May 27th deadline for online comments - Protest reducing tree planting requirements, up-zoning all residential neighborhoods
As presented April 27th in the Missing Middle Housing Analysis and Draft Framework Report, the County Board plans to make zoning changes to allow multi-unit housing, with up to 8 units in each, on ALL lots in EVERY residential neighborhood in Arlington, with the exception of Green Valley, Arlington Mill and Penrose, as long as they fit within the current allowable footprint, set-backs and height limit. These units will be allowed “by-right,” meaning if you own the property, you are allowed to build without any special permitting. The parking ratio will be reduced to 0.5, meaning required parking on the property would be 1/2 car per unit. Other vehicles would park on the street. In the consultant’s report, there is an example of a 6-unit building with 4 parking spaces on a 6000 sq ft lot.
The Tree canopy protection would be reduced from 20% to 10-15% and the unrestricted removal of established trees would be allowed to continue. This will have a dramatic, rapid effect on Arlington’s tree canopy. The current 20% is already lower than some Virginia jurisdictions. The “20%” means that only after 20 years is it required that 20% of the existing trees are replaced. This shows the leaderships indifference to the value of its trees for many essential purposes including climate change, air quality, heat islands, human health, recreation, mental well-being, property values, stormwater, and many other benefits.
Protest these ill-advised, hasty changes to significant zoning codes as soon as possible and notify your friends.
Online Feedback Form open through May 27th - Be sure to add that you are very concerned about the tree loss from this plan in the “Comments” box provided on the form!
Write the County Board - Katie Cristol: kcristol@arlingtonva.us; Matt deFerranti: mdeferranti@arlingtonva.us;
Christian Dorsey: cdorsey@arlingtonva.us; Libby Garvey: lgarvey@arlingtonva.us; Takis Karantonis: tkarantonis@arlingtonva.us
Talk to your local civic association, organization, church or social groups, neighbors!
The County plans to do this very quickly over the summer, with a County Board workshop in July and amendments to the zoning code in the fall. The time allowed for public comment and limited opportunity for open dialogue regarding the proposal was promised. On May 11th, the Arlington County Civic Federation passed a resolution requesting that any decision on the framework be delayed until September 30th to allow citizens to understand and voice their interests on the effects of the proposed changes. The Board has refused to extend. A letter to the County Board from several civic associations outlines their high level of concern regarding the proposals and the process. Citizens must speak out or this will be irretrievable