Staff propose 29 changes to Arlington Unified Development Code including short‑term rental caps and drainage attestations

Richard Gertzen, assistant director of planning and development services, presented the city’s annual update to the Unified Development Code, describing 29 proposed changes intended to clarify language, correct errors and update substantive requirements based on recent practice and state law.

Gertzen said the package contains 24 clarifications or corrections, two new or modified definitions and nine substantive changes. Staff emphasized the proposals do not alter primary or accessory uses this year but do add or clarify standards in many technical areas, including setbacks, landscaping, drainage, front-yard fencing and the treatment of external equipment.

Key substantive proposals highlighted by staff include limits on short-term rental (STR) permits in multifamily buildings: inside the entertainment-area STR zone, no more than 25 dwelling units or 15% of a building’s units (whichever is greater) could be permitted as STRs; outside that zone the cap would be 25 dwelling units or 15% of units (whichever is…