Accessory Dwelling Units in Alexandria

The City conducted a community process to develop accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policy to help expand housing options, affordability and accessibility in neighborhoods throughout Alexandria. With stakeholder input, the study informed the development of proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that permit the construction of ADUs.
Page updated on April 28, 2022 at 4:43 PM

Approved ADUs Since Policy Adoption

2022

  • 03/29/22, 300 North View Terrace, Detached ADU
  • 03/28/22, 3106 Cameron Mills Road, Detached ADU
  • 03/01/22, 18 East Howell Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 01/20/22, 1118 Janney's Lane, Internal ADU
  • 01/04/22, 109 East Uhler Avenue, Detached ADU

2021

  • 12/02/21, 31 S. Early Street, Internal ADU
  • 11/19/21, 821 Summit Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 11/16/21, 814 Vassar Road, Detached ADU
  • 11/11/21, 106 E. Glebe Road, Internal ADU
  • 10/18/21, 202 E. Monroe Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 10/18/21, 202 Clifford Avenue, Internal ADU
  • 09/17/21, 19 East Masonic Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 08/30/21, 2607 Dewitt Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 08/20/21, 504 Upland Place, Detached ADU
  • 08/12/21, 211 Ashby Street, Detached ADU
  • 08/10/21, 211 E. Uhler Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 08/09/21, 105 E Uhler Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 08/02/21, 2700 Davis Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 07/22/21, 414 N. Fayette Street, Internal ADU
  • 07/21/21, 31 Rosecrest Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 07/21/21, 110 W. Alexandria Avenue, Detached ADU
  • 07/16/21, 425 S. Lee Street, Internal ADU

City Council Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Policy

City Council approved ADU policy on January 23, 2021 at their regular public hearing. More information can be found here and navigating to docket item #6.

City Council amended the policy to include the following:

  • Require homeowners to maintain primary residence of the subject property at the time of ADU construction.
  • Prohibit the exclusive use of an ADU as a short-term rental.
  • Require a fee for ADU permits.
  • Require larger setbacks for taller, detached ADUs

Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy Draft Recommendations

What are ADUs?

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly referred to as “in-law apartments” or “granny flats”, are secondary, independent living units that typically have a separate kitchen, sleeping area and bathroom. ADUs can assume different forms including basement apartments, converted garages or new structures detached from a primary residence. ADUs can:

  • Bring in rental income that helps cover housing costs for both first-time homebuyers and long-time Alexandrians at risk of being priced out of the city;
  • Provide on-site housing options for multi-generational families, caregivers for seniors and persons with disabilities, live-in childcare providers and other caretakers;
  • Enhance housing affordability for the City’s workforce, including recent graduates and young professionals.
  • Frequently Asked Questions (Updated August 12, 2020)

Planning Process

Meetings and Materials

  • October - November 2020 - Online Engagement Opportunity
    • Community feedback on the draft recommendations was incorporated in the final draft considered by Planning Commission and City Council
  • October 22,2020 - Virtual Community Meeting 
  • July 15, 2020 - Presentation summarizing initial community feedback received and addressing questions regarding how the City's Zoning Ordinance currently regulates ADUs.
  • April 17, 2020 - Presentation providing an introduction to ADUs and goals of the study. Community feedback was accepted from April 17 through May 10 and informed staff’s policy recommendations considered by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Objectives

The process included citywide community outreach and engagement, and an analysis of regional and national best practices to include regulatory tools, financial mechanisms, design guidelines and other considerations. Urban Institute provided research and outreach assistance to City staff on the project.

Project goals included:

  • Allowing for new dwelling units that are compatible with established neighborhood character;
  • Gradually increasing lower-cost housing stock;
  • Providing additional housing flexibility for residents.

Further Information

More about ADUs

 

ADU Regulations in the Region

Questions?

Contact zoning staff at pczoning@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4333.