“Low Residential Study” will destroy our tree canopy
Tell the Arlington County Board: Keep Your Promise!
Study the Zoning Lot Coverage that’s destroying our tree canopy!
Dear ATAG Supporter:
This May, the County Board instructed county staff to perform a Low Residential Study that focuses solely on “impervious” surfaces and ignores buildings/structures. Currently underway, this study fails to address: 1) the size or height of new houses, 2) the percentage of a lot that a new house, garage and driveway can cover, and 3) asks staff to consider DROPPING lot coverage restrictions in the Zoning Ordinance altogether.
The Forestry and Natural Resources Plan approved by the County in December 2023, promised to “Enhance development standards to optimize retention or replacement of tree canopy, natural vegetation, permeable surfaces and biophilic elements.” The FNRP agreed to look at zoning lot coverage and development rules that are leveling Arlington’s tree canopy. Now they are only looking at impervious surfaces which results in minimizing protections for trees. Pervious does not equal plantable.
(Read the ATAG background analysis on our website.)
How Can You Help?
Attend a Low Residential Study Open House (See details below)
October 20: 6-8pm Lubber Run Community Center (in person)
November 13: 6-8pm Arlington Trades Center (in person)
Write to County Board members at countyboard@arlingtonva.us. Ask them to do the lot coverage study. (See details below)
Speak directly to a Board member on an Open-Door Monday (See details below)
Attend a Low-Residential Study Open House
The October 20th Open House details can be found on this website. Tell county staff that the study must focus on including the size of house footprints and the percentage of a lot they are allowed to cover—as the County Board originally promised — instead of considering ONLY the size of patios, sidewalks and other “impervious” surfaces.
Preserving and strengthening lot coverage restrictions in the Zoning Ordinance is the best chance we have to preserve plantable space and protect our mature tree canopy.
Write to County Board members (countyboard@arlingtonva.us). Ask them to do the lot coverage study.
Recognize that annually replacing 150–180 smaller, single-family homes with very large homes (and accessory buildings) is decreasing our mature tree canopy, polluting waterways and causing floods;
Recognize that staff has identified building footprints in the current lot coverage rules as the largest contributing factor to tree loss and impervious surface gain.
Honor(new word) the 2023 Forestry and Natural Resources Plan’s direction to review zoning lot coverage (this should include building footprint allowances), the critical tool for balancing our built and natural environments, as recommended by the Arlington Tree Action Group in its August 2025 letter;
Review giving credit to developers for trees as best management practices for stormwater control in the construction of new single-family homes.
Speak directly to a Board member on an Open Door Monday
Speak directly with a County Board member at Open Door Monday (ODM). Though most ODM meetings are virtual (and you must register to participate), there are some in-person meetings at which you may simply show up. Look for the registration form and details here: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/County-Board/Open-Door-Mondays.
Thanks for all you do for trees! Let’s keep it going!