Most of the development and construction in the Williamsburg community occurred before Arlington County adopted its first General Land Use Plan (GLUP) in 1961. The current residential zoning designation for Williamsburg is R-6, one residence per 6,000 square feet in building lot. Under GLUP, the area is designated as low density residential, one to ten units per acre. Housing is almost totally single-family detached homes, and survey responses indicate residents wish to preserve this characteristic. There is currently one small neighborhood shopping area (zoned C-1) in Williamsburg. Residents do not support additional commercial development.

There is increasing pressure for redevelopment in Williamsburg. The relatively large lots, modest older homes, and convenient location make the community potentially attractive for higher density development. A majority of residents strongly oppose higher density. The Williamsburg Civic Association supports the Arlington County Board resolution of March 15, 1980, on Neighborhood Conservation Program policy which states, "The County Board, in its consideration of land use and zoning changes, use permits, and site plans will give full consideration to the recommendations of the [neighborhood conservation] plan within the context provided by Virginia Supreme Court zoning decisions and enabling legislation."

The civic association recognizes that many houses in the community are undergoing renovation. For the most part, new additions are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and have been received positively by the community; however, some residents disapprove of the recent county-wide trend to build new homes on inappropriately small lots and strongly disapprove of "shoehorning," the construction of oversized houses in odd positions or with very small setbacks. Some residents also oppose in-fill and pipestem development when this type of construction adversely changes the character of the neighborhood. Some residents are also concerned about houses which are larger and higher than current zoning allows. Procedures for notifying surrounding property owners of such projects should ensure that all affected homeowners are aware of the project and are given an opportunity to protect their property rights.

Williamsburg urges the County Board to address citizens' concerns about in-fill and pipestem development through greater involvement of civic associations and nearby neighbors.

Recommendations

36. Modify the county's Zoning Ordinance to require developers to consult with civic associations on "by-right" construction, including issues such as maintenance of mature trees on site and other impacts of construction. Initiate new procedures for notifying adjacent neighbors of "by-right" development.

37. Re-examine the county's Zoning Ordinance on allowable heights for the construction of new residential housing and the renovation of existing homes, balancing the interests of nearby neighbors with the need for the Williamsburg area to adapt to changing consumer needs.

38. Re-examine the county's Subdivision Ordinance on access requirements for pipestem and in-fill development and minimum street coverage to ensure that the property values of nearby homes are not adversely affected.

39. Re-examine the county's Zoning Ordinance for residential zones in terms of lot coverage for buildings (including decks and detached structures), balancing the goal of preserving open spaces with the need to create housing responsive to consumer needs and compatible with the high land values in this part of North Arlington.

40. Improve the procedures for notifying civic associations and community residents about variance applications.