Arlington County S-3A: Special District Off-Street Parking Standards
In the S-3A: Special district of Arlington County, residential one-family dwellings require a minimum of one to two off-street parking spaces depending on the street type, while standard commercial projects are generally restricted to limited uses like kiosks and open-air markets. Under the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, kiosks are explicitly exempt from all parking requirements, whereas other permitted public and institutional uses must adhere to specific ratios based on floor area, seating, or capacity [§4.2.5, §12.5.12, §14.3.7].
General Parking Ratios for the S-3A: Special District
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance mandates that parking for all development within the S-3A: Special district be provided according to the standards established in Article 14. For uses not specifically listed in the general schedule, the zoning administrator determines the requirement based on the most similar listed use [§14.3.7.B].
Residential Parking Requirements
Residential development in the S-3A: Special district is primarily limited to one-family detached dwellings. The number of required spaces is determined by the specific street configuration of the lot [§14.3.7].
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| One-family dwelling (Not on a cul-de-sac) | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| One-family dwelling (Fronting a cul-de-sac) | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Recovery residence (8 or fewer residents) | Follows one-family dwelling standards |
Commercial and Public Use Parking Requirements
While the S-3A: Special district is intended to remain in a relatively undeveloped state for recreation or scenic vistas, certain commercial-adjacent and public uses are permitted by-right or by use permit. Arlington County provides the following specific ratios for these uses [§14.3.7]:
| Commercial / Public Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Kiosks | Exempt from all parking requirements |
| Open-air markets | Subject to a parking plan approved by the County Board |
| Libraries, museums, and art galleries | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Community centers and club buildings | 1 space per 3 seats (or 1 per 15 sq. ft. of assembly space) |
| Religious Institutions | 1 space per 5 sanctuary seats |
| Hospitals | 1 space per 4 beds, plus 1 per 2 employees (non-doctors), plus 1 per doctor |
| Schools (Elementary and Middle) | 1 space per 7.5 students (design capacity) |
| Schools (High School) | 1 space per 10 students (design capacity) |
Placement and Setback Regulations
In the S-3A: Special district, Arlington County imposes strict regulations on where parking may be located on a lot to preserve the district's open character.
Setback Encroachments
No parking area, including required curbs or walls, is permitted to encroach upon the exterior 10 feet of a required setback area. This 10-foot buffer must be landscaped and maintained at all times [§14.3.3.E].
Off-Site Parking Provisions
Arlington County allows for required accessory parking for S-3A: Special district projects to be located off-site under specific conditions. To qualify, the off-site parking must be located on land under the same fee ownership as the appurtenant use, unless the parking is located on publicly-owned land [§14.3.3.B.2].
Modifications of Parking Requirements
The Arlington County Board maintains the authority to modify these standards for specific projects within the S-3A: Special district through the Use Permit process.
- Schools and Community Centers: The County Board may modify the number of required spaces or permit off-site parking for schools and noncommercial recreation centers if the modification helps preserve recreational facilities (like playing fields) or reduce impervious surfaces [§14.3.7.C.1].
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Any request for a reduction in parking must typically be accompanied by a TDM plan demonstrating that the project will not adversely impact the surrounding Arlington County neighborhood [§14.3.7.C.1.b].
Sections Cited
- §4.1. Public (P) Districts Use Tables
- §4.2. S-3A, Special District
- §12.5.12. Kiosks
- §12.5.17. Open-air markets
- §14.3.3. General Requirements (Parking)
- §14.3.7. Required parking and standing space