Multi-Family and High-Density Residential Zoning Districts in the City of Arlington
In the City of Arlington, high-density apartment buildings (multi-family dwellings) are primarily permitted in the Residential Multi-Family 22 (RMF-22), Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMU), and Regional Mixed-Use (RMU) zoning districts. The highest allowable density in the City of Arlington is found in the RMU district, which permits up to 100 units per gross acre, followed by the NMU district at 40 units per gross acre and the RMF-22 district at 22 units per gross acre [Sections 2.2.8, 2.3.12, and 2.3.13].
Primary High-Density Residential Districts
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code (UDC) identifies specific districts intended to accommodate high-density multi-family housing.
Residential Multi-Family 22 (RMF-22)
The RMF-22 district is established to provide opportunities for high-density multi-family residential uses that are designed to be compatible with their sites and surroundings. This district allows a maximum density of 22 units per acre [Section 2.2.8].
Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMU)
The NMU district is intended to encourage the redevelopment of traditional suburban commercial centers into higher-density, urban-scale districts. While it includes commercial and office uses, it allows multi-family residential densities up to a maximum of 40 units per gross acre [Section 2.3.12].
Regional Mixed-Use (RMU)
The RMU district is the City of Arlington's most intensive mixed-use category. It is designed for large-scale regional centers (at least 20 acres) and explicitly allows high-density multi-family housing with a maximum density of 100 units per gross acre [Section 2.3.13].
Multi-Family Dimensions and Density Standards
The following table outlines the technical dimensional requirements for high-density multi-family developments within the RMF-22 and Mixed-Use districts of the City of Arlington [Sections 2.2.8, 2.3.12, and 2.3.13].
| Standard | RMF-22 District | NMU District | RMU District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Density (Units/Acre) | 22 | 40 | 100 |
| Min Lot Area | 15,000 sq. ft. | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Max Lot Coverage | N/A | 90% | 90% |
| Max Building Length | 180 feet | 180 feet | 180 feet |
| Front Setback (Arterial) | 40 feet | 12/24 feet (min/max) | 12/24 feet (min/max) |
| Front Setback (Collector) | 25 feet | 10/20 feet (min/max) | 10/20 feet (min/max) |
| Front Setback (Local) | 20 feet | 10/none (min/max) | 10/none (min/max) |
Supplemental Multi-Family Development Standards
The City of Arlington imposes specific design and organization requirements on all multi-family developments to ensure quality of life and neighborhood compatibility.
Building Separation
Multi-family buildings must maintain minimum distances between structures based on the orientation of the walls [Section 5.5.4.D].
| Building Orientation | Minimum Separation |
|---|---|
| Face to Face | 50 feet |
| Face to End | 30 feet |
| Corner to Face or End | 30 feet |
| End to End | 30 feet |
Minimum Dwelling Unit Sizes
The City of Arlington requires multi-family units to meet minimum gross living area standards, calculated exclusive of balconies, carports, and breezeways [Sections 5.5.2.C and 12.3.1].
| Unit Type | Minimum Square Footage |
|---|---|
| Efficiency / Studio | 600 sq. ft. |
| 1-Bedroom | 750 sq. ft. |
| 2-Bedroom | 900 sq. ft. |
| 3-Bedroom | 1,100 sq. ft. |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 1,100 sq. ft. + 125 sq. ft. per extra bedroom |
Off-Street Parking Requirements
Parking for multi-family dwellings in the City of Arlington is determined by the number of bedrooms per unit. Within the RMF-22 district, at least 50% of the required parking must be located in an enclosed garage [Sections 5.4.3 and 5.5.4.E].
| Unit Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Studio Unit | 1.0 space |
| 1-Bedroom Unit | 1.5 spaces |
| 2-Bedroom Unit | 2.0 spaces |
| 3-Bedroom Unit | 2.5 spaces |
| 4+ Bedroom Unit | 2.5 spaces + 0.5 per additional bedroom |
Multi-Family Dwellings in Non-Residential Districts
Pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, multi-family residential uses may be accommodated in various non-residential districts (such as LO, OC, NC, CC, GC, and HC) if they meet specific criteria, including being at least 1,000 feet from a High Impact Use and 3,000 feet from the Arlington Municipal Airport [Section 3.2.1.A.2]. Such developments must comply with the alternative design standards established in Section 5.12 of the City of Arlington UDC.
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.8: Residential Multi-Family–22 | RMF-22
- Section 2.3.12: Neighborhood Mixed-Use | NMU
- Section 2.3.13: Regional Mixed-Use | RMU
- Section 3.2.1.A: Household Living Supplemental Standards
- Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards (Table 5.4-1)
- Section 5.5.2.C: Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Residential Dwelling Unit Sizes
- Section 5.5.4.D: Building Separation For Multi-Family Development
- Section 5.5.4.E: Off-Street Parking Location
- Section 5.12: Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings in Non-Residential Zoning Districts
- Section 12.3.1: Residential Uses Definitions