Zoning for Housing Implementation

In 2023, the City Council approved a series of proposals designed to expand Alexandria's housing production, improve affordability and address past and current barriers to equitable housing access. This page provides information on implementation efforts since the adoption of these reforms.
Page updated on March 20, 2026 at 9:20 AM
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The information below outlines implementation of the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All reforms adopted by City Council in 2023.

The data reflects sites and/or number of units approved as of February 20, 2026.

 

Zoning for Housing Implementation Map as of 2/24/2026

Click to enlarge

Accessory Dwelling Unit Reform

New ADUs: 96

Approvals

Coordinated Development Districts and Affordable Housing Reform

CDDs: 2

Approvals

  • Include condition language in future new and amended CDD requests requiring 1/3 of bonus density (above what is recommended in a small area plan) to be committed affordable units.
  • Project website.


 

Townhouse Zoning Reform

Additions/alterations: 10

New Townhouses: 4

Approvals

  • Allows existing lots in zones that allow townhouses to be developed with single unit, two-unit, or a townhouse dwelling regardless of compliance with the underlying zone’s minimum lot width, frontage, or size requirements
  • Eliminated setback requirements for lots less than 25 feet wide
  • Increased FAR limit for single unit, two-unit and townhouse dwellings in historic districts and for lots that don’t meet minimum dimensional (width, frontage, and/or size) requirements
  • Open space requirement standardization
  • Project website

Single-Unit Zoning Reform

Additions/alterations: 3

New Semi-Detached: 10

New Multi-Unit: 3

Approvals

  • Allows multi-unit dwellings with up to four units in zones that previously allowed only single unit or two-unit dwellings
  • Reduced lot width, frontage, and size requirements for semi-detached dwellings
  • Project website

Historic Development Patterns Reform 

NEW Multi-Unit: 49

Amended Yard and Open Space Requirements: 1

Approvals

  • Remove dwelling units per acre limitations in multi-unit zones to allow smaller unit sizes within the same development envelope
  • Amended front yard requirement
  • Project website

Questions?

Questions can be directed to the interdepartmental Zoning for Housing team at ZoningforHousing@alexandriava.gov or contact the Department of Planning & Zoning at 703.746.4666.

For detailed information on the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All planning process and approvals, visit the project website.