Auxiliary Dwellings

The City is proposing a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that updates the "accessory apartment" provision across commercial zones and rebrands "accessory apartment" as "auxiliary dwelling".
Page updated on April 26, 2022 at 8:47 AM

What are Auxiliary Dwellings?

Auxiliary dwellings are not new to the City of Alexandria. They are currently known as 'accessory apartments' in the Zoning Ordinance and are classified as residential units that have been allowed above existing commercial spaces.

Current regulations vary in the number of accessory apartments permitted in each zone, ranging from 2 to 4 units, and they are only permitted above the first floor of retail/commercial spaces.

The City is updating the regulations to make the rules consistent across zones and allow flexibility for where a unit can be located within a structure.

Goals of the Proposed Text Amendment

The goals of the draft text amendment are to:

  • Expand housing choice within transit-rich commercial zones while still maintaining continuous active uses along the commercial corridors.
  • Allow for flexibility in the location of residential units within commercial structures.
    • Currently, residential units can only be located above commercial retail/office spaces. There are many buildings with basements that may be used for apartment units; however, placing an apartment in the basement currently requires a petition for a Special Use Permit (SUP).
  • Ensure auxiliary dwelling units are not confused with the newly adopted Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations.

Community Engagement

  • Initial draft recommendations are available for the community's review and comment through April 19. Final draft recommendations incorporating Planning Commission and community input are scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council during the May 3 and May 14 public hearings, respectively. 

Resources

Land Use and Zoning

Find resources and information pertaining to zoning regulations, assistance for property owners and small businesses, requirements for special use permits, and learn about the City’s zoning initiatives.

Questions?

Contact Marlo J.W. Ford, AICP, Department of Planning and Zoning, 703.746.3841.