Low Residential Study Virtual Open House
Low Residential Study Virtual Open House
The County Board has directed staff to study potential amendments to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) to support better stormwater and tree canopy outcomes in low density residential neighborhoods over time. Despite Arlington’s existing lot coverage and stormwater management regulations, impervious area is increasing Countywide. The majority of this increase in impervious area is happening in low density residential neighborhoods in Arlington. Impervious area increases the risk of flooding and extreme heat, which are the two most dangerous weather threats facing Arlington today. To help mitigate these risks and improve climate resilience, Arlington’s County Board has established a goal of adopting a maximum impervious area requirement in residentially zoned areas of Arlington. This would help support Arlington’s goals to:
Phase one of the community engagement process is open now through the winter. We hope to develop a shared understanding of the issues, gather feedback from the community and begin evaluating policy options in the spring/summer of 2026.
Please read through the following key points from the County Board's February 2025 charge to staff before continuing. Thank you.
The County Board directed staff to:
- Analyze and recommend limits for maximum allowable impervious areas on individual sites
- Consider whether to:
- Keep lot coverage requirements alongside new impervious area limits
- Include minimum (contiguous) plantable area requirements
- Adjust yard and setback requirements to allow for increased tree conservation and planting
- Establish impervious area limit based on lot size or zoning district
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The Board’s charge specified that the study will not:
- Recommend changes to the existing maximum building footprint or height limits in the zoning ordinance (Note: Building footprints would count toward proposed impervious area limits.)
- Set absolute total square footage limits for lot coverage
- Consider any potential changes to the definition of lot coverage in the ACZO
Arlington’s Low Density Residential Areas:
Focusing on Better Stormwater and Tree Canopy Outcomes
What is a low-density residential area? |
1. Lots which are in a Residential district (R + [number related to lot size, density, etc.]), and 2. Lots with dwellings
Residential districts/zones are listed in the legend below. |
The County Board directed County staff to focus on low density residential neighborhoods.
- These areas account for approximately 49% of Arlington’s total land
- The County’s overall increase in impervious area is occurring mostly in these areas
- Property owners in these areas have experienced stormwater damage and tree canopy loss
- Space on low density residential lots can alleviate the burden on constructed stormwater systems and natural spaces