Falls Church planning commission recommends zoning changes for accessory dwellings, with revisions

On March 5, 2025, the Falls Church City Planning Commission voted 5–2 to recommend that City Council adopt proposed zoning ordinance amendments on accessory dwellings (T.O. 24‑17), a package of rules the commission and staff say is intended to expand housing options while addressing privacy, stormwater and design concerns.

The vote followed a public hearing in which five nearby residents urged more restrictive setbacks and protections, and a long staff presentation describing changes made since City Council gave the ordinance first reading on Nov. 25, 2024. Planning staff said the amendment package is intended to implement the housing chapter of the city’s comprehensive plan and Council priorities for 2024–25.

The commission’s recommendation sends the amended ordinance to City Council with three specific revisions requested by the commission: draft code language to prevent detached accessory dwellings from being located in a front yard or closer to the street than the primary dwelling; removal of the provision that would fold detached accessory dwellings into the existing 30% maximum coverage of the required rear yard; and a direction that special‑use permits…