Zoning Studies

The purpose of this zoning study is to evaluate an amendment to the ACZO to allow third-party classes/instruction of limited sizes to operate in religious institutions. The current ACZO classifies classes/instruction such as arts, martial arts, wellness/fitness, music and dance as Retail, Personal Service uses, and these uses are not permitted in Residential (R), Multi-family (RA), Institutional (P), and certain Commercial (C) zoning districts.

Enabling these uses within places of worship could support opportunities for after-school programming for children and teenagers and on-site support and educational opportunities for vulnerable populations that could be unmet by the public and private sectors. Allowing classes/instruction uses could also support the continued financial viability of Arlington’s places of worship and provide a stepping stone for small businesses to grow and expand their services in a lower-cost rental space.

Staff Contact

Nory Flores
703-228-7054

Schedule

No public meetings have been scheduled to date for this study. Staff is currently scoping this zoning study, and anticipates briefing ZOCO in the 2nd half of 2025.

Increased development trends like the replacement of small homes with larger homes, expansion of existing homes, and additions of outdoor features like patios, accessory buildings, and driveways have resulted in an increase of impervious surfaces in Residential (R) zoning districts. This result has gained attention due to the environmental impacts and the County’s ability to achieve stormwater management and tree canopy goals. Residential zoning districts cover approximately 70% of the County’s private land, and the development trends occurring in these areas will determine the County’s tree canopy and stormwater management outcomes.

The purpose of the Low Residential Study (LRS) is to evaluate and consider amendments to the ACZO to support better stormwater and tree canopy outcomes in low residential areas. Specifically, this study will analyze maximum allowable impervious surface limits for individual lots and consider whether to keep current lot coverage limits. Additionally, the study will consider whether to establish contiguous plantable area requirements, and whether to adjust existing placement (yard and setback) requirements. 

See the LRS webpage.

Staff Contacts

Nick Rogers
Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD)
703-228-0035

Aileen Winquist
Department of Environmental Services (DES)
703-228-3610

 Resources

• February 25, 2025: LRS Study Charge
• May 13, 2025: County Board Briefing Presentation

 Schedule

Initial public engagement for the LRS is anticipated to begin in September 2025, with study completion targeted for Fall 2026. 

This amendment will evaluate potential updates to §15.5.3., which governs modifications to approved site plans. The study would identify options for scaling the site plan amendment and administrative change process to better match the applicant's desired degree of change with the time it takes to obtain approval. The desired outcome will be greater certainty and predictability on the expected time frames and outcomes for site plan amendment and administrative change applications.  

Staff Contacts

Krissy Walentisch
703-228-0037 

Nick Rogers
703-228-0035

Peter Schulz
703-228-0067

Study Resources

•  Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative
• April 26, 2022: County Manager Presentation on Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative 
• September 20, 2022: County Manager Presentation #2 on Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative (starting at 1:40:30)

Schedule

No public meetings have been scheduled to date for this study.