Arlington County Self-Storage and Warehousing Zoning Guide
In Arlington County, self-service storage and warehousing facilities are primarily concentrated in industrial zones. Self-service storage is permitted by-right in the CM, M-1, and M-2 districts, and by use permit in the C-TH district, while broader warehousing and freight movement uses are permitted by-right exclusively in the CM, M-1, and M-2 industrial districts [Section 7.1.2, Section 8.1.2].
Permitted Districts for Storage and Warehousing
Arlington County regulates "Self-service storage" and "Warehouse and freight movement" as distinct use categories. The following table outlines where these activities are allowed based on the Arlington County principal use tables.
| Use Type | CM (Limited Industrial) | M-1 (Light Industrial) | M-2 (Service Industrial) | C-TH (Commercial Townhouse) | All Other Districts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-service Storage | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Use Permit (U) | Prohibited |
| Warehouse and Freight Movement | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Key: P = Allowed by-right; U = Requires use permit approval; Blank cell = Not permitted [Section 7.1.2, Section 8.1.2].
Definitions and Use Characteristics
Arlington County defines these uses to ensure they align with the intended intensity of the zoning district.
Self-service Storage
This use category involves facilities providing separate storage areas for personal or business use, designed to allow private access by the tenant for storing or removing personal property. Typical examples include mini-warehouses and self-storage warehouses [Section 12.2.5.H].
Warehouse and Freight Movement
Firms in this category are involved in the storage or movement of goods for themselves or other firms. Goods are generally delivered to other firms or the final consumer with little on-site sales activity. Examples include cold storage plants (including frozen food lockers), household moving and general freight storage, and parcel services [Section 12.2.6.D].
Specific Use Standards for Self-Service Storage
Arlington County imposes supplemental standards on self-service storage to mitigate impacts on surrounding areas, particularly when located near commercial or residential zones.
General Regulations (All Districts)
For all self-service storage facilities in Arlington County:
- Unit Size: Facilities must include two or more individual units of 500 square feet or less [Section 12.5.25.A.1].
- Prohibited Items: The storage of motor vehicles, motorized boats, radioactive materials, explosives, and flammable or hazardous materials is strictly prohibited [Section 12.5.25.A.2].
Special Exception Requirements for C-TH Districts
When a self-service storage facility is established in the Arlington County Commercial Townhouse (C-TH) district via a use permit, it must meet these additional criteria:
- Structure: The facility must be located in a multi-story structure [Section 12.5.25.B.1].
- Ground Floor Use: At least 60 percent of the gross floor area on the ground floor level must be dedicated to retail or service commercial uses [Section 12.5.25.B.2].
- Loading: The facility must provide a minimum of two covered and enclosed loading spaces for the first 100,000 square feet of storage space, plus one additional space for each additional 50,000 square feet [Section 12.5.25.B.4].
Parking and Loading Requirements
Arlington County establishes specific parking and loading ratios for storage and warehousing based on the gross floor area (GFA) and the number of employees.
| Standard | Self-service Storage (General) | Self-service Storage (C-TH District) | Warehouse & Freight Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Ratio | 1 space per 3,000 sq. ft. of GFA | 1 space per 8,000 sq. ft. of GFA | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. of GFA |
| Employee/Manager Parking | +1 for resident manager; +1 per 2 employees | +1 space per employee | Or 1 space per 2 employees (whichever is greater) |
| Off-Street Loading | 1 space (if retail purposes adaptable) | 2 spaces (min) for first 100k sq. ft. | 1 space; +1 more for > 15k sq. ft. |
[Section 14.3.7, Section 14.3.8, Section 12.5.25.B.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.1.2.D (Public Districts Use Table - Uses Not Allowed)
- Section 7.1.2 (Commercial/Mixed Use Districts Principal Use Table)
- Section 8.1.2 (Industrial Districts Principal Use Table)
- Section 12.2.5.H (Use Categories - Self-service Storage)
- Section 12.2.6.D (Use Categories - Warehouse and Freight Movement)
- Section 12.5.25 (Commercial/Mixed Use Standards - Self-service Storage)
- Section 14.3.7 (Required Parking and Standing Space)
- Section 14.3.8 (Off-Street Loading)
- Section 18.2 (General Terms Defined)