Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 District of Arlington, Texas
The RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district in the City of Arlington is primarily intended for large-lot detached single-family homes with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet (approximately one-half acre). While the City of Arlington prioritizes a quiet residential nature for this district, it allows for limited institutional and recreational uses, such as religious assemblies and golf courses, provided they do not interfere with the primary residential function. Any land use not explicitly designated as permitted or allowed by Specific Use Permit within the Unified Development Code is strictly prohibited in the RS-20 district.
Permitted Residential Uses
In the City of Arlington, the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district focuses on low-density household living. According to the Arlington Unified Development Code, the following residential uses are allowed:
- Dwelling, single-family detached: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
- Assisted living facility (≤6 residents): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
- Community home for disabled persons: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
- Foster family home: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
- Foster group home: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
- Assisted living facility (≥7 residents): Allowed only via a Specific Use Permit (SUP) [Table 3.1-1].
Allowed Public, Institutional, and Recreational Uses
The City of Arlington permits specific non-residential uses within the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district to serve the community, though some require supplemental standards or special authorization:
By-Right Uses
- Government administration and civic buildings: Permitted [Table 3.1-1].
- Religious assembly: Permitted [Table 3.1-1].
- Community garden: Permitted [Table 3.1-1].
- Golf course: Permitted [Table 3.1-1].
- Electric utility substation: Permitted [Table 3.1-1].
Uses with Supplemental Standards (*) or SUP (S)
- Public or private school: Permitted by-right, subject to supplemental standards in Section 3.2.2 [Table 3.1-1].
- Public park or playground: Permitted by-right, subject to supplemental standards in Section 3.2.2 [Table 3.1-1].
- Utility lines, towers, or metering station: Permitted by-right, subject to supplemental standards in Section 3.2.4.D [Table 3.1-1].
- Philanthropic institution (other than listed): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
- Bed and breakfast inn: Requires a Specific Use Permit and must meet standards in Section 3.2.3.E [Table 3.1-1].
- Country club: Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
- Gas well: Requires a Specific Use Permit and must meet standards in Section 3.2.4.B [Table 3.1-1].
- Telecommunication Towers: Towers ≤75 feet or Stealth towers ≤100 feet require an SUP and must meet standards in Section 3.2.4.D [Table 3.1-1].
Accessory and Temporary Uses
The RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district allows for various secondary uses that are incidental to the primary residence.
| Use Type | Status | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory building (garages, sheds, etc.) | Permitted* | Section 3.3.6.A |
| Private Carport | Permitted* | Section 3.3.6.D |
| Home-based business | Permitted* | Section 3.3.6.H |
| Private Swimming Pool | Permitted* | Section 3.3.6.P |
| Secondary Living Unit (Accessory) | Permitted* | Section 3.3.6.L |
| Alternative energy system | Permitted* | Section 3.3.6.B |
| Short-term rental | Permitted* | Section 3.4.5.E |
| Construction field office | Temporary* | Section 3.4.5.B |
Note: Short-term rentals in the City of Arlington RS-20 district are only allowed if the property is located within the designated "STR Zone" [Section 3.4.5.E.2].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code specifies that any use not listed in the allowed use tables is prohibited [Section 3.1.1]. Specifically, the following uses are prohibited in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district:
- Higher Density Residential: Duplexes, townhouses, multi-family dwellings, and mobile homes [Table 3.1-1].
- Commercial Services: Most retail sales, auto service centers, bars, restaurants, and professional offices (except as allowed via home-based business standards) [Table 3.1-2].
- Industrial Uses: Manufacturing, salvage yards, and wholesale distribution [Table 3.1-2].
- Specific Group Living: Boarding home facilities and nursing homes [Table 3.1-1].
- Institutional: Cemeteries, correctional facilities, and emergency shelters [Table 3.1-1, Table 3.1-2].
RS-20 District Dimensional Standards
While not "uses," these technical requirements define the physical parameters for development in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district of the City of Arlington:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 2 dwelling units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single Family) | 20,000 square feet |
| Minimum Gross Living Area | 2,200 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 150 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet |
| Minimum Front Setback | 40 feet (Arterial/Collector) / 20 feet (Local) |
| Minimum Side/Rear Setback | 10 feet |
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.3 Residential Single-Family-20 | RS-20
- Section 3.1.1 Purpose (Tables of Allowed Uses)
- Table 3.1-1 Allowed Uses – Residential Districts
- Table 3.1-2 Allowed Uses – Non-residential and Mixed-Use Districts
- Section 3.2.2 Public and Institutional Uses (Supplemental Standards)
- Section 3.2.3.E Lodging Facilities (Bed and Breakfast Inn)
- Section 3.2.4.B Gas Well
- Section 3.2.4.D Wireless Communication Facilities
- Table 3.3-1 Accessory Uses – Residential Districts
- Section 3.3.6.A Accessory Building
- Section 3.3.6.D Carports in Required Front Yards
- Section 3.3.6.H Home-Based Business
- Section 3.3.6.L Secondary Living Unit
- Section 3.3.6.P Swimming Pools
- Table 3.4-1 Temporary Uses – Residential Districts
- Section 3.4.5.E Short Term Rental