Off-Street Parking Standards for the Arlington County RA8-18 Multiple-family Dwelling District
Residential projects within the Arlington County RA8-18 district must provide off-street parking ranging from one space per unit for single-family homes to a graduated ratio of 1.125 spaces per unit for the first 200 units of a multi-family complex. Commercial-oriented uses allowed by special exception in the RA8-18 district, such as offices, follow a floor-area-based requirement that varies by building level, though these requirements may be reduced for projects located within 1,000 feet of a Metrorail station entrance. All parking facilities in Arlington County's RA8-18 district must comply with specific dimensional standards for stalls and aisles while maintaining a 10-foot landscaped buffer from setback areas.
Residential Parking Ratios in the RA8-18 District
The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance requires that all residential developments in the RA8-18 district provide off-street parking and loading spaces on the same parcel of land as the use they serve [§14.3.3.A]. The following table outlines the specific requirements for different residential housing types permitted in the district.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| One-family detached (not on cul-de-sac) | 1 space per dwelling unit | Must be constructed/maintained per §14.3.3 [§14.3.7] |
| One-family detached (fronting on cul-de-sac) | 2 spaces per dwelling unit | Must be improved per §14.3.4.A [§14.3.7] |
| Townhouses and stacked one-family dwellings | 2 spaces per dwelling unit | Plus 1/5 additional space per unit for visitors [§14.3.7] |
| Multiple-family (first 200 units) | 1.125 (1 & 1/8) spaces per unit | Ratio applies to the first 200 units [§14.3.7] |
| Multiple-family (units exceeding 200) | 1 space per unit | For each additional unit over 200 [§14.3.7] |
| Accessory dwellings | See additional requirements | 1 space if none existed; existing spaces must be maintained [§14.3.7] |
Commercial and Institutional Parking Ratios
While the RA8-18 district is primarily residential, Arlington County permits certain commercial or institutional uses via special exception (Use Permit or Site Plan). These uses must provide parking at the following rates:
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Office Buildings | 1 per 250 sq. ft. (1st floor); 1 per 300 sq. ft. (floors 2-5); 1 per 400 sq. ft. (above 5th floor) [§14.3.7] |
| Medical or Dental Offices/Clinics | 1 per 150 sq. ft. (first 5,000); 1 per 200 sq. ft. (next 10,000); 1 per 250 sq. ft. (area over 15,000) [§14.3.7] |
| Membership Clubs and Lodges | 1 per 3 seats or accommodations (based on 1 per attendant) [§14.3.7] |
| Bed and Breakfasts | 1 per guest room, plus required spaces for the principal residence [§14.3.7] |
| Hospitals | 1 per 4 beds, plus 1 per 2 non-physician employees, plus 1 per staff doctor [§14.3.7] |
Parking Reductions and Incentives
Arlington County provides opportunities to reduce the required off-street parking for projects in the RA8-18 district that leverage proximity to public transit.
Metro Station Area Exemptions
For commercial or retail components within a project where the major portion of the use is located within 1,000 feet of a Metrorail station entrance, no parking is required for the first 5,000 square feet of floor area [§14.3.6.A.2]. This exemption does not apply to medical offices or clinics [§14.3.6.A.2].
Direct Transit Connection Reductions
For office and commercial uses in the RA8-18 district, the total parking requirement may be reduced by 10 percent if the project provides a sheltered, direct connection to a Metro Transit Station that is no longer than 500 feet [§14.3.6.C].
General Site Standards for RA8-18 Parking
Parking areas in the Arlington County RA8-18 district must adhere to strict placement and design rules to protect the character of the multiple-family residential neighborhood.
- Setback Restrictions: No parking area or associated curb/wall may encroach on the exterior 10 feet of a required setback area. This 10-foot area must be landscaped and maintained [§14.3.3.E].
- Aisle and Stall Dimensions: For standard 90-degree parking, Arlington County requires a minimum stall width of 8.5 feet and a depth of 18.0 feet, with a two-way aisle width of at least 23.0 feet [§14.3.3.C.1].
- Compact Car Spaces: Up to 15 percent of total parking spaces may be designated for compact cars. These spaces must be clearly marked and grouped [§14.3.3.F].
- Lighting: Parking areas and walkways must be illuminated to an average of at least one footcandle of light at the surface during hours of darkness [§14.4.2].
Sections Cited
- §6.3. RA8-18, Multiple-family Dwelling District
- §6.3.6. Site development standards (RA8-18)
- §14.3. Parking and Loading
- §14.3.3. General requirements
- §14.3.4. Required improvements
- §14.3.6. Parking in Metro station areas
- §14.3.7. Required parking and standing space
- §14.4.2. Parking areas and walkways (Outdoor Lighting)