Over time, the community has shared ideas for studies that may lead to more housing production or affordability, increase the variety of housing types, or facilitate the creation of housing for special populations. A list of some common suggestions is below. Please identify how important each of the following studies is to you.

Creating more senior housing options

Census data indicates that the population of retirement-age persons is increasing, and health data indicates that people are living longer.  As people continue to age, there will be a greater need for housing options that suit their needs. Aging in place, independent living, assisted living, and memory care or nursing homes could be explored. 

Facilitating development on sites owned by religious organizations or nonprofits

In the past 15 years, Arlington has seen several affordable housing redevelopment projects on sites owned by religious organizations and non-profits (e.g., Arlington Presbyterian/Gilliam Place, American Legion/Terwiliger Place). Before choosing to redevelop, these property owners were experiencing a decline in attendance, which impacted their ability to maintain their property. More recently, the 2026 Virginia General Assembly passed legislation intended to facilitate such development. It may be important to explore how redevelopment occurring under this new state law might allow other religious or non-profit organizations in Arlington to support both the legacy use(s) of their property (e.g. day care) and affordable housing. 

Exploring micro-units or single room occupancy (SRO) development 

In high-cost areas, this housing type — which incorporates dormitory-style individual living spaces and communal kitchen, restroom, and lounge spaces — has been offered as a lower-cost housing option. 

Facilitating more or different townhouse development 

Townhouses can offer a less expensive single-family housing option, compared to single-detached housing. Townhouses in Arlington, however, may only be built in certain zoning districts. Also, stacked flats, where two units are built within one townhouse structure, are currently not common in Arlington. Allowing stacked flats and/or facilitating townhouse development could create more attainable rental or ownership housing.

Creating more housing opportunities for households earning less than 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI)

Typically, Arlington targets creating affordable housing for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) (i.e., $88,560 for a family of three). Where funding allows, any given development project may offer units affordable to households earning below 50 percent, 40 percent, and 30 percent AMI. There is a need, however, for more units serving the lowest-income households.

Facilitating tiny home or cottage cluster development

Tiny homes (i.e., homes under 400 square feet) can be prefabricated or built on site and offer a lower-cost housing option. However, land costs in Arlington and the limitation that only one unit is allowed per lot may currently make this an infeasible option. Cottage cluster development allows modifications to setbacks, lot size, and/or other regulations so that smaller homes can be built on a parcel in an arrangement that preserves open space or other natural features on part of the site.