Thursday, June 19 TH
Welcome to the Falls Church News-Press
Summer Real Estate Guide! This special edition showcases the Little City’s vibrant housing market, local trends, and expert tips for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or planning to list, this guide will help you navigate summer opportunities confidently.
interior Accessory Dwellings are permitted with a special permit.
Falls Church City Property Owners, did you know you can now add a small home in your backyard? Just approved in April 2025, City Council has made it legal to build a secondary home – known as an Accessory Dwelling (AD) – on the same lot as your main residence.
Do other locations allow Accessory Dwellings?
ADs are a new housing option spreading throughout many parts of the country. Over the past decade, a growing list of states and localities have passed legislation allowing these small second homes. California has largely led the way since 2016 when they established statewide standards, and since then another 10 states have followed with their own statewide initiatives. Additionally, a long list of local governments across the country have approved ADs, including nearby jurisdictions D.C. (2016), Arlington VA (2019), Montgomery County MD (2020) and Alexandria VA (2021).
Why build an Accessory Dwelling?
ADs are versatile and there are many reasons for wanting to build one. Small second homes can provide a host of benefits, especially where multi-generational living makes sense for a family, or an Owner is looking to add a new income stream. Here are a few of the most common reasons for building an AD:
• Independent living for aging parents or family members with additional needs.
• Starter home for a graduating college student – they can begin their career where they grew up.
•Real estate investment – they already own the land, and an AD provides ongoing rental income.
• Guest house for visitors and family, or an au pair.
• Downsize and retire into an AD – then either rent out the main home to generate longterm income, or the kids & grandkids eventually move into the primary. Either way you don’t need to leave the area to afford retirement!
What are the rules in Falls Church City?
All single-family home properties (R1-A and R1-B) are allowed one Accessory Dwelling per lot by-right, provided certain minimum setback and other requirements are met (more detail below). In the R-M residential district,
How large can an Accessory Dwelling be in Falls Church?
Up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main dwelling gross floor area, whichever is less. If, however, your main residence is less than 1,400 square feet, then your AD can only be up to 700 square feet.
How tall can it be?
The maximum height cannot exceed 20-feet, 1.5 stories, and the height of your main residence. For a substandard lot, the maximum height is determined by the ratio of actual to required lot area, but not less than 15-feet. With the right design, you can achieve a wellappointed second floor or loft space.
Where can an AD be placed on a lot?
Side and rear setbacks are minimum 8-feet for a single-story, and minimum 10-feet for 1.5-stories. It cannot be located in a front yard, and it cannot be closer to the street than the main residence. Additionally, for corner lots, it must be at least 10-feet from a neighbor’s abutting front or side yard.
Are there lot coverage requirements?
Yes, an important limitation is that you cannot add an AD that will exceed your maximum lot coverage or maximum impervious lot coverage. Additionally, your AD plus any other accessory structures (ie. garage, shed, etc) cannot occupy more than 50% of the minimum required rear yard.
Are there other rules or minimum requirements?
• Yes, below are a few additional requirements to be aware of:
• The owner must maintain the property as their primary residence when applying for a building permit and when the certificate of occupancy is issued (except for new construction when a primary home and AD are built together).
• No more than 4 persons may occupy an AD.
• No short-term rentals of less than 30 consecutive days are permitted.
I have a small backyard, will it fit?
Most yards in this area are small, but most can still accommodate an Accessory Dwelling! Each lot is unique though and requires an individual analysis to confirm best fit and feasibility.
By Laura Fall Corcoran, Mcenearney
‘Ives House,’ located at 209 E. Broad Street, was built in 1855 by Falls Church resident George Ives. He and his wife purchased the land for $1,000 and lived in the house until his death in 1914. Mr. Ives is credited with building many brick homes in Falls Church prior to 1858.
‘Ives House’ is 170 years old. There has been a total of 5 owners, beginning with George Ives and his wife. The home and property sold for $4,100 in 1917, $7,500 in 1922, $9,200 in 1930, and $100,000 in 1978. The Falls Church Presbyterian Church, which is adjacent to ‘Ives House,’ purchased the property in 1978. George Ives was a founding member of the Church.
The Falls Church Presbyterian Church has utilized the home in keeping with their mission of service. In 1985, they leased the house for 20 years to Falls
Church City. Falls Church City used the house as a group home for mentally and physically disabled persons. Since 2005, the Church has leased and used the property, sometimes in conjunction with area non-profits, to provide housing to people in need.
Architecturally, ‘Ives House’ is a two story, hip roof, brick Colonial with a wraparound porch. A handsome walnut newel is featured at the entry staircase. The original stone foundation is visible in the cellar and along parts of the exterior perimeter. Including an addition to the original home, there are a total of 6 bedrooms and 3 baths. The total living area square feet is 2776 and the land is 15,534 square feet. It is assessed by the City for $1,347,800. The house is in need of major renovation and/or expansion.
George Ives has a lot of interesting history in Falls Church.
In the 1870 Federal Census, Mr. Ives listed his profession as a shoemaker. George Ives was much more than a shoe-
maker. During the Civil War, Mr. Ives and John Bartlett convinced Union General Augur not to destroy The Falls Church (115 E. Fairfax Street) as it was a historic Church at that time
(it was built in 1769). Mr. Ives was appointed to the first town council when Falls Church was incorporated a Town in 1875. Mr. Ives served as Mayor from 1879-1881. He remained active
in Town affairs until about three years before his death.
