Missing Middle Housing Studied in Suburban Virginia

Almost 90% of Arlington County land zones for residential use is reserved for single-family homes. Would adding missing middle housing in the form of duplexes and triplexes keep the price of housing in a more manageable range?

1 minute read

December 22, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Maryland Suburbs

RaksyBH / Shutterstock

Arlington County, Virginia has launched a study on missing middle housing to address the rising cost of housing in the region, reports Ally Schweitzer.

"The county expects to launch the study in April 2020, focusing on 'how new housing types and forms could be introduced in Arlington that broaden the range and supply of housing,' according to documents presented to the county board this week," according to Schweitzer.

Officials are already expecting controversy over the possibility that missing middle housing will change the character of neighborhoods in the county. Similar controversy followed nearby Montgomery County's efforts to legalize accessory dwelling units for similar reasons.

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