The M-2: Service Industrial Zoning District in Arlington County
The M-2: Service Industrial zoning district in Arlington County is designed to accommodate heavy industrial activities, including manufacturing, warehouse operations, and specific high-intensity service uses. Development within the Arlington County M-2: Service Industrial zoning district is governed by a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.5 and a maximum building height of 75 feet [Section 8.4.3]. While the district allows a broad range of industrial and commercial uses, residential development is strictly limited to special exceptions for group living arrangements such as dormitories or group homes [Section 8.1.2].
Purpose and General Character
The Arlington County zoning ordinance establishes the M-2: Service Industrial zoning district to provide areas for intensive industrial activities that may be inappropriate for residential or lighter commercial areas. The general character of the Arlington County M-2: Service Industrial zoning district is defined by "Heavy Industrial" characteristics, involving firms engaged in industrial or manufacturing activities that often utilize heavier equipment and include factory production or industrial yards [Section 12.2.6.C].
In Arlington County, the M-2: Service Industrial zoning district focuses on uses where sales to the general public are typically limited, and operations may involve materials or processes that are potentially dangerous, noxious, or offensive if not properly buffered [Section 12.2.6.C].
Density and Dimensional Standards
All development within the M-2: Service Industrial zoning district of Arlington County must adhere to specific intensity and height limitations. Unlike many residential districts, there are no specific minimum requirements for lot area or lot width for general industrial uses in this district [Section 8.4.3].
| Type of Standard | All Other Uses in M-2 District |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | Not Specified |
| Minimum Lot Width | Not Specified |
| Maximum Building Height | 75 feet |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.5 |
Permitted Land Uses
The Arlington County M-2: Service Industrial zoning district permits a wide array of industrial, wholesale, and commercial uses by-right, while requiring special exception (Use Permit) approval for more intensive or sensitive operations.
Industrial and Wholesale Uses
Industrial activity is the primary focus of the Arlington County M-2: Service Industrial zoning district. Permitted uses include:
- Manufacturing and Production: Distribution plants, foundries (limited to lightweight nonferrous metal), plumbing or sheet metal shops, and stone monument works [Section 8.1.2, Section 12.6.3, Section 12.6.6].
- Heavy Industrial: Concrete batching is permitted by-right, while asphalt processing and wrecking or salvage yards require a Use Permit [Section 8.1.2].
- Wholesale and Warehouse: All wholesale trade uses, mailing services, and wholesale storage or warehouses are permitted by-right [Section 8.1.2].
- Light Industrial Service: Contractors' yards, carpet cleaning plants, and welding shops [Section 8.1.2].
Commercial and Retail Uses
Many commercial uses are permitted in the Arlington County M-2: Service Industrial zoning district to support the industrial base:
- Retail Sales and Service: Bakeries, grocery stores, hardware stores, and animal boarding are permitted by-right. Large-format retail establishments and kiosks require Use Permit approval [Section 8.1.2].
- Food Establishments: Restaurants, artisan beverage production, and small-scale food catering are permitted by-right [Section 8.1.2].
- Offices: Business, professional, and local government offices are permitted by-right [Section 8.1.2].
- Vehicle Services: Vehicle body shops and fuel stations are permitted by-right. Vehicle service establishments require a Use Permit [Section 8.1.2].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Permitted By-Right: Fire and police stations, religious institutions, public utility service yards, and wastewater treatment plants [Section 8.1.2].
- Special Exception (U): Hospitals, passenger terminals, and child care centers [Section 8.1.2].
Site Development Standards
Development in the M-2: Service Industrial zoning district must comply with the County's general site standards for parking, lighting, and landscaping.
Parking Requirements
Arlington County requires sufficient off-street parking for industrial and commercial uses to reduce street congestion [Section 14.3.1].
| Use Category | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Industrial/Manufacturing | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area, or 1 per 2 employees (whichever is greater) |
| Warehousing/Storage | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Office Buildings | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area |
| Retail and Service Commercial | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area |
Landscaping and Screening
In Arlington County, any M-2: Service Industrial zoning district parking area must provide a landscaped strip at least five feet wide where it abuts public streets [Section 14.2.4.E]. Additionally, all industrial activities in the CM (and by extension, many standards in M) must be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building or area enclosed on all sides by a solid wall or fence at least six feet high [Section 12.6.1].
Sections Cited
- §8.1. Industrial (M) Districts Use Tables
- §8.4. M-2, Service Industrial District
- §12.2.6.C. Heavy Industrial
- §12.6.3. Foundries
- §12.6.6. Plumbing or sheet metal shops
- §14.2.4.E. Screening requirements
- §14.3.1. Policy (Parking)
- §14.3.7. Required parking and standing space