What This Process Involves
Our approach combines technical staff experience and analysis of current regulations with opportunities for community comment. We're examining how current rules work in practice, identifying areas where clarity or updates may be needed, and gathering community input to inform potential changes before bringing any recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Project Scope
Developed and Vacant Substandard Lots: Looking at regulations that govern properties that don't meet current dimensional (size, width, or frontage) requirements, including how existing homes can be modified and how vacant lots can be developed. (Anticipated Public Hearings, June 2026)
Outlots: Looking at requirements and processes for developing properties that lack direct street access, including provisions for access easements and development standards. (Anticipated Public Hearings, June 2026)
Subdivision Regulations: Looking at standards for dividing land into smaller parcels, including procedures, infrastructure requirements, and design standards. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026/Winter 2027)
Board of Architectural Review Development Project Review Processes: Examining the BAR review process for DSUP projects to formalize the concept review and ensure consistency between the DSUP and BAR approvals. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026)
Historic District Ordinance Consistency: Examining review standards and section ordering to improve consistency across the different historic districts and create more pathways for administrative approval. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026)
Historic District Ordinance Language: Cleaning up the ordinance to ensure the language used is clear, concise, and equitable, while removing outdated and irrelevant references. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026)
Maintenance and Alteration Requirements: Reviewing standards for routine maintenance, repairs, and alterations to historic properties to clarify what projects require review. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026)
Historic District ATM Regulations: Reviewing regulations that affect where an ATM can be installed in the historic districts. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026)
Historic District Curb Cut Regulations: Updating how curb cut applications are reviewed in the Old and Historic Alexandria District. (Anticipated Public Hearings, Fall 2026)
Stay tuned for future commercial uses text amendments.
Timeline and Community Engagement
Updates coming to Fall 2026 and Winter 2027.
Questions?
Contact project staff:
- Residential Uses: Sam Shelby, Principal Planner, 703.746.3865
- Historic Preservation: Julie Weisgerber Principal Planner, 703.746.4164
- Commercial Uses: Rachel Drescher, Principal Planner, 703-746-3818