Development and Growth : Planning Division : Arlington, Virginia

Residents

Visitors

Businesses

CPHD

Development and Growth

The Arlington County Board has endorsed a land use policy that concentrates high-density development within the Metrorail Transit Corridors and preserves lower-density residential areas throughout the County. This policy has evolved from an extensive citizen participation process. It is designed to ensure that Arlington is a balanced community of residential, recreational, educational, shopping and employment opportunities with good transportation supported by a strong tax base and effective use of public funds. In support of this overall policy, the following adopted land use goals and objectives have been incorporated into the General Land Use Plan (more detailed descriptions and goals of the Metro Station Areas may be found in the Special Planning Areas Section):

Concentrate high-density residential, commercial and office development within designated Metro Station Areas in the Rosslyn-Ballston and Jefferson Davis Metrorail Transit Corridors. This policy encourages the use of public transit and reduces the use of motor vehicles.
Promote mixed-use development in Metro Station Areas to provide a balance of residential, shopping and employment opportunities. The intent of this policy is to achieve continuous use and activity in these areas.
Increase the supply of housing by encouraging construction of a variety of housing types and prices at a range of heights and densities in and near Metro Station Areas. The Plan allows a significant number of townhouses, mid-rise and high-rise dwelling units within designated Metro Station Areas.
Preserve and enhance existing single-family and apartment neighborhoods. Within Metro Station Areas, land use densities are concentrated near the Metro Station, tapering down to surrounding residential areas to limit the impacts of high-density development. Throughout the County, the Neighborhood Conservation Program and other community improvement programs help preserve and enhance older residential areas and help provide housing at a range of price levels and densities.
Preserve and enhance neighborhood retail areas. The County encourages the preservation and revitalization of neighborhood retail areas that serve everyday shopping and service needs and are consistent with adopted County plans. The Commercial Revitalization Program concentrates public capital improvements and County services in these areas to stimulate private reinvestment.