The ’Ives House’ has just been listed for sale with a local real estate firm, Corcoran McEnearney.
Backyard Homes Building Co. is the region’s first builder of Accessory Dwellings. We focus on the thoughtful design and exceptional construction of small houses, and have built many of the finest secondary homes in the area. The company was founded by Michael Novotny, a Falls Church City resident of nearly 20 years. After a long career in large development and construction in the Washington DC region, he transferred his expertise to small homebuilding to help provide a means and build a movement for constructing backyard homes in our area. If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling to your property, please reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a site visit, we are here to help.
www.Backyard.Homes
Corcoran McEnearney (formerly McEnearney Associates) is a locally owned firm providing real estate services since 1981. Knowledgeable and active in Falls Church City, we are the exclusive affiliate for the legendary Corcoran Group in DC, MD, VA, and WV. Wherever you are in your real estate journey, we’re right there with you. Contact Laura Fall.
703 967-9987 • laura.fall@corcoranmce.com
Debora Flora brings years of experience and a personal, customer-focused approach to Beacon Park in Belmont Bay, where four-level townhomes with rooftop terraces offer stylish, low-maintenance living for those seeking a vibrant riverside lifestyle. Perfectly located just minutes from marinas, walking trails, and historic Occoquan, Beacon Park blends scenic charm with modern design and everyday conveni ence. Debora understands that finding the right home is about more than features—it’s about how you want to live. With her deep knowledge and genuine care, she’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure your new home fits your vision for the future.
Services Provider, Owen decided to pursue his dream of building his own business, opening Floors Coverings International of Tysons in May of 2023. FCI Floors is locally owned and operated small business, and part of the Floor Coverings international franchise network (over 250 locations across the US and Canada).
in the industry. The relentless focus on client value creation, customer service and quality execution has resulted in their Google rating of 4.9 stars. They have capabilities across all floor types and provide non-installation services such as hardwood refinishing. 703-214-9175 • nwdca.floorcoveringsinternational.com
budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines. Chandler Fox, the owner at FOXCRAFT, is also a licensed real estate agent, so his expertise in both building and real estate provides the best of both worlds for the client. Fox analyzes the property for current and future marketability and helps his clients make an intelligent decision about whether or not a renovation is the best investment for their property’s future value. “We build relationships with every client, based on their individual needs and wants, and advise them honestly, as to the best path for their family’s future.” foxcraft.com
What a sizzling real estate season we are having! The Spring market was hot, and Summer is proving to remain competitive. In Falls Church and nearby communities, more properties are coming on the market. However, inventory continues to be low due to ongoing buyer demand. With the uncertainty in our economy and employment, real estate activity can fluctuate. As a result, we are beginning to see a shift in the market. To remain your trusted real estate resource and Falls Church expert, my team and I regularly attend economic summits and review market statistics providing the most up-to-date information on the current conditions. Specifically, I advise my sellers on strategies to not only prepare their home for the market but to also position them competitively. By getting their properties showcase-ready, their homes are well presented to capture the most potential buyers. For buyers, my goal is to present the strongest strategy to help find the home they love. With my expert negotiation skills, I ensure that my buyers’ needs are met while also securing the most favorable terms for them. Whether you are buying or selling, the local market is active, competitive, and full of potential. And I’m here to coach you every step of the way. My ROCK STAR realty group and I are your go-to resource for all things real estate. Connecting my clients with the neighborhood in a meaningful way brings me so much joy. Got Real Estate questions? We’ve got answers. Stop by Northside Social, Falls Church on Wednesdays, 10:00–11:00 AM for our ROCK the House coffee hour. We’ll buy you a cup!
703.867.8674 •
Kelly Millspaugh Thompson
Concierge Real Estate Services
As a Falls Church City native and small business owner Kelly strives to make buying and selling less overwhelming for her clients. Kelly opened STYLISH PATINA her Home+Gift shop in 2012 and has been a licensed Realtor since 2019. She has been recognized as a Platinum Producer by NVAR and Top Producer by Arlington Magazine . Kelly is known for her cutting edge marketing, business savvy and concierge approach to Real Estate. She and her team are able to manage all aspects of buying and selling a home: home prep, liquidation, organization, renovation, moving, and design. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Kelly has a passion for helping folks as they transition through life stages - needing a larger home for a growing family or downsizing. Kelly is a mother of five and understands the stress of moving with children and the overwhelm of transitioning out of a home you raised your family in when it comes time to simplify. These big life transitions are where she finds the most joy in helping families. If you are looking for a Realtor with compassion and commitment to making your next Real Estate transaction less stressful contact Kelly, 703-303-3700.
703.303.3700 • realestate@stylishpatina.com
Understanding the dynamics in our shifting market is essential to making confident informed decisions. In Northern VA we’re averaging 15 Days on Market compared to 8 days a year ago; preparation and strategy are necessary. Well-presented and appropriately priced homes are still seeing multiple offers. It’s always a good time to enter the market. What matters over timing prices and interest rates is understanding your monthly payment comfort level. Buyers now have slightly more negotiating power and less competition. As a Northern VA native, I’m here to guide you with deep market knowledge, unwavering dedication, expert
service.
Zimmermann
if