Arlington County Allows New Ground Level Uses

Arlington County is allowing land use flexibility on ground floors in the hopes of transforming the Columbia Park as more of a pedestrian-oriented "Main Street."

1 minute read

November 17, 2021, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Street signs at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Highland in Arlington, Virginia.

DCStockPhotography / Shutterstock

The Arlington County Board voted unanimously to allow "greater flexibility for commercial, office, light industrial, and agricultural uses—including animal boarding and craft beverage production—on ground floors along the [Columbia] Pike," according to a November 13 press release from Arlington County'.

"The changes approved at the Saturday, Nov. 13, Board meeting will enhance the variety of businesses serving the Columbia Pike community, attract new customers for area businesses, and increase opportunities for first-time and minority business owners. County staff recommended the changes based on over a year of research, analysis, and engagement with residents, property owners, and the business community," according to the press release.

According to the press release, the changes respond to market conditions along the Columbia Pike and with the planned goals of making the corridor more of a walkable "Main Street" with increased pedestrian activity.

Hat tip to Matt Gontarchik for sharing the news.

Saturday, November 13, 2021 in Arlington County Government

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

1 hour ago - UNM News

Bird's eye view of half-circle suburban street with large homes.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City

If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

3 hours ago - Investopedia

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star