# Arlington ADU Zoning: What the Rules Actually Mean for Your Specific Property > Expert ADU zoning guidance for Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Understand what Arlington's zoning rules mean for your specific property. - **Source:** https://berrizdesign.com/services/adu/zoning/ - **Company:** Berriz Design Build, LLC — Design-build home remodeling and landscape design contractor, founded 1994 - **Contact:** (703) 552-7565 · bob@berrizdesign.com - **Based in:** Arlington, VA - **Service:** ADU Zoning - **Service area:** Arlington, VA, McLean, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Oakton, VA, Alexandria, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax Station, VA ## Questions and answers **What are Arlington County's ADU zoning requirements?** Arlington's ADU zoning requirements include: minimum lot size (typically 6,000 sq ft), setback compliance (distance from property lines varies by zoning district), maximum ADU size (35% of primary home GFA or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less), height limits for detached structures, and owner-occupancy of the primary residence. **Does my Arlington property qualify for an ADU?** Qualification depends on your specific lot's zoning district, size, existing coverage, and setback constraints. Berriz Design Build conducts a property-specific zoning analysis to determine what ADU configurations are feasible before any design work begins. **What is the maximum size of an ADU in Arlington, VA?** Arlington limits ADU size to the lesser of 35% of the primary home's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet. This applies to all ADU types. Interior conversions may have different constraints based on existing structure. **Can I build a detached ADU in my Arlington backyard?** Detached ADUs are permitted in Arlington subject to setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions. The feasibility depends on your specific lot's dimensions and existing structures. Berriz Design Build evaluates detached ADU viability as part of every consultation. **What is the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs in Arlington?** Arlington County requires that the owner of the property occupy either the primary residence or the ADU as their primary residence. This requirement is part of the ADU permit approval and must be maintained for the ADU to remain in compliance. **How does Berriz Design Build navigate ADU zoning in Arlington?** We conduct a detailed zoning analysis of your specific property before any design work begins — evaluating setbacks, lot coverage, zoning district requirements, and existing structure constraints. This ensures that the ADU we design is fully compliant and approvable. ## Page content The Berriz Perspective Arlington County's ADU zoning rules are more nuanced than most homeowners realize — and more nuanced than most contractors explain. The same ordinance that allows a detached ADU on one lot may prohibit it on the lot next door, depending on setbacks, lot coverage, and zoning district. Understanding what's possible on your specific property requires a detailed zoning analysis, not a generic summary of the ordinance. Berriz Design Build conducts property-specific zoning evaluations as part of every ADU consultation. We've analyzed hundreds of Arlington lots over since 1994. We know which configurations are feasible, which require variances, and which aren't viable — and we tell you the truth upfront. The best ADU project is the one that starts with an honest assessment of what's actually possible. Common Questions ## What Arlington Homeowners Ask About ADU Zoning ### Discovery & Eligibility What are Arlington County's ADU zoning requirements? Arlington's ADU zoning requirements include: minimum lot size (typically 6,000 sq ft), setback compliance (distance from property lines varies by zoning district), maximum ADU size (35% of primary home GFA or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less), height limits for detached structures, and owner-occupancy of the primary residence. Does my Arlington property qualify for an ADU? Qualification depends on your specific lot's zoning district, size, existing coverage, and setback constraints. Berriz Design Build conducts a property-specific zoning analysis to determine what ADU configurations are feasible before any design work begins. ### Cost & Permitting What is the maximum size of an ADU in Arlington, VA? Arlington limits ADU size to the lesser of 35% of the primary home's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet. This applies to all ADU types. Interior conversions may have different constraints based on existing structure. Can I build a detached ADU in my Arlington backyard? Detached ADUs are permitted in Arlington subject to setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions. The feasibility depends on your specific lot's dimensions and existing structures. Berriz Design Build evaluates detached ADU viability as part of every consultation. ### Process & Partnership What is the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs in Arlington? Arlington County requires that the owner of the property occupy either the primary residence or the ADU as their primary residence. This requirement is part of the ADU permit approval and must be maintained for the ADU to remain in compliance. How does Berriz Design Build navigate ADU zoning in Arlington? We conduct a detailed zoning analysis of your specific property before any design work begins — evaluating setbacks, lot coverage, zoning district requirements, and existing structure constraints. This ensures that the ADU we design is fully compliant and approvable. Explore the Practice ## Related services ### Detached ADU Expert detached ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Build a pr… Explore → ### Basement ADU Expert basement ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Convert yo… Explore → ### Garage Conversion Expert garage conversion in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. 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