Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

BZA application deadlines are now available below, under 2025 Hearing Dates. The deadlines provide clarity to applicants about when their application will be heard by the BZA.

The Arlington County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) has powers, duties, and procedures as set forth in broad terms in the Code of Virginia and in the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, including:

• Hearing and deciding upon applications for Use Permits for modifications to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance regulating the placement of buildings and structures on single-family residential lots
• Hearing and deciding upon applications for Variances for relief from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance regulating placement, bulk, height, and coverage of buildings and structures
• Hearing and deciding on applications to allow construction on lots which do not conform to the minimum required dimensional standards of the Zoning Ordinance
• Hearing and deciding appeals of administrative decisions of the Zoning Administrator made pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance

Information about applications, submission requirements, and review processes are available:

• Zoning Appeals
• BZA Use Permits and Variances

It is recommended to request a pre-application meeting with the BZA Coordinator ahead of submitting your application to discuss the review process and specifics to your case.

Public Hearings and Filing Dates

The BZA holds monthly public hearings to perform its appointed duties and conduct any other business as necessary. Any matter before the BZA for review must be duly advertised in accordance with the Code of Virginia.  All application materials must be accepted as complete, with all associated fees paid, prior to the application being placed on the agenda for a particular BZA hearing.   Please be advised that the typical timeframe between application submission and the BZA hearing is at least two (2) months. Any incomplete applications (including those with an outstanding fee) will be processed for the next available BZA hearing.

Please note that while applications can be updated after they are accepted as complete, additional materials must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the BZA hearing at which the case is scheduled to be heard in order to be considered in the staff report and recommendation prepared by Zoning Division staff for the BZA.  

Staff highly recommends that all applicants (especially those that have questions about their application, and/or those that have not previously submitted a BZA application) contact the BZA Coordinator to set up a pre-application meeting to discuss their request prior to submitting their application. 

2025 Hearing Dates

All BZA meeting are held at 7:00pm unless otherwise noted. 

Links to available application materials for individual cases are available through the meeting agenda. 

• Preliminary Deadline: date by which applications must be submitted. Staff will review your application for completeness.
• Final Deadline: date by which all revisions must be completed and fees paid for the item to be added to the agenda for the associated monthly BZA meeting. 

*BZA work session for administrative matters; no requests for BZA use permits, variances, and/or appeals to be heard on this date.

**BZA has also adopted carryover dates for each month.

View past meeting materials

How to View and Participate in a Hybrid BZA Hearing

BZA hearings are hybrid meetings where members of the public may attend in-person or via electronic communications using Microsoft Teams. 

Commission members, staff, and applicants will conduct the hearings in a hybrid environment at the Bozman Government Center, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Room 307, County Board Room. 

• Board members, staff, applicants, and public testimony will be hosted by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams. Participants will receive an email with further instruction.
• A recording of the meeting will be posted to the County website within two business days after the meeting.

The public can participate by sharing live verbal testimony or written comments in advance:

• Sign-up online to speak during the public hearing by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing.
  • In-person registration will be available.
  • Registered speakers will receive an email with further instruction.
  • Speakers will join the meeting via Microsoft Teams (accessible through a web browser or the free app) or via a phone line to provide their comments.
  • To register by phone, contact the BZA Coordinator at 703-228-0538 by 12:00 p.m. the day of the hearing.
• Submit written comments online to the BZA. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the hearing will be provided to the BZA in advance of the public hearing by the BZA Coordinator.

To request translation services or reasonable accommodations, or for other questions, contact the BZA Coordinator, Megan Ryan: mryan1@arlingtonva.us; 703-228-0538.