RE: Residential Estate District Guide for the City of Arlington
The Residential Estate (RE) district in the City of Arlington is designed for large-lot residential development, requiring a minimum of one acre per single-family detached dwelling. This City of Arlington zoning classification preserves a quiet, low-density character while permitting select agricultural activities, a maximum lot coverage of 40 percent, and a minimum gross living area of 2,500 square feet per home.
Purpose and General Character
The City of Arlington established the Residential Estate (RE) district to accommodate large-lot single-family detached residential uses, appropriate accessory developments, and select agricultural activities [Section 2.2.2.A]. The general character of the Residential Estate district is intended to be quiet and rural in nature. To maintain this environment, the City of Arlington encourages regulations that discourage any land use that would substantially interfere with the development of detached dwellings or the tranquil residential nature of the neighborhood [Section 2.2.2.A].
Additionally, like all residential zones in the City of Arlington, the Residential Estate district aims to ensure adequate light, air, and privacy for all residents while minimizing traffic congestion and protecting the area from incompatible urban encroachment [Section 2.2.1].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The Residential Estate district features the most restrictive density and lot size requirements for residential living in the City of Arlington. All development within the Residential Estate district must adhere to the following dimensional requirements:
| Standard | Single-Family Requirement | Non-Residential Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 1 acre | 15,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Gross Living Area | 2,500 sq. ft. | N/A |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 150 feet | 150 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 50 feet | 50 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 40% | 40% |
Setback Requirements
Building placement within the Residential Estate district is governed by specific setbacks to maintain the low-density feel of the City of Arlington's estate areas:
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Street Front (Arterial or Collector) | 40 feet |
| Street Front (Local Street/Alley) | 20 feet |
| Street Side (All Roadways) | 15 feet |
| Street Rear (All Roadways) | 20 feet |
| Interior Side | 10 feet |
| Interior Rear | 10 feet |
| Adjacent to Single Family (Side/Rear) | 20 feet (Non-residential only) |
[Source: Section 2.2.2]
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Arlington allows for a specific mix of residential, institutional, and agricultural uses within the Residential Estate district to ensure compatibility with its low-density purpose.
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 (SUP).
- Boarding Home Facility: Permitted subject to supplemental use standards.
- Community Home for Disabled Persons: Permitted by-right.
- Foster Family/Group Home: Permitted by-right.
Public, Institutional, and Agricultural
- Animal and Crop Production: Permitted by-right.
- Stables (Commercial): Requires a Specific Use Permit and supplemental standards.
- Religious Assembly: Permitted by-right.
- Public or Private School: Permitted subject to supplemental standards.
- Community Garden: Permitted by-right.
- Nursery Garden Shop or Plant Sales: Requires a Specific Use Permit and supplemental standards.
Utilities and Transportation
- Gas Well: Requires a Specific Use Permit and supplemental standards.
- Electric Utility Substation: Permitted by-right.
- Telecommunication Facilities: Most types require a Specific Use Permit and supplemental standards.
- Airport or Landing Field: Requires a Specific Use Permit.
[Source: Section 3.1.5]
Accessory and Temporary Uses
Residents in the Residential Estate district are permitted various accessory structures and uses that support the primary residential function.
- Accessory Buildings: Permitted by-right (e.g., garages, storage sheds, gazebos), limited to a maximum of 3 buildings for lots under one acre and 5 buildings for lots one acre or larger [Section 3.3.4, Table 3.3-4].
- Secondary Living Unit: Permitted subject to supplemental standards for use by family members or relatives only [Section 3.3.4].
- Caretaker’s Quarters: Permitted as an accessory use [Section 3.3.4].
- Alternative Energy Systems: Solar and small wind energy systems are permitted subject to height and placement standards [Section 3.3.6].
- Temporary Uses: Construction field offices, construction storage yards, real estate sales offices, and short-term rentals are permitted subject to the City of Arlington's supplemental standards [Section 3.4.3].
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking in the Residential Estate district is required to prevent spillover into adjacent rural-character streets.
| Use Type | City of Arlington Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Assisted Living (≤6 residents) | 2.0 per dwelling unit (not to exceed 1 per bedroom) |
| Religious Assembly | 1 space per 4 seats |
| Agricultural Uses | None |
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | 1 per guest room + principal residence requirement |
[Source: Section 5.4.3]
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.1: General Purposes of All Residential Zone Districts
- Section 2.2.2: Residential Estate | RE
- Section 3.1.5: Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.3.4: Use Tables for Accessory Uses and Structures
- Section 3.3.6: Supplemental Accessory Use Standards
- Section 3.4.3: Use Tables for Temporary Uses
- Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards