiddie Street Required Building Lines - Adopted January 26, 2008   Amendment to Section 20 (Appendix A) “CP-FBC,” Columbia Pike – Form Based Code Districts, Section III. Regulating Plans: to modify the distance between the Dinwiddie Street Required Building Lines from 91’ to a dimension of 80’ south of 9th Street and 65’ north of 9^th Street South. Other Columbia Pike Form Based Code related information.

2007 AMENDMENTS

For Sale/For Lease/Construction Signs - Adopted December 18, 2007. Amendment to Section 34. Nameplates, Signs, and Other Displays or Devices to Direct, Identify and Inform, Subsection 34 F. Signs Permitted in All Districts, Unless Otherwise Specified, With Permits, to permit up to three (3) construction or rental/leasing signs for buildings in “C”, “M” and “RA” districts subject to a limitation of one hundred twenty (120) square feet on total sign area; to permit for up to six (6) months, lettered window signs in buildings in which retail uses are allowed, subject to limitation at twenty (20) percent of the window area; and to update reference to the source of County statistics required to verify the vacancy rate of office buildings qualifying for advertising availability of space for rental or lease.  more ( PDF Format )

Arlington Mill Community Center - Adopted December 15, 2007   Amendment to Section 20 (Appendix A) “CP-FBC,” Columbia Pike – Form Based Code Districts, Section III. Regulating Plans to: 1) Redraw the Columbia Pike Revitalization District boundary to include Arlington Mill Drive and the northern portion of the County-owned Arlington Mill Community Center property; 2) Designate a portion of the Dinwiddie Street frontage that is 250’ from the centerline of Columbia Pike to the north along the east side of South Dinwiddie Street and within the Revitalization District as an Avenue Site; and 3) modify the distance between the Dinwiddie Street Required Building Lines from 91’ to a dimension of 80’ south of 9^th Street and 65’ north of 9th Street. Other Columbia Pike Form Based Code information.

Realignment of RBLs along South Highland Street - Adopted November 13, 2007.  Amendment to Section 20 (Appendix A) “CP-FBC,” Columbia Pike – Form Based Code Districts: to modify Section III (C) - Regulating Plans for properties located in the Town Center to show a revised alignment of the Required Building Lines along South Highland Street, between Columbia Pike and 11th Street South. Other Columbia Pike Form Based Code information.

Section 36. Administration and Procedures -- Adopted November 13, 2007 Zoning Ordinance Amendment to correct and clarify three references within Subsection 36.H.7., which address the County’s provisions for bonus density for site plan projects that provide affordable dwelling units.  more (PDF Format)

Zoning Fee Increase (Creation of Enterprise Fund) -- Adopted September 18, 2007.   Amendment to Section 36. Administration and Procedures, to increase application fees for Rezonings, Compliance Letters, Variances, Use Permits, Site Plans, Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy. 

Section 1. Definitions, and Section 32. Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements,  -- Adopted June 9, 2007.  The purpose of this amendment is to clarify the definition of street as including any public interest in land, e.g., fee or easement, for street purposes, to clarify that the side line of a road, easement, or other right of way is the street right of way line, and to clarify the distance structures must be set back from street right of way lines. more ( PDF Format )

Section 25B. "C-O Rosslyn” Commercial Office Building, Retail, Hotel, and Multiple-Family Dwelling Districts – Adopted May 5, 2007 Amendment to 25B “C-O Rosslyn” of the Zoning Ordinance to allow additional height (up to a maximum of four hundred ninety (490) feet above sea level) and include other requirements such as rooftop sign limitations for properties within the boundaries of Central Place, defined as the blocks bordered by 19th Street North, North Lynn Street, Wilson Boulevard, and Fort Myer Drive. More (PDF Format)

Zoning Fee Increase, FY 2008 - Adopted April 21, 2007.  Amendments to Section 34. Nameplates, Signs, and Other Displays or Devices to Direct, Identify, and Inform, and Section 36. Administration and Procedures to increase zoning application fees for Signs, Rezonings, Compliance Letters, Variances, Use Permits, and Site Plans. More  ( PDF Format )

