Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the C-O-1.5 Mixed Use District
The C-O-1.5: Mixed Use District in Arlington County is designed to support a restricted intensity of office development while allowing for hotels, multiple-family dwellings, and institutional uses through redevelopment. This district prioritizes a transition between commercial centers and residential areas, allowing for buildings that scale from 35 feet by-right up to 18 stories in large-scale developments governed by an approved site plan [§7.11.1, §7.11.3.D].
Overview of Permitted Uses
Arlington County classifies uses within the C-O-1.5 district into three primary categories of permission: those permitted by-right, those requiring a special exception use permit, and those requiring a special exception site plan approval [§4.1.2, §7.1.2].
Uses Permitted By-Right (P)
The following uses are allowed in the Arlington County C-O-1.5 district without requiring a public hearing, provided they meet standard building code and zoning requirements:
- Residential: One-family detached dwellings and recovery residences [§7.1.2].
- Institutional: Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples [§7.1.2].
- Commercial/Office: Financial services, audio-visual production and broadcast studios, and generic business or professional offices [§7.1.2].
- Governmental: Local, state, and federal government offices [§7.1.2].
- Agricultural: Agriculture and urban agriculture [§7.1.2].
- Miscellaneous: Small cell or micro-wireless facilities and specific telecommunications facilities [§7.1.2].
Uses Requiring a Special Exception Use Permit (U)
These uses are allowed only after a public hearing and approval by the Arlington County Board:
- Group Living: Dormitories, fraternity or sorority houses, and group homes [§7.1.2].
- Public/Civic: Colleges and universities, community centers, community swimming pools, libraries, museums, and recreation centers [§7.1.2].
- Day Care: Child care centers and all other day care uses [§7.1.2].
- Industrial (Limited): Recycling centers and solid waste transfer stations [§7.1.2].
- Utilities: Major utilities and bus shelters or bike share stations [§7.1.2].
Uses Requiring a Special Exception Site Plan Approval (S)
Higher-density developments in the Arlington County C-O-1.5 district must undergo the site plan review process:
- High-Density Residential: Multiple-family dwellings, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes [§7.1.2].
- Hospitality: Hotels and motels [§7.1.2].
- Retail and Service: Bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, and micro-fulfillment centers [§7.1.2].
- Entertainment: Movie theaters and all other indoor entertainment uses [§7.1.2].
Prohibited Uses
Any use not explicitly marked with "P", "U", "S", or "C" in the Arlington County Use Table is prohibited. Significant prohibited uses in the C-O-1.5 district include:
- Industrial: Heavy industrial uses, manufacturing and production, distribution plants, and foundries [§7.1.2].
- Storage: Self-service storage facilities [§7.1.2].
- Automotive: Vehicle body shops, car washes, and vehicle service establishments [§7.1.2].
- Large Scale Retail: Large-format retail establishments [§7.1.2].
Density and Dimensional Standards
Technical requirements for the C-O-1.5 district vary based on whether the development is "by-right" or "special exception."
By-Right Standards
| Type of Standard | One-Family Dwelling | All Other By-Right Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 feet | 100 feet |
| Maximum Height | 35 feet | 35 feet |
| Max Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | N/A | 0.40 to 0.60 (based on site area) |
Special Exception Standards
| Type of Standard | Office/Commercial | Multiple-Family (Apartment) | Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 1.0 FAR | 72 units per acre | 110 units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Area | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Height (Sites < 20 acres) | 8 stories (avg) | 10 stories | 10 stories |
| Height (Sites > 20 acres) | 12-18 stories | 12-18 stories | 12-18 stories |
Parking and Loading Requirements
Parking in the C-O-1.5 district is governed by Article 14 of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| One-Family Detached | 1.0 space per dwelling unit |
| Multiple-Family | 1.125 spaces per unit for the first 200 units |
| Office Buildings | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. (first floor); 1 per 300 sq. ft. (2nd-5th floors) |
| Hotel/Motel | 1 space per dwelling unit or guest room |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 6 seats |
Sections Cited
- Article 7. Commercial/Mixed Use (C) Districts
- Section §7.1.2. Commercial/Mixed Use (C) Districts Principal Use Table
- Section §7.11. C-O-1.5, Mixed Use District
- Article 14. Site Development Standards
- Section §14.3.7. Required Parking and Standing Space