Accessory Structure and Storage Shed Requirements in Arlington
In the City of Arlington, the Unified Development Code generally requires that all structures, including storage sheds, obtain all necessary permits and authorizations before construction begins [Section 1.5.3]. While the Unified Development Code establishes specific design and setback thresholds for residential accessory buildings at 200, 320, and 550 square feet, the only explicit exemption from a specific development permit is for accessory buildings smaller than 320 square feet located within a Landmark Preservation Overlay (LPO) district, which are exempt from requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness [Section 10.4.9].
Building Permit and General Requirements
According to the City of Arlington Unified Development Code, no structure may be constructed, enlarged, or altered until all applicable development review processes have been followed and all required permits have been issued [Section 1.5.3]. For any accessory use or structure proposed after the construction of a principal use, a building permit is mandatory unless a specific exemption is defined [Section 3.3.2].
The City of Arlington also mandates the following general standards for all accessory structures:
- Timing: Accessory buildings cannot be constructed or established before the start of construction on the primary structure [Section 3.3.5].
- Ownership: The accessory structure must be owned or operated by the same person as the principal structure [Section 3.3.5].
- Size Limit: The floor area of a detached accessory structure cannot exceed 50 percent of the floor area of the principal structure [Section 3.3.5].
- Height Limit: Most accessory structures are limited to a maximum height of 24 feet [Section 3.3.5].
Residential Accessory Building Design Standards
The City of Arlington categorizes the design requirements for residential sheds and accessory buildings based on their total floor area and wall height.
| Floor Area / Wall Height | Exterior Wall Requirements | Roof Requirements | Foundation Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 200 sq. ft. (and ≤ 8 ft. wall height) | Any approved building material | Any approved roofing material | No requirements |
| ≤ 200 sq. ft. (and > 8 ft. wall height) | Any approved building material (except metal) | No metal (unless on primary structure); any approved roofing | No requirements |
| 201 to 549 sq. ft. (All wall heights) | Any approved building material (except metal) | No metal (unless on primary structure); pitch must be compatible with primary residence | As required by Arlington Code of Ordinances |
| ≥ 550 sq. ft. (All wall heights) | Must comply with Section 5.5.3.C.5 (Exterior Finish Materials) | No metal (unless on primary structure); pitch must be compatible with primary residence | As required by Arlington Code of Ordinances |
[Table 3.3-3]
Quantity and Location Standards
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code restricts the number of accessory buildings permitted on a single residential lot and where they may be placed.
Number of Buildings Allowed
| Lot Size | Maximum Number of Accessory Buildings |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 acre | 3 buildings |
| 1 acre or larger | 5 buildings |
[Table 3.3-4]
Setbacks and Placement
- Front Setback: Enclosed accessory buildings (sheds) cannot be located between the front property line and an imaginary line drawn from the front corners of the main building to the side property lines [Section 3.3.6].
- Side and Rear Setbacks: Generally, a minimum five-foot setback from side and rear property lines is required. However, if the rear property line is adjacent to an arterial or collector street, a 20-foot setback is required (though this may be reduced to five feet if the shed is ≤ 200 sq. ft. and ≤ 8 ft. tall) [Section 3.3.6].
- Wall Height Adjustments: For buildings with walls taller than eight feet, the side and rear setbacks must increase by two additional feet for heights up to 10 feet, and one additional foot for every foot of height above 10 feet [Section 3.3.6].
Special District and Environmental Thresholds
- Landmark Preservation Overlay (LPO): In these districts, accessory buildings smaller than 320 square feet are exempt from requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness for ordinary repairs and maintenance [Section 10.4.9].
- Drainage Attestation: In the City of Arlington, a post-construction drainage attestation is required for residential accessory buildings greater than 320 square feet when they are not constructed at the same time as the primary residence [Section 6.5.5].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.5.3, Compliance Required
- Section 3.3.2, Approval Procedure (Accessory Uses)
- Section 3.3.5, General Standards for All Accessory Uses and Structures
- Section 3.3.6, Supplemental Accessory Use Standards
- Section 5.5.3, Standards for Single-Family and Two-Family Residential Dwellings
- Section 6.5.5, Post Development and Post Construction Drainage Attestation
- Section 10.4.9, Landmark Preservation District Certificate of Appropriateness