C-O Rosslyn: Mixed Use Rosslyn District Setback Standards
In the C-O Rosslyn district of Arlington County, the standard front setback for most developments is 50 feet from the centerline of any street. No side or rear setbacks are required for commercial or mixed-use structures unless the property directly abuts a residential (R) or residential apartment (RA) district. When abutting such residential districts, the side and rear setbacks are determined by a height-based formula beginning at 8 feet for the first 10 feet of building height [Section 3.2.6.A].
Primary Use Setback Requirements
The following requirements apply to the majority of commercial, hotel, and mixed-use developments within the C-O Rosslyn district of Arlington County. While by-right standards are established, the County Board may modify these placement standards through the special exception site plan approval process [Section 7.15.4].
| Setback Type | Requirement for Standard Developments |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 50 feet from the centerline of any street [Section 3.2.6.A.1(b)] |
| Side Setback | None required (0 feet) [Section 3.2.6.A.2(a)] |
| Rear Setback | None required (0 feet) [Section 3.2.6.A.2(a)] |
Setbacks for Lots Abutting Residential Districts
In Arlington County, if a C-O Rosslyn lot abuts a residential (R) or residential apartment (RA) district, the side and rear walls must be set back to protect the residential viewshed and light access. This requirement applies to any wall containing openings or windows [Section 3.2.6.A.2(a)].
| Building Height | Minimum Side or Rear Setback |
|---|---|
| First 10 feet of height | 8 feet |
| Each additional 10 feet | Add 2 feet for each 10 feet of height (or fraction thereof) |
Setbacks for One-Family Dwellings
Although C-O Rosslyn is primarily a high-density mixed-use district, one-family detached dwellings are allowed by-right. These residential structures in Arlington County follow different setback standards [Section 10.4.4.A].
| Setback Type | Requirement for One-Family Detached Dwellings |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 25 feet from any street right-of-way line [Section 3.2.6.A.1(e)] |
| Side Setback | 10 feet (one side may be reduced to 8 feet) [Section 3.2.6.A.2(b)] |
| Rear Setback | 25 feet (on interior lots) [Section 3.2.6.A.2(b)] |
Special Placement Provisions
Step-backs
In the C-O Rosslyn district, the Arlington County Board often evaluates "step-backs" (areas where the building wall shifts inward at higher stories) during the site plan approval process. The Board may approve variations from neighborhood height transitions and building form guidelines to ensure a distinctive and dynamic skyline [Section 7.15.4.B.2].
Encroachments
Arlington County permits certain architectural features to encroach into required setbacks. For instance, balconies, eaves, trim, and stoops may typically encroach up to four feet into required yards, provided they remain at least five feet from any property line [Section 3.2.6.A.3(a)(3)].
Sections Cited
- §1.7.1 General districts
- §3.2.6 Placement
- §7.15 C-O Rosslyn, Mixed Use Rosslyn District
- §10.4.4 Density and dimensional standards (One-Family uses)