Guide to the DB: Downtown Business District in Arlington, Texas
The DB: Downtown Business district in the City of Arlington serves as the civic and ceremonial heart of the community, allowing for high-density development up to 36 dwelling units per acre with minimal building setbacks. It permits a wide variety of mixed-use, commercial, and institutional activities while generally prohibiting auto-centric or heavy industrial uses and strictly prohibiting outside storage for retail purposes. The City of Arlington reduces standard off-street parking requirements by two-thirds (reducing to 1/3 the normal rate) for all non-residential and mixed-use developments within this district to encourage a pedestrian-friendly environment [Section 2.3.8, Section 3.2.3.I, Section 5.4.4.2].
Purpose and Intent of the DB District
The City of Arlington established the DB: Downtown Business district to aid in the revitalization of the original downtown area. Its goal is to establish a unique identity for the city center by permitting uses that enhance its role as a civic center. The district is intended to be mixed-use, transit-oriented, and pedestrian-friendly. Urban design standards within the DB: Downtown Business district are specifically tailored to make the development process predictable for the public and the development community [Section 2.3.8.A].
Allowed and Prohibited Land Uses
Land uses in the DB: Downtown Business district are categorized as Permitted by-right (P), Permitted subject to supplemental use standards (P*), Requiring a Specific Use Permit (S), or allowed as a Rebuild of a legally nonconforming/conforming facility (R). Uses not listed are prohibited [Section 3.1.2].
Residential and Group Living Uses
The DB: Downtown Business district emphasizes high-density residential living and mixed-use environments.
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Dwelling, Live/Work | Permitted (P*) |
| Dwelling, Multi-family | Permitted (P*) |
| Dwelling, Townhouse | Specific Use Permit (S) |
| Independent Senior Living Facility | Permitted (P*) |
| Lodging House / Fraternity / Private Dorm | Permitted (P*) |
| Nursing Home | Permitted (P) |
| Single-Family Detached | Prohibited |
| HUD-Code Manufactured Home / Mobile Home | Prohibited |
Public, Institutional, and Civic Uses
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Art Gallery or Museum | Permitted (P) |
| Domestic Violence Shelter | Permitted (P) |
| Emergency Shelter | Permitted (P) |
| Government Administration and Civic Buildings | Permitted (P) |
| Mortuary, Crematory, or Funeral Chapel | Permitted (P) |
| Philanthropic Institution | Permitted (P) |
| Religious Assembly | Permitted (P) |
| Educational Facilities (Business, Trade, University) | Permitted (P) |
| Public or Private School | Permitted (P) |
| Hospital / Health Care Facilities | Permitted (P) |
| Parks and Open Space | Permitted (P) |
| Community Garden | Permitted (P) |
| Cemetery | Permitted (S) |
Commercial and Retail Uses
Commercial activities in the DB: Downtown Business district are diverse, though they are subject to strict limitations on storage and aesthetics.
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Mixed-use Development or Building | Permitted (P*) |
| Office, Business or Professional | Permitted (P) |
| Bank or Financial Institution | Permitted (P*) |
| Restaurant | Permitted (P) |
| Bar | Permitted (P*) |
| Nightclub / Live Entertainment Venue | Permitted (P*) |
| Theatre, Indoor | Permitted (P*) |
| General Retail Store | Permitted (P) |
| Pawn Shop | Permitted (P) |
| Second-Hand Goods Store | Permitted (P) |
| Veterinary Clinic | Permitted (P*) |
| Small Box Discount Store | Specific Use Permit (S*) |
| Hotel (Luxury, Convention, Conv. Center) | Permitted (P*) |
| Hotel (Upscale) | Specific Use Permit (S*) |
| Hotel (Midscale, Economy, Upper Midscale) | Rebuild Only (R*) |
| Commercial Parking Garage | Specific Use Permit (S) |
| Restaurant with Drive-Through | Specific Use Permit (S) |
| Alternative Financial Institution | Prohibited |
| Auto Service Center / Auto Sales | Prohibited |
| Nursery, Garden Shop (Outside Storage) | Prohibited [Section 3.2.3.I.3.c] |
Industrial and Utility Uses
Industrial uses are generally prohibited, with very few exceptions for small-scale craft work and essential utilities.
| Use Type | Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Custom and Craft Work | Permitted (P*) |
| Distribution Center / Warehouse | Permitted (P) |
| Electric Utility Substation | Permitted (P) |
| Radio or TV Station or Studio | Permitted (P) |
| Utility Lines or Metering Station | Permitted (P) |
| Gas Well | Specific Use Permit (S*) |
| Self-Storage Facility | Specific Use Permit (S*) |
| Heavy or Light Manufacturing | Prohibited |
| Salvage Yards | Prohibited |
Technical Development Standards
The City of Arlington imposes specific dimensional and parking standards to maintain the urban character of the DB: Downtown Business district.
Dimensional Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max. Residential Density | 36 units per gross acre |
| Min. Lot Area | N/A |
| Min. Front Setback | 0 feet |
| Min. Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Min. Rear Setback | 0 feet |
| Setback Adjacent to Single-Family | 20 feet |
| Max. Lot Coverage | N/A (regulated by other standards) |
| Min. Building Height | 20 feet |
Parking and Connectivity
To promote the desired urban form, the DB: Downtown Business district has specialized parking rules:
- Parking Reduction: Standard off-street parking requirements are reduced to one-third (1/3) of the typical City of Arlington rate [Section 5.4.4.2.a].
- Parking Location: Surface parking lots must be located behind or to the sides of buildings. Side parking is limited to 25% of the street frontage width. No parking is permitted between the building and the street [Section 5.4.4.2.d].
- Bicycle Parking: Non-residential developments must provide bicycle spaces equal to 5% of the required automobile parking. Multi-family and mixed-use developments must provide one bicycle space for every five residential units [Section 5.4.11.A].
- Head-In Parking: Head-in parking is permitted only if it is angled and stays entirely within the right-of-way unless otherwise approved [Section 5.4.9.B.3].
Special Restrictions
- Outside Storage: The DB: Downtown Business district explicitly prohibits outside storage for nursery, garden shop, or plant sales uses [Section 3.2.3.I.3.c].
- Signage: Cabinet signs are prohibited throughout the DB: Downtown Business district [Section 7.8.4.K.2]. Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) are not permitted in this district [Section 7.6.9.C].
- Mixed-Use Threshold: Developments where residential use is less than 65% must comply with Mixed-Use Design Standards and submit a specific Mixed-Use Development Plan [Section 3.2.3.K.1].
- Open-Air Vending: This is only permitted during district events or special community-sponsored events hosted by non-profit entities [Section 3.2.3.I.4.b].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.8, Downtown Business | DB
- Section 3.1.2, Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Section 3.1.5, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.2.3, Commercial Uses
- Section 5.4.4, Special Parking Requirements in Certain Zoning Districts
- Section 5.4.9, Parking Facility Location and Design
- Section 5.4.11, Bicycle Parking
- Section 7.6.9, Electronic Message Center
- Section 7.8.4, Wall Signs