Regional Mixed-Use (RMU) Allowed and Prohibited Uses in Arlington
The RMU: Regional Mixed-Use district in the City of Arlington is designed to facilitate large-scale, distinctive regional centers with a concentrated mix of residential, office, and commercial uses, generally requiring a minimum site size of at least 20 acres. This district permits high-intensity development, allowing for residential densities up to 100 units per gross acre and building coverage up to 90 percent of the lot.
Overview of the RMU District
The City of Arlington established the Regional Mixed-Use (RMU) district to encourage the development of highly visible activity centers that include major economic generators such as shopping malls, major employers, and theaters. The RMU district emphasizes a pedestrian-friendly environment and seeks to reduce automobile travel by providing a broad mix of complementary uses, including high-density multi-family housing and public facilities [Section 2.3.13.A].
Permitted and Conditionally Allowed Uses
Uses within the City of Arlington RMU district are classified as Permitted by-right (P), Permitted subject to supplemental standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S or S*).
Residential and Group Living Uses
Within the RMU district, high-density residential options are integrated into the mixed-use environment.
- Permitted by Right: Dwelling, townhouse.
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P):* Dwelling, live/work; Dwelling, multi-family; Independent senior living facility; Mixed-use development or building [Table 3.1-2].
- Note on Mixed-Use: Mixed-use residential developments where residential use occupies 65% or more of the total square footage are allowed in the RMU district, provided they are not within 1,000 feet of a High Impact Use or 3,000 feet of the Arlington Municipal Airport [Section 3.2.3.K.2].
Commercial and Retail Uses
The RMU district supports a wide range of commercial activities serving regional needs.
- Permitted by Right: Catering service; Restaurant; Restaurant (take-out and delivery); Office (business or professional); General personal services; Massage therapy clinic; Tattoo parlor or piercing studio; General retail store; Firearm sales; Nursery or garden shop; Package liquor store; Pawn shop; Second-hand goods store; Swimming pool/spa sales and service.
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P):* Veterinary clinic; Bar (must be 500 feet from single-family districts); Restaurant with drive-through; Sidewalk cafe; Bed and breakfast inn; various Hotel types (Luxury, Upper-Upscale, Convention); Open-air vending.
- Specific Use Permit Required (S or S):* Commercial parking garage; Hotel (Upscale); Small box discount store; Specialty paraphernalia sales; Nightclub or live entertainment venue.
- Rebuilding Standards (R):* Certain hotel types (Upper-midscale, Midscale, Economy) are subject to "Demo and Rebuild" standards [Section 3.2.3.E.2].
Institutional and Public Uses
- Permitted by Right: Art gallery or museum; Government administration and civic buildings; Philanthropic institution; Religious assembly; Business school; Public or private school; University, college, or seminary; Hospital; Medical or dental office/clinic; Community garden; Public park or playground; Country club; Golf course; Recreation (general outdoor); Radio or TV station; Utility lines and towers.
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P):* Recreation, indoor (other than listed); Theatre (indoor); Telecommunication facilities (building-mounted or towers ≤ 75 feet).
- Specific Use Permit Required (S or S):* Transit passenger terminal; Gas well; Telecommunication towers > 75 feet.
Prohibited Uses in the RMU District
Any use not explicitly listed as permitted (P) or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S) in the RMU column of the City of Arlington's use tables is prohibited. Key prohibited uses include:
- Low-Density Residential: Single-family detached dwellings, duplexes, and manufactured/mobile homes.
- Most Group Living: Assisted living facilities, boarding homes, and halfway houses.
- Most Auto-Related Services: Auto service centers, major auto repair, car washes, motor vehicle fueling facilities, and motor vehicle sales (new or used).
- Industrial and Manufacturing: Small-scale, light, and heavy manufacturing; food processing; and salvage yards.
- Wholesale and Storage: Distribution centers, warehouses, self-storage facilities, and cold storage plants.
- Other: Sexually oriented businesses and tobacco/e-cigarette retail stores [Table 3.1-2].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Arlington applies the following technical requirements to all development within the RMU zoning designation.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 100 units per gross acre [Section 2.3.13.A] |
| Minimum Lot Area | 10,000 square feet [Section 2.3.13] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 90% [Section 2.3.13] |
| Minimum Building Height | 20 feet [Section 5.7.5.B] |
| Maximum Building Length | 180 feet for multi-family; 250 feet for mixed-use [Sections 5.5.4.C.5, 5.7.5.A] |
| Standard Non-Res Parking Ratio | 2.5 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA [Table 5.4-1] |
| Bar Parking Ratio | 14 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA [Table 5.4-1] |
Setback Requirements
Setbacks in the RMU district are measured from the property line or right-of-way as defined by the Thoroughfare Development Plan.
| Location | Minimum Setback | Maximum Setback |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate or State Highway | 12 feet | 24 feet |
| Public Street / Private Access | 10 feet | 20 feet |
| Side and/or Rear | 0 feet | None |
| Adjacent to Single-Family | 20 feet | 20 feet |
Accessory and Temporary Uses
The RMU district allows for specific accessory and temporary activities to support primary uses.
- Accessory Uses: Accessory buildings and uses are generally permitted if they are clearly incidental to the principal structure. This includes caretaker's quarters, private garages, and alternative energy systems [Table 3.3-2].
- Temporary Uses: The City of Arlington permits temporary construction field offices and construction storage yards by-right (P*). Short-term rentals are permitted subject to supplemental standards. Carnivals or amusement rides require a Specific Use Permit (S*) [Table 3.4-2].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.13: Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Districts (RMU)
- Section 3.1.2: Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Section 3.1.5: Tables of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.2.1: Residential Supplemental Use Standards
- Section 3.2.3: Commercial Supplemental Use Standards
- 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 4.1.7: Building Height
- Section 5.4.1: Purpose (Off-Street Parking)
- Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.5.2: General Standards for All Residential Development
- Section 5.5.4: Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings
- Section 5.7.5: Building Design (Mixed-Use)
- Section 12.3.1: Residential Use Definitions
- Section 12.3.3: Commercial Use Definitions