CC: Community Commercial Zoning District in the City of Arlington
The CC: Community Commercial district in the City of Arlington is primarily intended for the development of nodal, high-traffic shopping centers at the intersections of two arterial streets. It accommodates a wide range of regional retail, service, and office uses with a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and a maximum residential density of 36 units per acre for mixed-use developments [Section 2.3.5].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Arlington established the CC: Community Commercial district to provide locations for community and regional retail shopping centers. These centers are intended to offer a diverse array of establishments, including businesses selling home furnishings, apparel, durable goods, and specialty items, as well as restaurants, commercial recreation, and professional services [Section 2.3.5].
The general character of the CC: Community Commercial district is defined by its orientation toward major transportation nodes. Development in this district is typically situated at the intersection of two arterial streets to facilitate high-volume access and visibility. The City of Arlington encourages site planning in these areas that creates an interesting, pedestrian-friendly environment while maintaining the city’s economic base [Section 2.3.1].
Dimensional Standards
Development within the CC: Community Commercial district must adhere to specific intensity and setback requirements. While the district itself does not impose a maximum building height or maximum lot coverage, it is subject to broader non-residential standards regarding proximity to residential areas [Section 2.3.5].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 10,000 square feet |
| Maximum Residential Density | 36 dwelling units per acre |
| Frontage Setback (Freeway/Frontage Road) | 20 feet |
| Frontage Setback (All other streets) | 10 feet |
| Interior Side and/or Rear Setback | 0 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Single-Family (Side/Rear) | 20 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | No limitation (except near single-family) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | N/A |
Note: Buildings in non-residential districts, including CC: Community Commercial, have a height limit of 45 feet when located within the first 75 feet of a shared property line with an existing single-family residential use [Section 4.1.6.E].
Permitted Land Uses
The CC: Community Commercial district allows for a broad spectrum of land uses, ranging from residential components to heavy commercial services.
Residential and Group Living
The CC: Community Commercial district permits residential uses primarily to support mixed-use environments. Permitted uses include:
- Multi-family Dwellings: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Section 3.1.5].
- Live/Work Dwellings: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Section 3.1.5].
- Nursing Homes: Permitted by right [Section 3.1.5].
Public and Institutional Uses
A variety of civic and community services are allowed by right in the CC: Community Commercial district, including:
- Art galleries and museums.
- Government administration and civic buildings.
- Religious assemblies and philanthropic institutions.
- Educational facilities such as business schools, trade schools, and universities [Section 3.1.5].
Commercial Uses
As a regional retail hub, the CC: Community Commercial district allows numerous commercial activities:
- Food and Beverage: Restaurants (including those with drive-throughs), bars, and catering services [Section 3.1.5].
- Office and Professional: General business and professional offices, and telemarketing call centers [Section 3.1.5].
- Retail Sales: General retail stores, firearm sales, and plant nurseries. Small box discount stores require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) [Section 3.1.5].
- Recreation and Entertainment: Bowling alleys, theaters, and billiard parlors are permitted by right. Nightclubs and private clubs require a Specific Use Permit [Section 3.1.5].
- Automotive: Motor vehicle fueling facilities and veterinary clinics are permitted [Section 3.1.5].
Design and Development Standards
Developments in the CC: Community Commercial district must follow the City of Arlington's design guidelines to ensure architectural quality and compatibility with surrounding areas.
Building Mass and Articulation
Non-residential structures in the CC: Community Commercial district must reduce their apparent mass by dividing façades into smaller components. No individual component may have a length greater than 60 feet. Buildings must also incorporate horizontal and vertical articulation, such as variations in roof height and wall plane offsets [Section 5.6.4].
Parking and Loading
Off-street parking must be provided based on the specific use of the property. For example, general office uses require 2 spaces per 1,000 square feet, while restaurants require 10 spaces per 1,000 square feet [Section 5.4.3]. Surface parking lots in the City of Arlington must be located at the side or rear of buildings to avoid large "seas of parking" at the street frontage [Section 5.4.9].
Landscaping and Screening
The CC: Community Commercial district requires a perimeter landscape setback along all public rights-of-way. This buffer must be at least 15 feet wide along major arterials and 10 feet wide along local streets [Section 5.2.2]. Additionally, all service areas, loading docks, and refuse facilities must be completely screened from public view using masonry walls or dense evergreen vegetation [Section 5.3.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.1: General Purposes of All Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Districts
- Section 2.3.5: Community Commercial | CC
- Section 3.1.5: Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 4.1.6.E: Special Height Limitations in Non-Residential Zoning Districts
- Section 5.2.2: Landscaping Required
- Section 5.3.3: Screening of Service, Loading, and Storage Areas
- Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.4.9: Parking Facility Location and Design
- Section 5.6.4: Building Design