Blogs

Construction

Fairfax County Signage Shake-up

Whether you are demonstrating your support for your favorite political candidate, sharing the day’s specials at your restaurant, or showcasing the location of a major office tenant, you’re undoubtedly using signage to get people’s attention. The who, where, when, and what of signage is strictly regulated. In Fairfax County, adding or modifying existing signs beyond…

July 11, 2022

Employment Law

Are Emotional Distress Damages Recoverable Under Title IX? No, Says the Supreme Court.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) has been front and center news lately. The statute, which is still best known as the law enacted by Congress to remediate discrimination in student athletics, officially turned 50 on June 23, 2022. That same day, the U.S. Department of Education proposed major revisions to…

July 11, 2022

Employment Law

What Impact Will the Biden Administration’s New Proposed Title IX Regulations Have on Colleges and Universities?

Perhaps you have been on vacation in some remote destination, or your attention has been diverted by other demands, like the House’s January 6 hearings, and you might be wondering: What’s new in higher ed? Plenty. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) officially turned fifty on June 23, 2022. That same…

July 6, 2022

Construction

The Missing Middle

Arlington County’s Planning & Housing study “The Missing Middle” has entered its second phase, “Analysis & Draft Framework.” The initiative has garnered attention from homeowners, homebuilders, and community members who are interested in how the plan might impact Arlington. “The Missing Middle” refers to housing types that exist on the spectrum between detached single-family houses…

July 1, 2022

Construction

Parking Reimagined – Changes to Fairfax County’s Parking Requirements

Fairfax County’s Zoning Ordinance may undergo major changes in parking requirements at the end of this year. “Parking Reimagined,” the County’s initiative to reevaluate longstanding vehicular parking standards within its borders,[1] will soon release its draft proposal to citizen workgroups and the broader public for feedback. Notably, the proposal may include modifications to County maximum…

June 27, 2022

Construction

When Do You Need a Virginia Contractor’s License?

Many contractors considering projects in the Commonwealth, particularly those that primarily operate in Maryland and the District of Columbia, are surprised to learn how strict the licensing requirements are here in Virginia and that reciprocity often does not apply. Careful compliance with the licensing statutes and regulations is key to ensuring your contracting firm is…

June 21, 2022

Construction

Plan Langston Boulevard – A Lesson in Smart Planning: Encouraging Investment and Development in Arlington

Sometime later this summer, Arlington County is expected to release its Preliminary Concept Plan (“PCP”) for the Langston Boulevard Area Plan (“Plan Langston”). The long percolating plan has gone through one name change; obtained a host of community feedback initiatives with residents, developers, business owners, property owners, and many other interested parties; and received guidance…

June 16, 2022

Construction

Potential Pitfalls to Buying Old Condos with HOAs

If you are considering buying a condominium or townhouse in the near future, make sure you perform your due diligence by reviewing the finances of the condominium or homeowners association, paying close attention to outstanding maintenance and repair issues. Under new guidelines, lenders may not be able to resell their loans to the “quasi-government” financing…

June 16, 2022

Construction

Changes to Fairfax County’s Site-Specific Plan Amendment Process

The use of land in Fairfax County is governed by the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan. Last year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a new Zoning Ordinance. This year, the Board of Supervisors is turning its attention to the Comprehensive Plan. The “Comp Plan” includes both (1) broad planning policies, such as those…

June 13, 2022

Business and Financial Services

Exiting the Business – M&A Strategies for S Corp Owners

S Corporations are one of the most popular operating vehicles for small business in the United States. Whether legally structured as a corporation or LLC under state law, qualified businesses electing S-Corp tax status are able to reap many associated financial benefits, such as the realization of pass-through income taxation while also having the ability…

May 27, 2022