Off-Street Parking Requirements for the R-10T District in Arlington County
Residential projects in the R-10T: One-family and Townhouse Dwelling District of Arlington County require between 1 and 2.5 off-street parking spaces per unit depending on the housing type and street configuration. While primarily a residential zone, specific commercial and institutional uses allowed by special exception in the Arlington County R-10T district must adhere to parking ratios based on floor area, seating capacity, or student enrollment [Section 5.4.4, Section 14.3.7].
Residential Parking Requirements
In the R-10T: One-family and Townhouse Dwelling District, the number of required spaces is determined by the specific development type. Standard one-family detached dwellings follow the countywide residential standards, while townhouse projects (which are permitted by site plan or use permit) are held to a higher specific district standard.
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| One-family detached (not on a cul-de-sac) | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 14.3.7] |
| One-family detached (fronting a cul-de-sac) | 2 spaces per dwelling unit [Section 14.3.7] |
| Townhouse, Semidetached, or Existing One-family (as part of a townhouse project) | 2.5 spaces per dwelling unit [Section 5.4.4.A.7] |
| Accessory Dwellings | Subject to existing main dwelling parking plus 1 additional space unless a survey proves the block is less than 65% parked [Section 14.3.7] |
Townhouse Project Specifics
For townhouse developments in the Arlington County R-10T district, the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance specifies that the 2.5 spaces per unit requirement is a district-specific standard that takes precedence over more general residential tables [Section 5.4.4.A.7]. Furthermore, where an off-street parking space is provided in front of a dwelling unit in an R-10T district project, the front yard setback must be at least 25 feet from any street right-of-way line [Section 5.4.4.A.2(a)].
Commercial and Institutional Parking Requirements
Most non-residential uses in the R-10T: One-family and Townhouse Dwelling District are permitted only by special exception (Use Permit or Site Plan). These projects must provide parking according to the use-specific ratios found in Article 14 of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance.
| Non-Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast | 1 per guest room, plus spaces required for the principal residence [Section 14.3.7] |
| Offices or Clinics (Medical or Dental) | 1 space per 150 sq. ft. for the first 5,000 sq. ft. [Section 14.3.7] |
| Religious Institutions | 1 space per 5 sanctuary seats [Section 14.3.7] |
| Schools (Elementary and Middle) | 1 space per 7.5 students (for employees) plus 1 per 40 students (for visitors) [Section 14.3.7] |
| Community Centers / Public Assembly | 1 space per 3 seats or 1 per accommodation (based on 1 per attendant) [Section 14.3.7] |
| Hospitals | 1 space per 4 beds plus 1 per 2 employees (excluding doctors) plus 1 per doctor [Section 14.3.7] |
Design and Location Standards
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance mandates strict design standards for any off-street parking provided in the R-10T: One-family and Townhouse Dwelling District.
Parking in Setbacks
In the R-10T district, no parking or required curb/wall is permitted to encroach on the exterior 10 feet of a setback area, except for one-family dwellings and townhouses. For these residential uses, parking may encroach on the exterior 10 feet of a setback area only if located on a driveway with an existing or approved curb cut [Section 14.3.3.E, Section 14.3.3.I].
Tandem and Shared Parking
- Tandem Parking: For one-family and townhouse dwellings in the R-10T district, tandem parking (one car behind another) is permitted to satisfy off-street parking requirements [Section 14.3.3.I.2].
- Shared Parking for Religious Institutions: Required parking for religious institutions in the Arlington County R-10T district may be provided off-site if the facility is within 600 feet of the institution and is not operating during the institution's peak hours [Section 14.3.3.B.3].
Access and Driveways
Driveway openings in the R-10T: One-family and Townhouse Dwelling District generally cannot exceed 30 feet in width [Section 14.3.4.A.7]. For residential projects, street rights-of-way may not be used for maneuvering; all backing and turning must occur on the private lot, unless the project consists of standard one-family detached units [Section 14.3.3.H].
Sections Cited
- Article 5, Residential (R) Districts
- §5.4. R-10T, One-Family and Townhouse Dwelling District
- §5.4.4. District Use Standards
- §12.5.3. Bed and Breakfasts
- §12.5.16. Offices or Clinics, Medical or Dental
- §14.3. Parking and Loading
- §14.3.3. General Requirements
- §14.3.4. Required Improvements
- §14.3.7. Required Parking and Standing Space