In 2020, the County began its Missing Middle Housing Study (MMHS) to explore how new housing types could address Arlington’s shortfall in housing supply. After two years of public engagement, the MMHS has reached its third phase.
From September to October 2022, the Arlington County Board hosted 3 Information Sessions (Housing Development and Economics, History and Future of Housing Zoning and Policy, and Planning and Growth) and 20 Community Conversations regarding Missing Middle Housing(PDF, 420KB). Participants had the opportunity to learn, listen, reflect, and share their perspectives with County Board members and neighbors to inform the MMHS process. During each session, comprehensive notes were taken without attribution to any of the participants. View the notes
County staff has developed draft zoning text and General Land Use Plan amendments for consideration by both the Planning Commission and County Board. View a one-page overview of the Phase 2 Draft Framework and read the County Board's guidance to staff.
The Planning Commission's Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) met on October 17 to discuss the general concepts being development, and the Zoning Committee (ZOCO) reviewed the draft text during three meetings in November. On December 15, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Request to Advertise after a public hearing. Read the Staff Memo to LRPC and ZOCO and the County Board Letter to the Planning Commission.
On January 25, the County Board authorized public hearings in March on proposed Zoning Ordinance and General Land Use Plan amendments. The advertisement sets the parameters for what the Board can consider in March.