RM-12 Residential Medium-Density 12 District in Arlington
The RM-12 Residential Medium-Density 12 district in the City of Arlington is designed to accommodate a wide range of low- to medium-density housing types with a maximum residential density of 12 units per gross acre. This district permits a variety of residential formats including single-family detached homes, duplexes, and townhouses, and it is the only district where the City of Arlington allows the development of "Cottage Communities" as a Planned Development [Section 2.2.7, Section 5.11.1].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Arlington established the RM-12 district to encourage diverse housing options that meet the needs of various residents. The primary goal of the RM-12 Residential Medium-Density 12 district is to provide a transition zone between lower-density single-family neighborhoods and higher-density multi-family districts [Section 2.2.7].
The character of the RM-12 district is defined by its mix of attached and detached residential structures. While the City of Arlington allows traditional single-family homes in this zone, the standards specifically encourage the development of single-family attached units, duplexes, and townhouse projects [Section 2.2.7]. In all City of Arlington residential districts, complementary uses such as parks, open space, schools, and religious assemblies are also permitted to support the residential environment [Section 2.2.1].
Dimensional Standards
Development within the RM-12 Residential Medium-Density 12 district must adhere to specific lot and building requirements to ensure the medium-density character is maintained throughout the City of Arlington.
| Standard | Duplex | Townhouse | Single-Family | Non-Residential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Density (units/acre) | 12 | 12 | 12 | N/A |
| Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 6,000 | 2,900 | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| Min. Gross Living Area (sq. ft.) | 800 | 800 | 1,500 | N/A |
| Min. Lot Width (ft.) | 60 | 20 | 50 | 60 |
| Max. Building Height (ft.) | 60 | 75 | 60 | 60 |
| Max. Lot Coverage (%) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
[Section 2.2.7]
Setback Requirements
The City of Arlington mandates specific setbacks for structures in the RM-12 district to ensure adequate light, air, and privacy [Section 2.2.1].
| Boundary Type | Minimum Setback (ft.) |
|---|---|
| Arterial or Collector Street | 40 |
| Local Street, Alley, or Private Access Easement | 20 |
| Interior Side Yard | 5 |
| Rear Yard | 10 |
| Adjacent to Single-Family (Side or Rear) | 20 |
[Section 2.2.7]
Permitted Land Uses
The RM-12 Residential Medium-Density 12 district allows for several residential and institutional use types. The City of Arlington categorizes these as permitted by-right (P), permitted subject to supplemental standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S) [Section 3.1.2].
Residential Uses
- Dwelling, duplex: Permitted [Section 3.1.5].
- Dwelling, single-family detached: Permitted [Section 3.1.5].
- Dwelling, townhouse: Permitted [Section 3.1.5].
- Dwelling, live/work: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Section 3.1.5].
- Cottage Communities: Permitted only as a Planned Development (PD) [Section 3.1.5].
Group Living and Public Uses
- Assisted living facility (≤ 6 residents): Permitted [Section 3.1.5].
- Assisted living facility (≥ 7 residents): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Section 3.1.5].
- Boarding home facility: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Section 3.1.5].
- Public or private school: Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Section 3.1.5].
- Religious assembly: Permitted [Section 3.1.5].
- Community garden: Permitted [Section 3.1.5].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Arlington requires RM-12 Residential Medium-Density 12 developments to provide off-street parking based on the type of dwelling unit or facility.
| Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Duplex | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Townhouse | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Single-Family Detached | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Live/Work | 1.5 per dwelling unit (plus area-based retail/office/comm calc) |
| Assisted Living (≤ 6 residents) | 2.0 per dwelling unit (max 1 per bedroom) |
| Nursing Home | 1.0 per 4 beds |
[Section 5.4.3]
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.1 General Purposes of All Residential Zone Districts
- Section 2.2.7 Residential Medium-Density | RM-12
- Section 3.1.2 Explanation of Table Abbreviations
- Section 3.1.5 Table of Allowed Uses (Residential Districts)
- Section 5.4.3 Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.11.1 Cottage Community Design Standards: Purpose and Intent