Arlington County CM: Limited Industrial District Regulations
The Arlington County CM: Limited Industrial zoning district is primarily intended for light manufacturing, wholesale businesses, and distribution centers that are unsuitable for residential or general commercial areas. The district allows for a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.5 and a standard building height of 45 feet for most industrial and commercial applications [Section §8.2.1, Section §8.2.3].
Purpose and General Character
The purpose of the CM: Limited Industrial District in Arlington County is to provide dedicated space for industrial activities that do not fit within residential or service-oriented business zones. It focuses on light manufacturing, distribution, and wholesale trade [Section §8.2.1]. The general character of the Arlington County CM district is functional and industrial, requiring specific screening and landscaping to manage the impact of large-scale operations on the surrounding environment [Section §14.2.4].
Permitted Land Uses
The Arlington County CM district allows for a variety of industrial, commercial, and public uses. These are classified into "permitted by-right" (P), "requires use permit" (U), or "requires site plan approval" (S).
Industrial and Wholesale Uses
The CM district is the primary location for the following Arlington County industrial activities:
- Light Industrial Service: Includes contractors, commercial bakeries, laundry plants, and research/testing laboratories [Section §8.1.2].
- Manufacturing and Production: Includes the production of consumer equipment, apparel, and printing/lithography [Section §8.1.2].
- Warehouse and Freight: Mailing services and wholesale storage [Section §8.1.2].
- Waste-Related Service: Separation and disposal facilities and solid/liquid waste transfer are allowed by-right; recycling centers require a use permit [Section §8.1.2].
Retail and Commercial Uses
While primarily industrial, the Arlington County CM district permits several commercial activities by-right to support the industrial base:
- Food Establishments: Restaurants, artisan beverage production, and shared commercial kitchens [Section §8.1.2].
- Retail Sales: Building material sales, auto parts, and micro-fulfillment centers [Section §8.1.2].
- Vehicle Services: Vehicle body shops and sales/rental/leasing facilities (on sites of at least 20,000 sq. ft.) [Section §8.1.2, Section §12.5.29].
Public and Institutional Uses
Arlington County allows specific public facilities within the CM district:
- Safety and Utilities: Fire and police stations, churches/temples, and all minor utilities [Section §8.1.2].
- Special Exceptions: Hospitals, colleges, and government-run day care centers may be allowed subject to use permit approval [Section §8.1.2].
Density and Dimensional Standards
Arlington County enforces strict dimensional requirements for the CM district to ensure industrial intensity remains at a "limited" level.
| Type of Standard | Hotels | All Other Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 600 (per guest unit) | 20,000 |
| Maximum Building Height | 45 feet | 45 feet |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Note: Bulk, coverage, and placement requirements not specifically listed in the CM section are governed by the general standards in Article 3 [Section §8.2.3.B].
Site Development and Parking Standards
Arlington County requires CM district properties to follow specific site development rules, particularly regarding the interface between industrial uses and the public right-of-way.
Parking Requirements
The following parking ratios apply to uses within the Arlington County CM district:
| Use Category | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Industrial/Manufacturing | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. OR 1 per 2 employees (whichever is greater) |
| Warehouse/Wholesale | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. OR 1 per 2 employees (whichever is greater) |
| Office/Other Building | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. (first floor) |
| Vehicle Body Shop | 3 standing spaces per wash rack/repair bay PLUS 1 per employee |
Landscaping and Screening
Arlington County requires that 10 percent of the total site area in the CM district be dedicated to landscaped open space [Section §8.2.5.A]. Additionally, if a CM district parking area abuts a residential (R) or residential apartment (RA) district, a five-foot wide landscaped strip and a six-foot tall solid wall or fence are mandatory [Section §14.3.4.A.1(b)(6)].
Use Limitations
In the CM district, all industrial and commercial activities must be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building. This includes manufacturing, processing, and the storage of products or materials. The only exceptions are for on-site parking of delivery vehicles and specific activities expressly allowed through site plan or use permit approval [Section §12.5.2, Section §12.6.1].
Sections Cited
- Article 3. Density and Dimensional Standards
- Article 8. Industrial (M) Districts
- Section §8.1. Industrial (M) Districts Use Tables
- Section §8.2. CM, Limited Industrial District
- Article 12. Use Standards
- Section §12.2.6. Industrial Use Categories
- Section §12.5.2. Animal Care Facilities
- Section §12.5.29. Vehicle Sales, Rental, and Leasing Facilities
- Section §12.6.1. Building Material Sales Yards
- Article 14. Site Development Standards
- Section §14.2.4. Parking Area Landscaping
- Section §14.3.4. Required Improvements (Parking)
- Section §14.3.7. Required Parking and Standing Space