Section 27A. "C-R" Commercial Redevelopment Districts – Adopted February 24, 2007 Amendment to 27A C-R of the Zoning Ordinance: 1) Confirm through clarifying language the County Board's discretion in rezoning any property designated on General Land Use Plan and within one quarter mile of Metrorail station as Medium Density Mixed Use to "C-R"; 2) Confirm through clarifying language that the County Board, by site plan, may vary requirements of "Subsection F. Physical Requirements", pertaining to compatible exterior appearance of buildings adjacent to residential areas; and 3) Confirm through clarifying language the County Board's authority to modify regulations, by site plan, regarding maximum permitted density, maximum height permitted by-right, and tapering requirements for structures near residential properties. More ( PDF Format )

2006 AMENDMENTS

Board of Zoning Appeals Use Permits (Section 36.E) – Adopted December 9, 2006.  Authorizes the Board of Zoning Appeals to grant special exception use permits that modify requirements contained in the Zoning Ordinance with respect to physical requirements of improvements on a lot or parcel of land, including setback and other placement requirements, coverage, and height.  Staff Report  Supplemental Report  More ( PDF Format )

Section 29A. “P-S” Public Service – Adopted December 9, 2006. - Amendments to Section 29A.  “P-S” Public Service Districts of the Zoning Ordinance to allow for publicly owned or controlled recreation buildings, aquatic centers, and properties located on sites designated "North Tract Special Planning District" on the General Land Use Plan, to be constructed to a height not to exceed one hundred (100) feet. More ( PDF Format )

Section 20. (Appendix A) “CP-FBC,”Columbia Pike – Required Building Lines – Approved November 14, 2006 - Amendment to Section 20 (Appendix A) “CP-FBC,” Columbia Pike – Form Based Code Districts of the Zoning Ordinance to change Section III (C) - Regulating Plans to modify the width of the street space for South Glebe Road and South Walter Reed Drive in the Town Center area of the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District. More ( PDF Format )

Section 36. Administration and Procedures Subsection 36 H. Site Plan – Major Site Plan – Approved October 14, 2006 - Amendment to Section 36. Administration and Procedures. Subsection 36 H. Site Plan Approval of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to change the definition of a Major Amendment to include projects that change (increase or decrease) density by more than five (5) percent and/or building height by more than that change (increase or decrease) density by more than five (5) percent and/or building height by more than twelve (12) feet More ( PDF Format )

Section 34.F Construction and Leasing Signs Permitted – Adopted September 16, 2006.   Amendments to Section 34 F. Signs Permitted in All Districts, Unless Otherwise Specified, With Permits, of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to permit construction and rental/leasing signs for buildings in “C”, “M”, and “RA” districts, subject to limitations on the overall area of signage; and to allow the Zoning Administrator to approve additional signs for sites with multiple buildings, subject to limitations on the overall area of such signage.  More (PDF Format)

Split Lot - Adopted July 8, 2006. Amendments to Section 1. Definitions, Section 31. Special Provisions, and Section 35. Nonconforming Buildings and Uses  (1) to clarify, by amending the definition of lot, that the requirement for minimum street width necessary to build structures on lots is 30 feet of public right-of-way and that lots fronting on a public right-of-way that is less than 30 feet wide may not be built upon; (2) to clarify, by amending the regulations in Section 31.A.15., that a prerequisite to the creation of by-right split-lots is to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator that the property proposed to be subdivided into split-lots would meet the definitions and all subdivision and zoning requirements necessary to create one interior lot and one pipe-stem lot with a minimum frontage of 40 feet, and (3) to change the time within which property owners are permitted to restore nonconforming uses from one year to two years as called for by the Code of Virginia. More ( PDF Format ).

