Guide to the C-1-R Restricted Local Commercial District in Arlington County
The C-1-R Restricted Local Commercial District in Arlington County is designed to preserve small, isolated pockets of commercial activity within residential neighborhoods, primarily focusing on personal services and limited retail. The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance establishes a maximum building height of 35 feet and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.60 for the C-1-R district to ensure development remains compatible with the surrounding community.
Purpose of the C-1-R District
The primary purpose of the C-1-R, Restricted Local Commercial District in Arlington County is to recognize and maintain existing commercial developments that are located in isolated areas throughout the municipality. Arlington County intended this district for limited application, specifically to allow for the continuation of personal service uses while providing only limited opportunities for retail. A major goal of the C-1-R district is to minimize the potential negative impacts of commercial operations on the predominantly residential areas that surround these sites [§7.6.1].
Permitted Land Uses
Arlington County allows a variety of residential, public, and commercial uses within the C-1-R district, categorized by whether they are permitted by-right or require a special exception.
Residential and Group Living
- By-Right (P): One-family detached dwellings and recovery residences with eight or fewer residents [§7.1.2, §12.3.9].
- Use Permit (U): Bed and breakfast establishments, membership clubs and lodges, and recovery residences with more than eight residents [§7.1.2].
Public and Institutional
- By-Right (P): Fire and police stations, churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and minor utilities [§7.1.2].
- Use Permit (U): Hospitals, cemeteries, country clubs, golf courses, parks, playgrounds, schools (elementary, middle, and high), and major utilities [§7.1.2].
Commercial and Retail
- By-Right (P): Artisan beverage production, small-scale food catering, restaurants, shared commercial kitchens, movie theaters, bakeries, drug stores, florists, newsstands, and grocery stores (including convenience) [§7.1.2].
- Use Permit (U): Medical or dental offices/clinics, urban agriculture, and open-air markets [§7.1.2].
- Site Plan (S): Animal care facilities and veterinary clinics [§7.1.2].
Density and Dimensional Standards
Arlington County regulates the bulk and placement of structures in the C-1-R district to maintain a low-intensity character.
| Type of Standard | One-Family Dwelling | All Other Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. | N/A |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 ft. | N/A |
| Maximum Height | 35 ft. | 35 ft. |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | N/A | 0.60 |
[§7.6.3]
District Use Limitations
To protect the residential character of the neighborhoods surrounding the C-1-R district, Arlington County imposes strict limitations on how businesses may operate:
- Manufacturing Prohibitions: No industrial or manufacturing activities are permitted in the C-1-R district except for the creation of articles that are sold at retail on the premises. Prohibited activities include the killing of poultry or livestock and wholesaling or jobbing [§7.6.5.A].
- Enclosure Requirement: All business operations must be conducted entirely within an enclosed building. Arlington County provides exceptions only for permitted kiosks, short-term uses, and specific outdoor display/storage of goods like garden tools or mulch, provided they do not impede pedestrian movement [§7.6.5.B].
- Retail Focus: All primary or incidental products and services must be sold at retail on the premises, with the exception of drug stores and restaurants [§7.6.5.C].
Site Development Standards
Development in the C-1-R district must adhere to specific landscaping and parking requirements set by Arlington County.
Landscaping
Arlington County requires that a minimum of 10 percent of the total site area in the C-1-R district be dedicated to landscaped open space. This landscaping must be maintained according to the general site development standards of the ordinance [§7.6.6.A, §14.2].
Parking
Parking requirements for commercial and office uses in the C-1-R district are based on square footage.
| Use Type | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Retail and Service Commercial (1st Floor) | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. |
| Retail and Service Commercial (Above 1st Floor) | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. |
| Medical or Dental Offices | 1 space per 150 sq. ft. (first 5,000 sq. ft.) |
| Other Office Buildings | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. (first floor) |
[§14.3.7.A]
Sections Cited
- Article 7. Commercial/ Mixed Use (C) Districts
- §7.1. Commercial/Mixed Use (C) Districts Use Tables
- §7.6. C-1-R, Restricted Local Commercial District
- Article 12. Use Standards
- §12.3.9. Recovery Residences
- Article 14. Site Development Standards
- §14.2. Landscaping
- §14.3.7. Required parking and standing space