RE: Residential Estate Zoning in the City of Arlington
The RE: Residential Estate district in the City of Arlington is primarily designed for large-lot single-family detached dwellings with a minimum lot size of one acre. While it prioritizes a quiet residential environment, the designation uniquely permits agricultural activities such as animal and crop production by right, while requiring Specific Use Permits for more intensive operations like commercial stables or nurseries.
Purpose of the RE: Residential Estate District
In the City of Arlington, the RE: Residential Estate district is intended to accommodate large-lot residential development, accessory structures, and selected agricultural activities. The regulations for this district are specifically designed to discourage any land uses that would substantially interfere with the quiet residential nature of these large-lot neighborhoods [Section 2.2.2].
Allowed Land Uses
Land uses in the RE: Residential Estate district are categorized as Permitted by Right (P), Permitted subject to Supplemental Use Standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S or S*).
Residential and Institutional Uses
The following table outlines the primary residential, community, and public uses allowed within the RE: Residential Estate designation [Table 3.1-1].
| Use Category | Use Type | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Household Living | Dwelling, single-family detached | P |
| Group Living | Assisted living facility (≤6 residents) | P |
| Assisted living facility (≥7 residents) | S | |
| Boarding home facility | P* | |
| Community home for disabled persons | P | |
| Foster family/group home | P | |
| Community/Cultural | Government administration and civic buildings | P |
| Philanthropic institution (other than listed) | S | |
| Religious assembly | P | |
| Educational | Public or private school | P* |
| Parks/Open Space | Community garden | P |
| Public park or playground | P* |
Commercial and Industrial Uses
The RE: Residential Estate district in the City of Arlington is highly restrictive regarding commercial activity, allowing only those that are compatible with a rural or estate-like setting [Table 3.1-1].
| Use Category | Use Type | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Animal production | P |
| Crop production | P | |
| Animal Services | Stables, commercial | S* |
| Lodging | Bed and breakfast inn | S* |
| Personal Services | Day care center | S* |
| Recreation | Country club | S |
| Golf course | P | |
| Marina | S | |
| Retail (Sales) | Nursery garden shop or plant sales | S* |
| Transportation | Airport or landing field | S |
| Utilities | Electric utility substation | P |
| Gas well | S* | |
| Telecommunication Facilities (various) | S* | |
| Utility lines, towers, or metering station | P* |
Prohibited Uses
Any use not explicitly listed as permitted or allowed by Specific Use Permit in the RE: Residential Estate district is prohibited. Key prohibited uses include:
- Higher-Density Housing: Duplexes, multi-family dwellings, townhouses, and mobile homes are not allowed in the RE: Residential Estate district [Table 3.1-1].
- General Commercial: Standard retail stores, auto sales, car washes, bars, and restaurants are prohibited [Table 3.1-2].
- Industrial: Manufacturing (light or heavy), salvage yards, and wholesale distribution centers are strictly prohibited to preserve the district's residential character [Table 3.1-2].
Dimensional and Development Standards
Properties within the RE: Residential Estate designation must adhere to strict density and setback requirements to maintain the intended "estate" character [Section 2.2.2].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max. Density | 1 dwelling unit per acre |
| Min. Lot Area | 1 acre (residential); 15,000 s.f. (non-residential) |
| Min. Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Min. Lot Depth | 150 feet |
| Max. Building Height | 50 feet |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 40% |
Required Setbacks
| Setback Type | Distance (feet) |
|---|---|
| Front (Arterial/Collector) | 40 feet |
| Front (Local Street/Alley) | 20 feet |
| Street Side (Roadway) | 15 feet |
| Interior Side | 10 feet |
| Rear (Roadway) | 20 feet |
| Rear (Interior) | 10 feet |
Accessory and Temporary Uses
In the City of Arlington, the RE: Residential Estate district allows various accessory uses that must be subordinate to the primary residence.
- Permitted Accessory Uses: Private garages, storage sheds, gazebos, swimming pools, and home-based businesses (subject to standards in Section 3.3.6.H) [Table 3.3-1].
- Permitted Temporary Uses: Construction field offices, construction storage yards, and real estate sales offices are allowed during the development phase of a subdivision [Table 3.4-1].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.1.2 Zoning Districts Established
- Section 2.2.2 Residential Estate | RE
- Table 3.1-1 Allowed Uses – Residential Districts
- Section 3.2.1.A.3 Dwelling, Single-family for Small-Lot Development
- Table 3.3-1 Accessory Uses – Residential Districts
- Section 3.3.6.H Home-Based Business
- Table 3.4-1 Temporary Uses – Residential Districts
- Section 5.4.3 Off-Street Parking Standards