Accessory Living Units Proposal Heads To Public Hearing In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — A proposal to allow accessory living units in the Town of Vienna will head to the Vienna Planning Commission Wednesday for a public hearing.

Accessory living units are independent residential units on a standalone residential property. These types of units are not currently permitted in any zoning area in the Town of Vienna.

A proposal up for the planning commission public hearing would allow accessory living units in areas zoned for single-unit detached homes, which are RS-16, RS-12.5 and RS-10. The planning commission's meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Residents may provide comments at the meeting or may send them to Jennifer Murphy at Jennifer.Murphy@viennava.gov or by mail to Planning Commission c/o Jennifer Murphy, Department of Planning and Zoning, 127 Center Street South, Vienna, Virginia, 22180. Written comments are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The planning commission will make a recommendation to Vienna Town Council. Town Council will have its own public hearing on Nov. 18 and has a goal to vote on the item no later than Dec. 9.

The proposal would make zoning code amendments to allow accessory living units in the single-family home zones. Only one unit per lot with a maximum of two bedrooms and 800 square feet or 40 percent of the main residence would be allowed. The Board of Zoning appeals would be able to approve a unit above 800 square feet but below 1,000 square feet. Under the proposal, short-term rentals for a period less than 30 days would not be allowed. The proposal would require one parking space per bedroom in the accessory living unit.

According to planning commission meeting documents, Vienna Town Council had set housing diversity as one of its 2024 priorities. During work sessions on Sept. 9 and 23, the council provided guidance on draft zoning code amendments. Town council reviewed draft amendments on Oct. 7 and referred it to the planning commission for a public hearing and recommendation.

The meeting documents also noted potential Virginia legislation on accessory living units introduced by state Sen. Saddam Salim, who represents the Town of Vienna in the Virginia Senate. Salim's legislation would make accessory living units by right in residential zoning areas. The Virginia Senate passed the legislation 22-18, but the House of Delegates did not take action in 2024. The town is monitoring the legislation being reintroduced in 2025.