CPHD
Arlington's Origins and Governmental Framework
Arlington, Virginia, an urban county of about 26 square miles, is located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. There are no incorporated towns or cities within Arlington's boundaries as a result of a 1922 decision by the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals which declared Arlington a "continuous, contiguous and homogeneous community."
Arlington was originally part of the ten-mile square surveyed in 1791 for the Nation's Capital. In response to requests of local residents, the U.S. Congress in 1846 returned the portion of the District of Columbia on the west bank of the Potomac River to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This area was known as Alexandria City and Alexandria County until 1920 when the County portion was renamed Arlington County.
In 1932, Arlington became the first County in the United States to operate under the "Manager" form of government, which continues today. The County Board, Arlington's legislative body, is composed of five members elected at large. The Board appoints the County Manager and a variety of citizen boards, commissions and advisory groups to help develop and implement County policies.
The County Board encourages a high level of citizen involvement in local government, especially in developing planning policy. The Planning Commission, a County Board appointed advisory group, provides a forum for public discussion of planning issues. The Commission is empowered by Virginia law to prepare a Comprehensive Plan and to evaluate proposed changes in land use and zoning for conformance with this Plan. The Commission holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the County Board, which also holds public hearings and makes the final decisions on land use and other issues.
Contents of GLUP Booklet
Purpose and Scope
Arlington's Origins and Governmental Framework
Planning History and The Development of the General Land Use Plan (GLUP)
Development and Growth Goals
Affordable Housing
Special Planning Areas
Special Planning Resolutions and Policies
Special Planning Programs
Implementation
Reviewing the Comp Plan & Amending the GLUP
Related Publications and Documents
Appendix 1: Special Planning Resolutions & Policies (full text)
Appendix 2:Planning Document & Policy Matrix