Clarendon Sector Plan – Density Increases for Historic Preservation. Adopted June 10, 2006. - Amendment to Section 36. Administration and Procedures of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to establish density increases for proposals in the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use Plan that include historic preservation of structures identified for preservation in adopted Clarendon Policy Directives. This amendment is proposed in order implement Policy Directives for historic preservation in Clarendon, in order to encourage economic development initiatives that provide desirable employment and enlarge the tax base, to facilitate creation of a convenient, attractive, and harmonious community, and to protect against encroachment on historic areas. More ( PDF Format ) .

Clarendon Sector Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements Clarendon Sector Plan – Bulk. Adopted May 20, 2006 . Amendments to Sections 32 for bulk, placement and coverage, to establish the following for properties zoned “C-3” and located in the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use Plan: increased building setbacks; screening requirements for parking; the location of parking; and a requirement for minimum distance between functioning entry doors. More ( PDF Format ).

Unified Residential Development – Pedestrian connectivity - Adopted on April 22, 2006. An amendment to Section 31. Special Provisions, Subsection A. of the Zoning Ordinance to clarify that the intent of the Unified Residential Development provision provides for pedestrian connectivity. More ( PDF Format ).

Administration and Procedures Zoning Fee Increases. Adopted on April 22, 2006. An Amendment to Section 36. for fee increases for Certificate of Occupancy and Subdivision Plat Reviews reviewed by the Zoning Administration office for compliance with zoning regulations.  This amendment is to provide for efficient administration of the review process, to encourage economic development, and to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public. More (PDF Format).

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) (Section 36.H.5.b) – Adopted February 25, 2006.  Establishes a TDR program that provides the County Board with the authority to approve the use of TDRs through the Special Exception Site Plan process.  Staff Report More (PDF Format)

Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District

• Zoning Ordinance Admendement re: Form Based Code  - Adopted 2/25/03 ( PDF )
• Columbia Pike Form Based Code Amendment - Adopted 2/7/04 ( PDF )
• Columbia Pike Form Based Code Amendment - Adopted 9/17/05 (PDF)  
• Columbia Pike Form Based Code Amendment - Adopted 11/16/05  ( PDF )
• Columbia Pike Form Based Code Amendment - Adopted 12/10/05 ( PDF
• Columbia Pike Form Based Code Amendment - Adopted 2/25/06 ( PDF )

Other Columbia Pike Form Based Code information More ( PDF Format ).

Affordable Housing – VIRGINIA SQUARE. Adopted on January 21, 2006 . Zoning Ordinance amendment to provide for the achievement of affordable housing objectives in Virginia Square in a manner consistent with new affordable housing zoning ordinance provisions applying to all site plan projects:

1. Amendment to Section 36.H.6.k of the Zoning Ordinance to confirm explicitly that Zoning Ordinance amendments to Section 36.H adopted by the County Board on December 10, 2005 apply to site plans in all zoning districts, as such amendment is set forth in Attachment 1.
2. Amendments to Section 21. “MU-VS” (Mixed Use – Virginia Square Districts) of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to specifically permit the County Board to approve a density of up to 4.0 FAR west of N. Kansas St. and up to 3.24 east of N. Kansas St., and additional density up to 1.0 FAR west of N. Kansas St and up to 1.76 FAR east of N. Kansas St., subject to specific findings being made and as more specifically described in Attachment 2.
3. Amendments to the General Land Use Plan (GLUP) and 2002 Virginia Square Sector Plan to reflect changes to the policy goals and objectives for the East End of Virginia Square with respect to allowable densities below and above the GLUP and achievement of affordable housing, and to conform GLUP and Plan with proposed revisions to MU – VS (Mixed Use – Virginia Square) District, including changes to GLUP Note #3 to allow density up to 3.24 FAR for properties east of N. Kansas St. and up to 4.0 FAR west of N. Kansas St. as more specifically described in Attachments 3 and 4. More ( PDF Format ) .

