APO: Airport Overlay Standards in the City of Arlington
The APO: Airport Overlay in the City of Arlington modifies base district standards by imposing strict height limitations based on imaginary flight surfaces and limiting allowable land uses based on Day-Night Sound Level (DNL) noise contours. It specifically prohibits multi-family residential development within 3,000 feet of the airport and requires specialized construction for certain commercial uses to ensure noise reduction levels of 25 to 30 decibels [Section 3.2.1.A.2 and Section 5.8.2.H].
Relationship to Base Zoning Districts
The APO: Airport Overlay is applied in addition to the underlying base zoning districts established by the City of Arlington. Where property is designated as being within the Airport Overlay, the regulations of this district apply in addition to the regulations of the base district. In the event of an express conflict between the Airport Overlay standards and the base district standards, the APO: Airport Overlay regulations control [Section 2.1.5].
Height Limitations and Approach Zones
The primary modification to base district standards involves height. Within the APO: Airport Overlay, no structure or tree may be erected or allowed to grow in excess of height limits defined by specific approach and transition zones. These limits are calculated based on the distance from the airport's runways [Section 5.8.2.D].
Airport Overlay Height Standards
| Zone Type | Height Limitation Standard |
|---|---|
| Runway 16 Approach | One foot in height for every 34 feet of horizontal distance from the primary surface (extending 10,000 feet) [Section 5.8.2.D.1.a]. |
| Runway 34 Approach | One foot in height for every 50 feet of horizontal distance from the primary surface (extending 10,000 feet), then slopes upward at 1:40 along the extended centerline [Section 5.8.2.D.1.b]. |
| Transition Zones | Slope of seven feet outward for each one foot upward from the sides of the primary and approach surfaces [Section 5.8.2.D.2]. |
| Horizontal Zone | Fixed at 150 feet above the established airport elevation (total 780 feet above mean sea level) [Section 5.8.2.D.3]. |
| Conical Zone | Slopes 20 feet outward for each one foot upward beginning at the periphery of the horizontal zone (extending to 350 feet above airport elevation) [Section 5.8.2.D.4]. |
Land Use Compatibility and Noise Mitigation
The APO: Airport Overlay is divided into four sub-zones based on the average Day-Night Sound Level (DNL). Base district land uses are modified—and often prohibited—depending on which noise contour the property falls within [Section 5.8.2.C].
- APO-1: Beyond the 65 DNL noise contour.
- APO-2: Between 65 DNL and 70 DNL.
- APO-3: Between 70 DNL and 75 DNL.
- APO-4: Inside the 75 DNL noise contour (Severe Noise Exposure).
Use Compatibility Matrix
| Land Use Category | APO-1 | APO-2 | APO-3 | APO-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | Permitted | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Multi-family / Live-Work | Permitted | 25 dB NLR Required | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Lodging Facilities | Permitted | 25 dB NLR Required | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Medical / Office | Permitted | Permitted | 25 dB NLR Required | 30 dB NLR Required |
| General Retail | Permitted | Permitted | 25 dB NLR Required | 30 dB NLR Required |
| Schools / Day Care | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
Note: "NLR" refers to Noise Level Reduction measures that must be incorporated into the design and construction of the structure [Section 5.8.2.H, Table 5.9-1].
Special Use Standards
The Airport Overlay imposes further restrictions on specific residential and commercial developments regardless of their base district permissions:
Residential Prohibitions
Multi-family dwellings are strictly prohibited within a non-residential zoning district if the property is located within 3,000 feet of the City of Arlington Municipal Airport. Additionally, single-family small-lot developments are prohibited if located within 3,000 feet of the airport [Section 3.2.1.A.2 and Section 3.2.1.A.3].
Hotel Development
Upper-Midscale Hotels may be permitted in the APO: Airport Overlay only with the approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP). Such hotels must meet additional amenity requirements, including:
- All rooms must be suites with defined living areas and kitchenettes.
- Provision of in-room workspaces in every suite.
- On-site meeting rooms, business centers, swimming pools, and fitness centers [Section 3.2.3.E.2.d].
General Operational Restrictions
To protect the safety of property users and aircraft, the APO: Airport Overlay prohibits any land use that creates:
- Electrical interference with navigational signals or radio communication.
- Glare that makes it difficult for pilots to distinguish airport lights.
- Bird strike hazards.
- Obstructions that interfere with the landing, taking off, or maneuvering of aircraft [Section 5.8.2.I].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.1.5 Relationship to Overlay Districts
- Section 3.2.1.A.2 Dwelling, Multi-family
- Section 3.2.1.A.3 Dwelling, Single-family for Small-Lot Development
- Section 3.2.3.E.2.d Additional Standards for Hotels in the APO
- Section 5.8.2 Airport Overlay | APO
- Table 5.9-1 Compatible Land Uses