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Planning Commission reviews final ADU work session; key divisions remain on owner-occupancy and size
Summary
At its Feb. 19 work session the Falls Church Planning Commission accepted staff's revised ADU height-and-setback framework and a 1,000-square-foot gross-area cap as a starting point, but commissioners were divided on owner-occupancy and occupancy limits and requested additional clarifications before the March 5 public hearing.
The Falls Church Planning Commission held its final work session on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on Feb. 19 and provided guidance to staff ahead of the March 5 public hearing. Commissioners broadly accepted staff's revised height and setback approach for detached ADUs but split on owner-occupancy, occupancy limits and whether some special-use cases should still come to the Planning Commission for review.
Why it matters: ADU policy changes can make it easier for homeowners to add modest rental housing or family units, affecting housing supply, neighborhood character, tree canopy and stormwater outcomes. The commission's guidance will shape the draft zoning text that goes to public hearing.
Key elements of the draft and meeting guidance:
- Height and setbacks: Staff revised its earlier proposal to allow a detached ADU either up to 1 story/15 feet (whichever is less) with a 5-foot side/rear setback, or up to 1.5 stories/20 feet with a 10-foot side/rear setback. Commissioners broadly supported the…
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