Off-Street Parking Requirements for the RS-7.2 Residential Single-Family District in Arlington
In the City of Arlington’s RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district, single-family detached dwellings are required to provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces, which must be housed within an enclosed two-car garage of at least 390 square feet. Other permitted or special uses within the RS-7.2 district, such as day care centers or country clubs, must meet specific ratios ranging from 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area to 4 spaces per golf green.
Residential Off-Street Parking Ratios
The primary use in the Residential Single-Family 7.2 (RS-7.2) district is the single-family detached dwelling. Additionally, several group living uses are permitted by-right or through a Specific Use Permit. The City of Arlington establishes the following ratios for these residential uses:
| Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dwelling, single-family detached | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Assisted living facility ($\le$ 6 residents) | 2.0 per dwelling unit, not to exceed 1 per bedroom |
| Assisted living facility ($\ge$ 7 residents) | 1.0 per dwelling unit |
| Boarding home facility | As required for the principal use; not to exceed 1 per bedroom |
[Section 5.4.3, Table 5.4-1]
Commercial and Institutional Off-Street Parking Ratios
While the RS-7.2 district is primarily residential, certain commercial, recreation, and institutional uses are allowed either by-right or by Specific Use Permit (SUP). The City of Arlington requires these projects to provide parking based on their specific functional category:
| Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bed & breakfast inn | 1 per guest room, in addition to those required for principal residence |
| Day care center | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA (Gross Floor Area) |
| Country club | 4 per 1,000 sf GFA |
| Golf course | 4 per green |
| Marina | 0.75 spaces per boat slip, plus parking as required for other uses |
| Public or private school | Elementary/Middle: 2 per classroom; High School: 6 per classroom + 1 per 300 sf of admin office |
| Religious assembly | 1 space per 4 seats (or 25% of max capacity if no fixed seating) |
[Section 5.4.3, Table 5.4-1]
Facility Design and Garage Standards
The City of Arlington enforces specific structural requirements for parking facilities serving single-family detached dwellings in the RS-7.2 district.
Enclosed Garage Requirements
All single-family detached dwellings in the RS-7.2 district must feature an enclosed two-car garage. This garage must have a minimum area of 390 square feet [Section 5.4.9.B.2.a]. These requirements do not apply to dwellings constructed in the City of Arlington prior to January 31, 1984 [Section 5.4.9.B.2.b].
Garage Conversions
In the RS-7.2 district, a garage may not be converted into living space unless a replacement two-car garage is constructed on the same lot. For dwellings built before January 31, 1984, a conversion is permitted without a replacement garage only if a driveway of at least 20 feet in length (measured from the front property line) is constructed to accommodate the same number of vehicles as the original garage [Section 5.4.9.B.2.c].
Prohibited Locations
No off-street parking facility in the Residential Single-Family 7.2 district may be located, in whole or in part, within a public street, sidewalk, parkway, alley, or any other public right-of-way [Section 5.4.9.B.1.a].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.5, Residential Single-Family-7.2 | RS-7.2
- Section 3.1.5, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 5.4.3, Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.4.9, Parking Facility Location and Design