- Have its own separate entrance
- Have its own kitchen and bathroom
- House not more than three people
- Be not more than 750 square feet
- Pass the fire-safety regulation inspection
If you have been mulling over the idea of building a cottage in the backyard of your property in Arlington, then you have a reason to smile. This is because of the unanimous vote from the County Board, which allowed backyard cottages.
According to an article by wtop.com, Arlington Board members unanimously voted to loosen regulations on the so-called "accessory dwelling units"(ADUs) during their Saturday meeting. This vote came after a contentious debate with some residents fearing the impacts of greater density and fewer trees in their neighborhoods.
“I am very pleased to support this motion for the benefits I think we’re going to see,” Board member Erik Gutshall said. “In my view, the benefits far outweigh the potential impacts. To me, it’s about housing. Period.”
These newly amended zoning laws allow you to build detached ADUs without having to seek county permission first for as long as it's a one-family property. Previously, homeowners could only build an ADU inside their homes or convert an existing outside structure into one.
Homeowners can now build an ADU on an interior lot as long as the structure is at least 5 feet away from the property lines. Those built on corner lots must be 5 feet from the side yard line and 10 feet away from the rear yard line.
These new rules did not, however, alter the county's other requirements for an ADU that it must: