Allowed and Prohibited Land Uses for the LO: Limited Office District in Arlington, Texas
The LO: Limited Office district in the City of Arlington is designed to accommodate small-scale, low-intensity professional office uses typically situated near or adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Development within the City of Arlington LO district allows for a maximum residential density of 36 dwelling units per acre and limits building heights to 45 feet to maintain compatibility with surrounding residential character [Section 2.3.2].
Purpose of the LO: Limited Office District
The City of Arlington established the LO district to provide appropriate areas for transitioning from residential to non-residential uses. The Municipality encourages the conversion of existing residential structures into office spaces within this district, provided the scale and intensity of the use remain compatible with nearby homes [Section 2.3.2].
Technical Development Standards
All development within the City of Arlington LO district must adhere to specific dimensional and building requirements to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Residential Density | 36 dwelling units/acre |
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Setback (Freeway/Frontage Road) | 20 feet |
| Minimum Setback (All other streets) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Setback (Side) | 20 feet |
| Minimum Setback (Rear) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Setback (Adjacent to Single-Family) | 20 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 45 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 75% |
[Section 2.3.2]
Allowed Uses
Uses in the City of Arlington LO district are categorized as Permitted By-Right (P), Permitted subject to Supplemental Use Standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S).
Residential and Group Living
- Dwelling, Live/Work (P*): Permitted subject to standards in Section 3.2.1.A.
- Dwelling, Multi-family (P*): Permitted subject to standards in Section 3.2.1.A.
- Independent Senior Living Facility (P*): Permitted subject to standards in Section 3.2.1.B.
- Lodging House / Private Dorm (P*): Permitted subject to standards in Section 3.2.1.B.
- Assisted Living Facility (S): Requires a Specific Use Permit regardless of the number of residents.
Public, Institutional, and Civic
- Permitted By-Right: Art gallery or museum, government administration and civic buildings, philanthropic institutions, religious assembly, business schools, and public or private schools [Section 3.1.5].
- Specific Use Permit Required: University, college, or seminary.
Commercial and Office
- Office and Professional (P): Professional offices and telemarketing call centers are permitted by-right [Section 3.1.5].
- Medical (P): Medical or dental offices or clinics.
- Personal Services (P): General personal services and massage therapy clinics.
- Food and Beverage: Restaurants are permitted (P); however, those featuring a drive-through require a Specific Use Permit (S). Sidewalk cafes are permitted subject to supplemental standards (P*) [Section 3.1.5].
- Financial Services: Banks or financial institutions are permitted with supplemental standards (P*), while alternative financial institutions require a Specific Use Permit (S*).
- Retail: Most retail is prohibited, but "Small Box Discount Stores" may be allowed via a Specific Use Permit (S*) [Section 3.1.5].
Other Allowed Uses
- Recreation (P*): General indoor recreation (other than specifically listed types) is permitted with supplemental standards.
- Mixed-Use (P*): Mixed-use developments or buildings are permitted subject to the standards in Section 3.2.3.K.
- Infrastructure (P): Public parks, community gardens, and utility lines/metering stations.
- Temporary and Accessory (P*): Accessory buildings, caretakers' quarters, home-based businesses, and mobile food establishments are permitted subject to their respective supplemental standards [Section 3.3.4].
Prohibited Uses
In the City of Arlington, any use not explicitly marked as Permitted (P) or as requiring a Specific Use Permit (S) in the official Use Tables is strictly prohibited within the LO district [Section 3.1.2.C].
Notable prohibited uses in the City of Arlington LO district include:
- Residential: Single-family detached, duplexes, townhouses, and manufactured/mobile homes [Section 3.1.5].
- Industrial: All manufacturing (light, heavy, or small-scale), salvage yards, and wholesale distribution centers.
- Auto-Related: Auto service centers, major repair garages, car washes, and motor vehicle sales or rentals.
- Commercial: Bars, nightclubs, hotels, pawn shops, and sexually oriented businesses.
- Agriculture: Animal and crop production.
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.2, Limited Office | LO
- Section 3.1.2, Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Section 3.1.5, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.2.1, Residential Uses
- Section 3.2.3, Commercial Uses
- Section 3.3.4, Use Tables for Accessory Uses and Structures
- Section 4.1.7, Building Height