Secondary use of parking lots that are accessory to place of worship or lodges - Adopted January 24, 2006. Amendment to Section 33. Automobile Parking, Standing and Loading Space, Subsection A. General Requirements, Sub-subsection 8, and Section 36. Administration and Procedures of Arlington County Zoning Ordinance to permit following secondary use of parking lots that are accessory to places of worship or lodges and that are not operated primarily for commercial gain:

(1) Parking spaces that are accessory to those uses may be used by off-site users to park non-commercial vehicles, when such use does not exceed ten (10) percent to 50 percent of total number of spaces; and

(2) Parking spaces that are accessory to those uses may be used by off-site users to park non-commercial vehicles, when such use is for no more than one (1) day to 90 days per calendar year; and

(3) County Board may, by use permit approval, as specified in Subsection 36.G.Use Permits, permit use of parking spaces accessory to those uses to be leased or used under verbal or written contractual agreement with off-site users to park non-commercial vehicles, when such use exceeds parameters set forth in subparts 33.A.8.b(1) and 33.A.8.b(2) above.  More ( PDF Format ).

2005 AMENDMENTS

AFFORDABLE HOUSING - Adopted on December 15, 2005. Amendment to implement affordable housing requirements for site plan approved projects as endorsed by the Affordable Housing Roundtable, as such amendments are more specifically described in Attachment 1; and associated amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to correct and renumber references in various zoning districts pertaining to affordable housing in site plan projects, as such amendments are more specifically described in Attachment 2. More ( PDF Format ) .

Lot Coverage - Adopted on November 15, 2005 . The Zoning Ordinance amendment to Section 1. Definitions, Section 32. Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements, Subsection C. Coverage, and Section 35. Nonconforming Buildings and Uses to change the Lot Coverage provision of the Zoning Ordinance.   more ( PDF Format )   Supplemental Report

Resident Permit Parking : Adopted on July 9, 2005. The Zoning Ordinance amendment repealed Section 33.D. Restrictions on Parking in Districts in which Commercial and Industrial Uses are not permitted from the Zoning Ordinance. The residential permit parking program was added to the new Section 14.2-98 through 14.2-106 of the County Code. more ( PDF Format )

Political signs - Adopted on July 9, 2005. The Zoning Ordinance amendment to amend Section 34., Subsections, A., B., E. and F. regarding political signs on private and public property in all zoning districts. The Am endment provides more opportunities for political expression on private property; significantly reduces the placement, the number, and the amount of time signs are located in the public right-of-way; provides easier to understand and enforceable regulations that reflect the community's interest and desire for traffic and pedestrian safety, and reduces the proliferation of illegal signs staked into the ground and affixed to traffic signs and utility poles that litter roadsides and intersections. more ( PDF Format )

Real Estate Directional, Political, and Private Property Political Signs. More ( PDF Format )

School building height - Adopted on May 31, 2005. The Zoning Ordinance amendment to Section 3.B. Height Limit, to permit, by use permit approval, an increase in building height of secondary schools and school administration buildings on sites having a site area of nineteen (19) acres or more to a height not to exceed seventy five (75) feet ( with an amendment to strike language regarding 350,000 square feet or more ) in “S-3A” Special Districts. More ( PDF Format )

Ft. Myer Heights North Special District - Adopted 4/16/05. Amendment to the RA8-18 district for properties located in the Ft. Myer Heights North Special District on the GLUP for removal of townhouses as a permitted use by-right. more ( PDF Format )

2004 Amendments

Nauck Village Center Special Revitalization District - Adopted July 10, 2004. More (PDF Format)
Zoning Fee Increases – Adopted April 24, 2004 More (PDF Format)
Columbia Pike Form Based Code Amendment - Adopted February 7, 2004 . More (PDF Format)
LEED Scorecard submittal requirement for site plans. Adopted February 7, 2004 . More (PDF Format)
Site Plan review cycle change - Adopted February 7, 20 04 . More (PDF Format)

2003 Amendments

"C-2" Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Adopted November 15, 2003. more ( PDF Format )
Pipe-Stem Lots . Adopted on March 15, 2003. more ( PDF Format )