Arlington is progressive on ADU regulations, allowing accessory units with streamlined approval. The county's proximity to DC and strong housing market make it attractive for ADU development.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1]
| Allowed Zones | Single-family residential zones |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,000 sq ft |
| Max Size (Attached) | 850 sq ft |
| Max Size (JADU) | Not allowed |
| Max Height | 35 feet |
| Max Units | 1 ADU per lot |
Setback Requirements [1]
| Rear Setback | 5 ft (interior lots); 10 ft (corner lots) |
| Side Setback | 3 feet |
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Parking Required | 1 space per unit |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Min Lot Size | 4,000 sq ft |
Permit Process & Fees
| Approval Process | Building permit with streamlined review |
| Review Timeline | 50-75 days |
| Permit Fees | $2,800-$4,500 |
| Impact Fees | $1,000-$1,800 |
| Plan Check | 2-3 weeks |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Available |
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Construction Costs [2][3]
| Average Build Cost | $170,000-$340,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $170-$340 |
| Garage Conversion | $90,000-$200,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $130,000-$290,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential [4][5]
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,700-$2,200/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $2,100-$3,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Not permitted |
| Est. Annual ROI | 5-7% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half.
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Arlington ADU ordinance update (2026): Increased max height to 25 ft for detached ADUs
- Alexandria expanded ADU program with pre-approved plan sets (2026)
- Virginia state legislature reviewing ADU enabling legislation for 2026
- Northern Virginia regional ADU working group established for cross-jurisdiction standards
Tips for Building an ADU in Arlington
- Arlington's DC proximity creates premium rental market
- High property costs offset by strong rents; moderate ROI
- Government workforce provides stable, long-term tenants
- Strong appreciation potential in this premium market
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Accessory Dwelling Permit — Arlington County VA Planning Department — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HomeAdvisor — ADU Construction Cost Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Angi — Local ADU Contractor Costs Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Zillow Rental Manager — Market Rent Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HUD Fair Market Rents Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
Frequently Asked Questions
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