Arlington County C-2: Service Commercial-Community Business District Guide
The C-2 Service Commercial-Community Business District in Arlington County is designed for linear commercial development along principal arterial streets, providing a broad range of retail, service, and office uses. This district permits a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.5 and a standard building height of 45 feet, offering higher density and more diverse land-use options than the more restrictive C-1 classification.
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the Arlington County C-2 district is to establish locations for commercial development that serve a broad-based community through a variety of retail, service, and office uses [Section 7.17.1]. Arlington County planning designates this district for linear development, typically situated along principal arterial streets as defined by the Master Transportation Plan [Section 7.17.1].
The general character of the C-2 district is defined by its capacity for higher intensity compared to the C-1 district, allowing for greater building heights and an expanded scope of permitted commercial activities [Section 7.17.1].
Permitted Land Uses
The C-2 district allows for a wide array of residential, public, and commercial uses, categorized by how they are approved (By-right, Use Permit, or Site Plan).
Residential and Group Living
Residential options within the Arlington County C-2 district include:
- One-family detached dwellings: Permitted by-right [Section 7.1.2].
- Recovery residences: Permitted by-right or by use permit depending on specific standards [Section 7.1.2].
- Assisted living and continuing care facilities: Typically require site plan approval [Section 7.1.2].
- Dormitories and Group homes: Permitted via use permit [Section 7.1.2].
Public, Civic, and Institutional
The C-2 district supports community infrastructure, often requiring special exceptions:
- Churches and religious institutions: Permitted by-right [Section 7.1.2].
- Schools (Elementary, Middle, High): Allowed by use permit [Section 7.1.2].
- Hospitals: Allowed by site plan or use permit [Section 7.1.2].
- Libraries and Community Centers: Allowed by use permit [Section 7.1.2].
Retail and Service Commercial
This category represents the core of the Arlington County C-2 district's activity:
- Restaurants and Bakeries: Permitted by-right [Section 7.1.2].
- Retail Sales (Grocery, Drug stores, Florists): Permitted by-right [Section 7.1.2].
- Animal Care (Veterinary clinics, Animal boarding): Permitted by-right or use permit [Section 7.1.2].
- Offices (Medical, Dental, Professional): Permitted by-right [Section 7.1.2].
- Artisan Workshops and Beverages: Permitted by-right [Section 7.1.2].
- Hotels and Motels: Allowed by site plan approval [Section 7.1.2].
Density and Dimensional Standards
Development in the Arlington County C-2 district must adhere to specific "By-right" standards unless modified by a special exception from the County Board.
| Type of Standard | One-Family Dwellings | Hotels | All Other Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 6,000 | 600 per unit | N/A |
| Minimum Lot Width (feet) | 60 | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Height (feet) | 35 | 45 | 45 |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | N/A | N/A | 1.5 |
[Section 7.17.4]
Dimensional Exceptions
Arlington County provides an exception for buildings used partly for residential dwellings and partly for commercial purposes. Such mixed-use structures must comply with the lot area requirements of the RA8-18 Multiple-family Dwelling District rather than the standard C-2 residential requirements [Section 7.17.4.B.1].
Use Limitations and Site Development
The C-2 district includes specific operational and site standards to ensure compatibility with the surrounding community:
- Manufacturing Restrictions: For most uses in the C-2 district, there shall be no manufacturing, compounding, or processing of products except for those clearly incidental and essential to a retail store or business on the premises. This restriction does not apply to artisan workshops, artisan beverage production, or shared commercial kitchens [Section 7.17.6.A].
- Operational Requirements: Cleaning and laundering establishments are required to contain all steam exhausts entirely within the building [Section 7.17.5.A].
- Landscaping: A minimum of 10 percent of the total site area must be designated as landscaped open space in accordance with Arlington County site development standards [Section 7.17.7.A].
- Bulk and Placement: General requirements for bulk, coverage, and placement not specifically listed in the C-2 section are regulated by the broader standards found in Article 3 of the zoning ordinance [Section 7.17.4.C].
Sections Cited
- Section 7.1.2 (Commercial/Mixed Use Districts Principal Use Table)
- Section 7.17.1 (C-2 District Purpose)
- Section 7.17.4 (Density and Dimensional Standards)
- Section 7.17.5 (District Use Regulations)
- Section 7.17.6 (Use Limitations)
- Section 7.17.7 (Site Development Standards)