Arlington County R-6 One-Family Dwelling District Regulations
The R-6 district in Arlington County primarily permits one-family detached dwellings by-right on lots with a minimum area of 6,000 square feet and a minimum average width of 60 feet. While various residential and community-oriented uses are allowed, many require special exception approval via a Use Permit or Site Plan to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Arlington County limits total lot coverage in the R-6 district to 40% for one-family dwellings, with a maximum main building footprint of 2,520 square feet [Section 3.2.5.A].
Density and Dimensional Standards
All development within the Arlington County R-6 district must adhere to specific bulk and placement requirements. These standards differ slightly between standard one-family detached dwellings and special exceptions like two-family dwellings on transitional sites.
R-6 District Standard Requirements (By-Right)
| Type of Standard | Requirement for R-6 District |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Average Lot Width | 60 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 ft. |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40% |
| Maximum Main Building Footprint Coverage | 30% |
| Maximum Main Building Footprint | 2,520 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 25 ft. (or average of block) [Section 3.2.6.A] |
Two-Family Dwellings on Transitional Sites (Special Exception)
Arlington County allows for increased density on transitional sites in the R-6 district, specifically those abutting certain commercial or industrial districts [Section 5.6.2].
| Type of Standard | Semi-detached | Duplex |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Site Area | 8,700 sq. ft. | 8,700 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Area | 4,350 sq. ft. | 8,700 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Average Lot Width (Use Permit) | 35 ft. | 70 ft. |
| Minimum Average Lot Width (Site Plan) | 28 ft. | 56 ft. |
| Maximum Height | 35 ft. | 35 ft. |
| Minimum Floor Area per Unit | 750 sq. ft. | 750 sq. ft. |
Allowed Uses in the R-6 District
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance categorizes allowed uses as either "By-right" (permitted without special hearings) or "Special Exception" (requiring Use Permit or Site Plan approval).
Uses Permitted By-Right
The following uses are allowed in the R-6 district without a special exception, provided they meet all general district standards:
- Household Living: One-family detached dwellings and recovery residences with eight or fewer residents [Section 5.1.2].
- Public/Civic: Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples [Section 5.1.2].
- Other: All agricultural uses and small cell or micro-wireless telecommunications facilities [Section 5.1.2].
- Accessory Uses: Accessory dwellings, family day care homes, family/caregiver suites, guest houses, and home occupations (including accessory homestay) [Section 5.1.4].
- Other Accessory: Private swimming pools, recreational vehicle or trailer parking, and routine vehicle maintenance for occupants [Section 5.1.4].
Uses Permitted by Special Exception (Use Permit or Site Plan)
The following uses require a public hearing and specific approval from the Arlington County Board or Board of Zoning Appeals:
- Residential: Dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses, and group homes [Section 5.1.2].
- Civic and Institutional: Colleges and universities, community centers, community swimming pools, libraries, and museums [Section 5.1.2].
- Day Care: Child care centers and all other day care uses [Section 5.1.2].
- Health and Wellness: Hospitals, sanitariums, and rest homes [Section 5.1.2].
- Recreation and Parks: Cemeteries, country clubs, golf courses, and public parks or playgrounds [Section 5.1.2].
- Infrastructure: Airports, bus/rail terminals, and major utilities [Section 5.1.2].
- Commercial-Type Uses: Membership clubs and lodges, bed and breakfasts, and open-air markets [Section 5.1.2].
Prohibited Uses in the R-6 District
Arlington County prohibits any use in the R-6 district that is not expressly listed as permitted by-right or by special exception. Prohibited categories generally include:
- Generic Retail and Service: Most retail sales, personal services (e.g., dry cleaners, barbers), and repair-oriented businesses are not allowed as primary uses [Section 5.1.2].
- Industrial: Light industrial services, manufacturing, heavy industrial, and warehouse/freight movement [Section 8.1.2].
- Vehicle Related: Vehicle sales, rental, leasing, and body shops [Section 5.1.2].
- Large-Scale Commercial: Hotels, motels, and large-format retail establishments [Section 5.1.2].
Expanded Housing Option Development
The R-6 district allows for "Expanded Housing Option" developments, which may include duplexes, semidetached houses, or small multiple-family buildings (up to 6 units). These are subject to an annual permit limit of 30 such developments across the R-6 district in Arlington County [Section 10.4.7].
Sections Cited
- §3.1 Measurements, Computations and Exceptions
- §3.2 Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements
- §5.1 Residential (R) Districts Use Tables
- §5.6 R-6, One-Family Dwelling District
- §8.1 Industrial (M) Districts Use Tables
- §10.4 Expanded Housing Option Development
- §12.2 Use Categories
- §12.3 Residential Use Standards
- §12.9 Accessory Use Standards
- §15.4 Use Permits
- §15.5 Site Plans