Automotive Repair, Body Shop, and Fuel Station Regulations in Arlington County
In Arlington County, automotive repair and gas stations (classified as Vehicle Service Establishments) and body shops are permitted primarily in Commercial (C) and Industrial (M) districts, usually requiring a Use Permit or Site Plan approval. While vehicle body shops are allowed by-right in Arlington County Industrial districts (CM, M-1, M-2), they require a Use Permit in most Commercial districts. All automotive work, excluding the sale of fuel, must generally be conducted within completely enclosed buildings, and specific screening requirements apply when these facilities are adjacent to residential zones [Section 12.5.27, Section 12.5.28].
Permitted Districts by Use Type
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance categorizes automotive businesses into two primary types: Vehicle Service Establishments (which include gas stations and general repair) and Vehicle Body Shops.
Vehicle Service Establishments (Gas Stations and Auto Repair)
This use includes the retail sale of fuel and oil, tire servicing, routine maintenance (lubrication, spark plugs, etc.), and general mechanical or electrical repairs [Section 18.2].
| Zoning District | Permission Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| C-1 (Local Commercial) | Use Permit (U) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.28] |
| C-O (Mixed Use) | Use Permit & Site Plan (C) | Subject to site plan standards [Section 7.1.2] |
| C-O-1.0 to C-O-A (Mixed Use) | Use Permit & Site Plan (C) | Subject to site plan standards [Section 7.1.2] |
| C-2 (Service Commercial) | Use Permit (U) | Standard service requirements [Section 7.1.2] |
| C-3 (General Commercial) | Use Permit (U) | Standard service requirements [Section 7.1.2] |
| C-R (Commercial Redevelopment) | Use Permit (U) | Standard service requirements [Section 7.1.2] |
| CP-FBC (Columbia Pike) | Use Permit (U) | Prohibited on Neighborhood/Local sites [Section 11.1.5] |
| CM (Limited Industrial) | Use Permit (U) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 8.1.2] |
| M-1 (Light Industrial) | Use Permit (U) | Standard industrial requirements [Section 8.1.2] |
| M-2 (Service Industrial) | Use Permit (U) | Standard industrial requirements [Section 8.1.2] |
Vehicle Body Shops
This use includes vehicle body work, frame straightening, painting, welding, and upholstering [Section 18.2].
| Zoning District | Permission Level | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| C-2 (Service Commercial) | Use Permit (U) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.27] |
| C-3 (General Commercial) | Use Permit (U) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.27] |
| CP-FBC (Columbia Pike) | Use Permit (U) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.27] |
| CM (Limited Industrial) | By-Right (P) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.27] |
| M-1 (Light Industrial) | By-Right (P) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.27] |
| M-2 (Service Industrial) | By-Right (P) | Must be in an enclosed building [Section 12.5.27] |
Technical and Development Standards
Arlington County imposes specific physical standards on automotive uses to protect the character of surrounding neighborhoods and ensure public safety.
Gas Station and Fuel Pump Placement
In Arlington County, gasoline pumps must be set back at least 10 feet behind the building restriction line [Section 12.5.28.A]. In the C-1 District, any portion of the business that is not the sale of gasoline must be conducted entirely within a building [Section 12.5.28.B].
Enclosure and Screening
All vehicle repairs and the storage of merchandise or supplies must be conducted wholly within a building in all Arlington County districts where the use is allowed [Section 12.5.28.C]. If lubrication or washing activities are conducted outside of a building in a Commercial or Industrial district, a masonry wall at least seven feet in height must be erected and maintained between the automotive use and any adjoining Residential (R) District [Section 12.5.28.C].
Parking Requirements
Automotive uses in Arlington County must provide standing and parking spaces based on the capacity of the facility and the number of employees.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Car Wash | 20 standing spaces for waiting vehicles per wash rack | Plus 1 space per each 2 employees [Section 14.3.7] |
| Service Establishment / Body Shop | 3 standing spaces for each wash rack, lubrication rack, or repair bay | Plus 1 space per each employee [Section 14.3.7] |
Sections Cited
- Section 7.1.2: Commercial/Mixed Use (C) Districts Principal Use Table
- Section 8.1.2: Industrial (M) Districts Principal Use Table
- Section 11.1.5: Columbia Pike Form Based Code District Principal Use Table
- Section 12.5.27: Vehicle Body Shop Standards
- Section 12.5.28: Vehicle Service Establishment Standards
- Section 14.3.7: Required Parking and Standing Space
- Section 18.2: General Terms Defined (Definitions)