Maximum Residential Building Height in the City of Arlington
The maximum allowable height for a residential house in the City of Arlington varies by zoning district, ranging from 40 feet in the Village on the Green at Tierra Verde (VG) district to 60 feet in the Residential Single-Family-5 (RS-5) and Residential Medium-Density (RM-12) districts. Higher-density residential structures such as townhouses and multi-family dwellings may reach heights of 75 to 90 feet depending on the specific designation. Residential accessory structures across the City of Arlington are generally restricted to a maximum height of 24 feet.
Maximum Height Standards by Residential District
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code establishes specific height maximums within the "Building Standards" section of each residential zoning category. These limits ensure that the scale and character of neighborhoods remain consistent with the City of Arlington’s Comprehensive Plan.
| City of Arlington Zoning District | Residential Use Type | Maximum Height (Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| RE (Residential Estate) | Single-Family | 50 |
| RS-20 (Single-Family-20) | Single-Family | 50 |
| RS-15 (Single-Family-15) | Single-Family | 50 |
| RS-7.2 (Single-Family-7.2) | Single-Family | 50 |
| RS-5 (Single-Family-5) | Single-Family | 60 |
| RM-12 (Medium-Density) | Single-Family / Duplex | 60 |
| RM-12 (Medium-Density) | Townhouse | 75 |
| RMF-22 (Multi-Family-22) | Duplex | 80 |
| RMF-22 (Multi-Family-22) | Townhouse / Multi-Family | 90 |
| VG (Village on the Green) | Single-Family | 40 |
| RM-12 PD (Cottage Community) | Small Single-Family | 35 (Max 2 stories) |
| Unplatted Tracts (5+ Acres) | Small-Lot Single-Family | 75 |
[Section 2.2.2], [Section 2.2.3], [Section 2.2.4], [Section 2.2.5], [Section 2.2.6], [Section 2.2.7], [Section 2.2.8], [Section 2.2.9], [Section 5.11.5.B], [Section 5.5.6.D]
Measurement of Building Height
In the City of Arlington, the height of a primary residential structure is calculated as the vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the finished grade along the front of the building. The specific point of measurement at the top of the structure depends on the roof type:
- Flat Roofs: Measured to the highest point of the roof surface.
- Mansard Roofs: Measured to the deck line.
- Gable, Hip, or Gambrel Roofs: Measured to the mean height level between the eaves and the ridge [Section 4.1.7.A].
Height Limitations for Accessory Structures
Accessory buildings in City of Arlington residential districts, such as detached garages, storage sheds, or gazebos, are subject to more restrictive height standards than primary dwellings.
- General Limit: Accessory structures are limited to a maximum height of 24 feet [Section 3.3.5.D].
- Primary Structure Cap: In no case shall the highest point of the roof of an accessory building exceed the height of the primary residential structure on the same lot [Section 3.3.6.A.3.b.iv].
- Measurement: Unlike primary structures, the height of an accessory structure is measured as the height of its tallest wall [Section 4.1.7.B].
Height Exceptions and Special Conditions
Certain architectural features and specialized areas within the City of Arlington may be subject to different height regulations:
- Appurtenances: Chimneys, antennas, flagpoles, and similar features are generally exempt from the standard height limits of the City of Arlington, provided they do not exceed the permitted building height by more than five feet (unless required for functionality) and do not interfere with Federal Aviation Regulations [Section 4.1.7.C].
- Airport Overlay (APO): Residential buildings located near the Arlington Municipal Airport may be subject to further height restrictions to prevent obstructions to air navigation [Section 5.8.2.D].
- Multi-Family Height Buffers: Any part of a multi-family building in the City of Arlington must not exceed 40 feet in height if it is located within 50 feet of a property zoned or used for single-family residential purposes [Section 5.5.4.F.2.c].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.2 Residential Estate | RE
- Section 2.2.3 Residential Single-Family-20 | RS-20
- Section 2.2.4 Residential Single-Family-15 | RS-15
- Section 2.2.5 Residential Single-Family-7.2 | RS-7.2
- Section 2.2.6 Residential Single-Family-5 | RS-5
- Section 2.2.7 Residential Medium-Density | RM-12
- Section 2.2.8 Residential Multi-Family-22 | RMF-22
- Section 2.2.9 Village on the Green at Tierra Verde | VG
- Section 3.3.5 General Standards for All Accessory Uses and Structures
- Section 3.3.6 Supplemental Accessory Use Standards
- Section 4.1.7 Building Height
- Section 5.5.4 Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings
- Section 5.5.6 Residential Design Standards for Small Lot Development on Unplatted Residential-Zoned Tracts of 5 Acres or More
- Section 5.8.2 Airport Overlay | APO
- Section 5.11.5 Building Design Standards (Cottage Communities)