Guide to Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 District
The RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district in the City of Arlington is established for medium-density detached single-family residential development with a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet [Section 2.2.6]. This designation permits a maximum of eight dwelling units per acre and allows for a select range of institutional, utility, and recreational uses either by-right or through a Specific Use Permit [Section 2.2.6, Table 3.1-1]. Higher-density residential forms such as duplexes, townhomes, and multi-family dwellings are strictly prohibited within the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district [Table 3.1-1].
District Purpose and Technical Standards
The RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district is intended to accommodate typical accessory development alongside single-family detached homes [Section 2.2.6]. All development within this district must adhere to specific intensity and dimensional requirements to maintain the medium-density character prescribed by the City of Arlington.
RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 Dimensional Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 8 dwelling units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-Family) | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Non-Residential) | 15,000 square feet |
| Minimum Gross Living Area | 1,500 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Single-Family) | 50 feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Non-Residential) | 60 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Minimum Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 5 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60 percent |
| Setback (Non-res. adjacent to Single-family) | 20 feet (side and/or rear) |
[Section 2.2.6]
Allowed Principal Uses
The City of Arlington classifies principal uses into several categories. In the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district, a "P" indicates a use is permitted by-right, while an "S" indicates a Specific Use Permit is required. An asterisk (*) indicates that supplemental use standards apply [Section 3.1.2].
Residential and Group Living
The primary use allowed in the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district is the single-family detached dwelling. Various group living arrangements are also permitted to ensure diverse housing needs are met within the City of Arlington.
- Dwelling, Single-Family Detached: Permitted (P)
- Assisted Living Facility (≤6 residents): Permitted (P)
- Assisted Living Facility (≥7 residents): Specific Use Permit (S)
- Boarding Home Facility: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Community Home for Disabled Persons: Permitted (P)
- Foster Family Home: Permitted (P)
- Foster Group Home: Permitted (P)
[Table 3.1-1]
Public, Institutional, and Open Space
The RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district allows for essential community services and recreational areas that complement residential neighborhoods.
- Community Garden: Permitted (P)
- Government Administration and Civic Buildings: Permitted (P)
- Religious Assembly: Permitted (P)
- Golf Course: Permitted (P)
- Public or Private School: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Public Park or Playground: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Philanthropic Institution (other than listed): Specific Use Permit (S)
- Country Club: Specific Use Permit (S)
- Marina: Specific Use Permit (S)
[Table 3.1-1]
Commercial and Utility Uses
Commercial activity is highly restricted within the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district, limited primarily to low-impact lodging or necessary utility infrastructure.
- Electric Utility Substation: Permitted (P)
- Utility Lines, Towers, or Metering Station: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Bed and Breakfast Inn: Specific Use Permit with Supplemental Standards (S*)
- Day Care Center: Specific Use Permit with Supplemental Standards (S*)
- Gas Well: Specific Use Permit with Supplemental Standards (S*)
- Telecommunication Facilities (Towers or Stealth): Specific Use Permit with Supplemental Standards (S*)
[Table 3.1-1]
Prohibited Uses
Any use not explicitly marked as permitted or requiring an SUP in the City of Arlington use tables is considered prohibited [Section 3.1.2.C]. Major prohibited uses in the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district include, but are not limited to:
- Residential: Duplexes, multi-family dwellings, townhouses, and manufactured homes.
- Group Living: Independent senior living facilities, nursing homes, and lodging houses/dorms.
- Public: Cemeteries, art galleries, museums, and domestic violence shelters.
- Commercial: All retail sales (except nursery sales), auto sales/repair, bars, restaurants, and professional offices.
- Industrial: All manufacturing, salvage yards, and wholesale distribution.
- Agricultural: Animal production, crop production, and commercial stables.
[Table 3.1-1]
Accessory and Temporary Uses
The City of Arlington permits specific accessory uses that are incidental to the primary single-family residence.
Permitted Accessory Uses
- Accessory Building (e.g., garages, sheds, gazebos): Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Alternative Energy System (e.g., solar or wind): Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Carport: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Garage (Private): Permitted (P)
- Home-Based Business: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Secondary Living Unit: Specific Use Permit with Supplemental Standards (S*)
- Swimming Pool (Private): Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Community Center (Private): Specific Use Permit (S)
[Table 3.3-1]
Permitted Temporary Uses
- Construction Field Office: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Construction Storage Yard: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Real Estate Sales Office: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
- Short-Term Rental: Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
[Table 3.4-1]
Parking Requirements
Residential dwellings in the RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district must meet the off-street parking standards established in the City of Arlington Off-Street Parking Schedule A.
| Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dwelling, Single-Family Detached | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Public or Private School | Elementary/Middle: 2 per classroom; High: 6 per classroom + 1 per 300 sf admin office |
| Religious Assembly | 1 space per 4 seats |
| Community Garden | 1 per 5,000 sf of lot area |
[Table 5.4-1]
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.6: Residential Single-Family-5 | RS-5
- Section 3.1.2: Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Table 3.1-1: Allowed Uses – Residential Districts
- Table 3.3-1: Accessory Uses – Residential Districts
- Table 3.4-1: Temporary Uses – Residential Districts
- Table 5.4-1: Off-Street Parking Schedule A