by Cheryel Carpenter
June 14, 2002

Over the past few months, the City of Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission has researched and developed design standards for new single-family homes in the city. The purpose is to help ensure the quality of housing and neighborhoods and allow flexibility to the development community. Throughout the process, the Commission has looked at a variety of issues, including masonry coverage, living area, building height, landscaping, garages, and foundation requirements.

Draft ordinance revisions have been prepared, and the Commission is seeking input on the proposed changes. Among the proposed changes are an increase in the minimum masonry coverage with an expanded definition of masonry; an increase in the minimum gross living area of a house from 1,000 square feet to 1,600 square feet; and the creation of landscape standards that require fully sodded front yards, shrubs, and trees for all new homes constructed in the city.

The Commission will host a June 19 round table discussion to solicit input on these proposed housing standards. The round table will occur from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Council Briefing Room, which is located on the third floor of City Hall at 101 W. Abram St. A detailed review of all of the proposed changes to the housing standards will be available. Dialog about the pros and cons of these changes is encouraged.