Print.

Send.

Share.

Feed.

Friend.

Follow

Issue brief:

Lot coverage

Arlington County is trying to limit additions and improvements to single-family homes.

The same County government that encourages large developers to build oversized high-rises in congested areas (with almost no open space), now wants to tell many owners of small homes in residential neighborhoods that they can't expand a kitchen or build a deck.

How it works: Current zoning rules for residential lots limit the amount of "coverage" (buildings and paved surfaces) to 56% of available area. The proposed rule would reduce the allowable coverage ratio substantially -- to a maximum of 45%, and down to 25% in some cases.

The proposal is a matter of great concern to existing homeowners, as well as homebuyers and those wishing to build homes. The County's proposal would not only limit the ability to make home improvements (and help keep families in Arlington), but could also adversely affect housing values.

The proposed 'downzoning' amounts to changing the rules in the middle of the game for many homeowners. The Sun Gazette called it "the most sweeping and controversial changes to residential zoning in Arlington since the 1950s."

The Arlington Civic Federation held a forum on the County's proposed lot coverage rules in April 2005, and then voted overwhelmingly against two different versions of the idea. CivFed voted again in October against yet another County proposal.

Next steps: The proposal was scheduled to go before the County Board in June, but due to public outcry, the issue has been pushed back until November (after this year's elections). Citizens who wish to make their voices heard are encouraged to contact the County Board.