Blogs

Construction

“Plan Langston Blvd” to Reach County Board in November

Plan Langston Blvd, a transformative vision for Route 29, envisions a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly highway with modern apartments over retail spaces. As we approach the final stages of discussion and potential approval, the County Board could approve the Plan at their November board hearing. In this blog, we’ll shed some light on the recent developments, concerns,…

October 13, 2023

Construction

Arlington County Releases Langston Boulevard Area Plan

Arlington County has finally unveiled the draft Langston Boulevard Area Plan after a lengthy review process. The Langston Boulevard Area Plan will be a comprehensive vision for the corridor’s future. This article will focus on three crucial aspects of the plan and what effect there may be for property owners along Langston Boulevard. Preserving Cultural…

July 5, 2023

Construction

What Contract Terms are Legally Required for Virginia Residential Contracting Projects?

Virginia law has licensing regulations that spell out specific terms that must be included in all residential contracting. These regulations apply broadly to construction and renovation work and are spelled out clearly at 18 VAC 50-22-260. There are some nuances to the type of projects and contractors to which these regulations apply. The first and…

July 3, 2023

Construction

Virginia Supreme Court Voids Fairfax County’s New Zoning Ordinance

On March 23, 2021, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) approved a comprehensive update and modernization – the “Zoning Ordinance Modernization Project (“ZMOD”) – of the County’s Zoning Ordinance. At that time, the Board was utilizing special electronic meeting rules so that it could conduct public business necessary to continuation of government during…

March 24, 2023

Construction

“Pay When Paid” Change for Subcontractors Coming to Virginia

In 1995, the Virginia Supreme Court expressly held that general contractors could assert an absolute “pay when paid” defense against subcontractors claiming monetary damages for non-payment of work on a construction project. See Galloway Corp. v. S.B. Ballard Constr. Co., 250 Va. 493, 506 (1995). Since then, the law of the land had been that general…

November 4, 2022

Construction

Prince William County – The Digital Battlefield

Prince William County (PWC) is becoming a crucial location for data center developers. However, as PWC creates incentives for data center market and contemplates zoning changes that favor data center development, some citizens have grown concerned about the changing landscape in their community. While PWC has been courting the development of these centers since the…

August 4, 2022

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

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