Subscribe via RSS Feed

Missing Middle Study

[ 0 ] January 6, 2020 |

In December, the county announced a study to examine how new housing types and forms could be introduced in Arlington that broaden the range and supply of housing. The study framework outlines a number of expected outcomes:

  • a shared definition for the term “missing middle housing” for Arlington;
  • a set of policy options to support preservation of existing Missing Middle housing stock and production of new Missing Middle housing types for County Board consideration;
  • identification of additional considerations relating to the Comprehensive Plan and other County policies and practices to be further reviewed in support of the goals of this process; and
  • the ability for new housing type alternatives to be built that meet Arlington’s definition of ‘missing middle housing”, offering greater affordability and design that is complementary and compatible with the scale and style of their intended neighborhoods;

In the first quarter of 2020, county staff will seek input from the Housing Commission, Planning Commission, and other advisory bodies to develop a scope and timeline for the Missing Middle Study. Following this period of input, the Arlington Missing Middle Housing Study is envisioned to commence in the 2nd Quarter of 2020. Staff anticipates that this process will have a duration of 12-18 months, depending on the scope that is developed.

The Arlington Missing Middle Housing Study comes on the heels of a push in the VA House of Delegates to pass a statute allowing the redevelopment of single family houses to allow for “middle housing,” which the statute defines as two-family residential units, including duplexes, townhouses, cottages, and any similar structure (see HB 152)

As the House of Delegates and the County government begin to consider ways to provide more housing options across different price points, ARCA will be following these developments to determine how they could impact our neighborhood and the greater surrounding area of 22202. To that end, in the near future, we will be sending out a short survey to get a sense of our membership’s thoughts and feelings on middle housing.

Category: Uncategorized

Comments are closed.