Feature

Small Business Shoutout: Thank You to Backyard Homes

One year ago today, ARLnow reported on the Arlington County Board’s decision to loosen zoning regulations on accessory dwelling units — also known as backyard cottages.

Now that you can build separate dwellings in your backyard — to house grandma and grandpa, host an au pair, or generate rental income — the question is: who do you get to build it?

Luckily, there’s a local small business that specializes in doing just that, and they’re a new sponsor of ARLnow, helping us bring you local news at a crucial time.

Backyard Homes was founded by Michael Novotny, who traded a career in commercial real estate development for an opportunity to help local homeowners while doing his small part to help solve the area’s housing shortage.

The company offers a variety of models that are built to last and can be built fast once Backyard Homes pulls permits from the county on your behalf.

Needless to say, during a pandemic the utility of a separate dwelling on your property has become increasingly clear for those who work in health care, who have older family members living with them, or who want a steady source of supplemental income. If that describes you, give this homegrown business a look.

Thank you to Backyard Homes for supporting local news during this time.

About the Author

  • Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.