Arlington ADU Zoning: What the Rules Actually Mean for Your Specific Property

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.