Site Plan Review Process

Arlington’s Zoning Ordinance provides for a special exception site plan option within certain zoning districts under the guidance of Administrative Regulation 4.1. This allows for site-specific flexibility in development form, use and density, beyond what is otherwise permitted by-right.

Site plans are reviewed by an interdepartmental staff team and the Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) of the Planning Commission. Most significant private and public projects in Arlington are developed through this process, ensuring proper reviews, public engagement, and compliance with applicable policies and ordinances.

For applicants seeking more information on filing, visit the Site Plan Applications webpage

Virtual Site Plan Review Process

Process Step	Description
Optional: Conceptual Site Plan	Prior to submission of a preliminary special exception site plan application, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a conceptual site plan
Preliminary Development Application	An interdepartmental staff team will completes an early technical review to determine compliance with submission criteria All fees are collected at this stage The Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) Chair appoints a Planning Commissioner to lead the SPRC review Applicants make revisions as needed and prepare a final site plan application
Final Site Plan Application	County staff begin an interdepartmental review of the final site plan application, establish a project webpage, and post application and background materials A Site Plan Review Committee is formed with membership specific to the application; comprised of members of the Planning Commission, other advisory group and commission representatives, civic association members, and neighborhood representatives County staff, the SPRC Chair, and the applicant meet to discuss the proposed site plan A community engagement schedule is established, posted to the project webpage, and publicized Applicants are encouraged to conduct outreach to impacted communities
Online Feedback Window #1	The first of two online engagements happens approximately 30 days after the final site plan application is accepted The feedback window will focus on the specific topics, such as land use, policy background, site design, architecture, transportation, open space, construction, and/or site improvements. Feedback windows are facilitated by posting videos and project materials to the project website, which may include: SPRC Chair introduction Staff presentation on land use and policy background information Applicant presentation of the site plan project Virtual Walking Tour Staff report Active feedback forms are posted at the top of a project’s webpage The online feedback window remains open for one week and is publicized to the broader community
Online Feedback Window #2	The second online engagement happens approximately 60 days after the final site plan application is accepted The feedback window will focus on the specific topics, such as land use, policy background, site design, architecture, transportation, open space, construction, and/or site improvements. Feedback windows are facilitated by posting videos to the project website, which may include: Staff and applicant presentations and/or reports Staff responses to comments gathered during previous online community engagement session Revised application materials, if applicable Previous project materials will remain available on the project website Active feedback forms are posted to the top of a project’s webpage The online feedback window remains open for one week and is publicized to the broader community
Virtual SPRC Meeting	A preliminary SPRC Report prepared by staff includes a compilation of public comments received through both engagement sessions The virtual meeting is open to the public and held approximately 90 days after the final site plan application is accepted Prior to the meeting, materials are posted to the project webpage, which may include: Microsoft Teams link to access the meeting Meeting Agenda Preliminary SPRC Report Revised application materials, if applicable SPRC members, staff, and the public will be hosted by teleconference/videoconference via Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams is accessible through a web browser or the free app, or, via a phone line for audio Closed captioning is available through Microsoft Teams To request translation services or other reasonable accommodations, contact the staff planner at the number or email listed on the project’s webpage in advance How to join a Microsoft Teams Live Event More support for Microsoft Teams A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project webpage within two business days
Public Hearing Preparation	At this stage the SPRC Chair prepares a report for the Planning Commission hearing Staff prepare a draft County Manager’s report that includes a number of suggested conditions for approval Public notices are posted and publicized to the broader community a minimum of 10 calendar days prior to the Planning Commission or County Board hearing where the site plan application will be considered Depending on the project’s context, the site plan may be reviewed at other commission and advisory board meetings
Planning Commission Public Hearing	The Planning Commission considers site plan applications during their public hearings which are typically held each month The public can view the meeting and participate by submitting written comments in advance or signing up to provide verbal testimony at the hearing After hearing presentations and public comment, the Planning Commission discusses proposals and votes The Commission’s final recommendation and the County Manager’s final recommendation are provided to the County Board
County Board Public Hearing	The County Board takes the final action on site plan applications and conditions of approval at their public hearings which are typically held each month The public can view the meeting and participate by submitting written comments in advance or signing up to provide verbal testimony at the hearing If a project is approved, the applicant may proceed with the development process and obtain permits

Site Plan Conditions

Site plan conditions are typically necessary for all site plans. Conditions ensure that a project substantially complies with County plans, policies and Zoning Ordinance regulations for a particular area, or are in exchange for bonuses and other benefits approved as part of the project. Increased density, height or other modifications can have an impact on the surrounding community, and site plan conditions help mitigate these impacts.

The following are standard conditions for high density office, residential and mixed-use projects: