Guide to the RS-7.2 Residential Single-Family District in the City of Arlington
The RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district in the City of Arlington is designed for low-density detached single-family residential development on lots with a minimum size of 7,200 square feet. This district maintains a maximum density of six dwelling units per gross acre and requires that every primary residence be equipped with an enclosed two-car garage of at least 390 square feet.
Purpose and General Character
The City of Arlington established the RS-7.2 district to accommodate single-family detached residential uses and typical accessory developments. The primary intent is to provide a quiet residential environment while discouraging any land uses that would substantially interfere with the residential nature of the neighborhood [Section 2.2.5.A].
In line with the general purposes for all residential zones in the City of Arlington, the RS-7.2 district aims to:
- Ensure adequate light, air, and privacy for all dwelling units.
- Minimize traffic congestion and prevent the overloading of public services and utilities.
- Protect residential developments from the encroachment of incompatible uses [Section 2.2.1].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the RS-7.2 district are categorized as permitted by-right (P), permitted subject to supplemental standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S).
Residential and Group Living
- Dwelling, Single-Family Detached: Permitted by-right.
- Assisted Living Facility (≤6 residents): Permitted by-right.
- Assisted Living Facility (≥7 residents): Requires a Specific Use Permit.
- Boarding Home Facility: Permitted subject to supplemental standards.
Public, Institutional, and Civic
- Community Garden: Permitted by-right.
- Government Administration and Civic Buildings: Permitted by-right.
- Religious Assembly: Permitted by-right.
- Public or Private School: Permitted subject to supplemental standards.
- Public Park or Playground: Permitted subject to supplemental standards.
- Philanthropic Institution: Requires a Specific Use Permit.
Commercial and Industrial
- Golf Course: Permitted by-right.
- Bed and Breakfast Inn: Requires a Specific Use Permit.
- Country Club: Requires a Specific Use Permit.
- Marina: Requires a Specific Use Permit.
- Airport or Landing Field: Requires a Specific Use Permit.
- Gas Well: Requires a Specific Use Permit and must meet supplemental standards.
Utilities
- Electric Utility Substation: Permitted by-right.
- Utility Lines, Towers, or Metering Station: Permitted subject to supplemental standards.
- Telecommunication Facilities: Most types require a Specific Use Permit and must adhere to height and location standards [Section 3.1.5].
Dimensional Standards
The City of Arlington enforces specific density and lot dimension requirements to maintain the low-density character of the RS-7.2 district.
| Standard | Single-Family Requirement | Non-Residential Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Density | 6 units per acre | N/A |
| Min. Lot Area | 7,200 square feet | 15,000 square feet |
| Min. Gross Living Area | 1,500 square feet | N/A |
| Min. Lot Width | 60 feet | 60 feet |
| Min. Lot Depth | 100 feet | 100 feet |
| Max. Building Height | 40 feet | 40 feet |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 50% | 50% |
[Section 2.2.5]
Required Setbacks
Buildings within the RS-7.2 district must comply with the following minimum setback distances from property lines:
| Setback Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Street Front: Arterial or Collector | 40 feet |
| Street Front: Local Street or Alley | 20 feet |
| Street Side (All Roadways) | 15 feet |
| Street Side (Private Access/Alley) | 10 feet |
| Street Rear (All Roadways) | 20 feet |
| Street Rear (Private Access/Alley) | 5 feet |
| Interior Side | 5 feet |
| Interior Rear | 5 feet |
| Non-Residential adjacent to Single-Family | 20 feet (side/rear) |
[Section 2.2.5.D]
Parking and Accessory Structures
Residential developments in the RS-7.2 district must provide adequate off-street parking and adhere to specific standards for accessory buildings.
Off-Street Parking Requirements
- Single-Family Detached: 2 spaces per dwelling unit [Section 5.4.3].
- Enclosed Garage: An enclosed two-car garage is required for all dwellings, with a minimum area of 390 square feet [Section 5.4.9.B.2.a].
- Driveway Length: Driveways for front-loading garages must be at least 20 feet in length as measured from the property line [Section 5.5.3.D.5.a].
Accessory Buildings
Accessory structures (such as storage sheds, gazebos, or detached garages) in the RS-7.2 district are subject to the following:
- Height: Limited to a maximum of 24 feet [Section 3.3.5.D].
- Quantity: Lots smaller than one acre are limited to three accessory buildings; lots one acre or larger are limited to five [Section 3.3.6.A.3.c].
- Setbacks: Must generally be located at least five feet from side and rear property lines and cannot be located in the front yard [Section 3.3.6.A.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.1 General Purposes of All Residential Zone Districts
- Section 2.2.5 Residential Single-Family-7.2 | RS-7.2
- Section 3.1.5 Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.3.5 General Standards for All Accessory Uses and Structures
- Section 3.3.6 Supplemental Accessory Use Standards
- Section 5.4.3 Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.4.9 Parking Facility Location and Design
- Section 5.5.3 Standards for Single-Family and Two-Family Residential Dwellings