RMF-22 Residential Multi-Family 22 District in Arlington, Texas
The RMF-22 district in the City of Arlington is a high-density residential zone designed to accommodate apartment complexes and multi-family developments at a maximum density of 22 units per gross acre. This district emphasizes architectural compatibility with the surrounding environment and allows for a mix of housing types, including townhouses, duplexes, and live/work units situated over ground-floor non-residential uses [Section 2.2.8].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Arlington established the RMF-22 district to provide high-density residential opportunities that remain compatible with their specific sites and broader neighborhoods. The general character of the RMF-22 district is defined by urban-scale multi-family structures that prioritize 360-degree architectural detailing, substantial common open space, and internal building organization that minimizes the visual impact of parking facilities [Section 2.2.8.A and Section 5.5.4].
Developments within the RMF-22 district containing 20 or more units must provide a variety of housing designs, including a mix of at least three different models to avoid monotony [Section 5.5.2.B.2]. Multi-family buildings in this City of Arlington district are limited to a maximum length of 180 feet to ensure a human-scale pedestrian environment [Section 5.5.4.C.5].
Permitted Land Uses
The RMF-22 district primarily allows for residential and institutional uses. Certain commercial uses are permitted by-right or through a Specific Use Permit (SUP) to serve the residents of the high-density area.
Residential Uses
- Permitted by Right: Single-family detached, duplexes, townhouses, multi-family dwellings, and live/work units [Table 3.1-1].
- Group Living: Assisted living facilities, boarding home facilities, community homes for disabled persons, foster family/group homes, independent senior living facilities, and nursing homes [Table 3.1-1].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Permitted by Right: Art galleries, museums, domestic violence shelters, government buildings, religious assemblies, and public/private schools [Table 3.1-1].
- Requiring SUP: Philanthropic institutions and cemeteries [Table 3.1-1].
Commercial and Industrial Uses
- Permitted by Right: Community gardens and golf courses [Table 3.1-1].
- Requiring SUP: Bed and breakfast inns, day care centers, country clubs, marinas, and gas wells [Table 3.1-1].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The City of Arlington imposes specific lot and building standards for the RMF-22 district to regulate density and building mass.
Lot Dimensions
| Standard | Townhouse | Duplex | Multi-Family / Non-Res |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 2,900 sq. ft. | 6,000 sq. ft. | 15,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 20 feet | 60 feet | 60 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet | 100 feet | 100 feet |
[Section 2.2.8.C]
Setbacks
| Location | Arterial | Collector | Local / Private Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Setback (min) | 40 feet | 25 feet | 20 feet |
| Street Side Setback (min) | 20 feet | 20 feet | 10 feet |
| Street Rear Setback (min) | 20 feet | 20 feet | 10 feet |
| Interior Side Setback (min) | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
| Interior Rear Setback (min) | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Note: Non-residential and multi-family uses must maintain a 40-foot setback when adjacent to single-family residential districts [Section 2.2.8.D].
Building Standards
| Standard | Duplex | Townhouse / Multi-Family | Non-Residential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 80% | 90% | 80% |
| Height Limit | Per Sec. 5.5.4 | Per Sec. 5.5.4 | 50 feet |
[Section 2.2.8.E]
Off-Street Parking Requirements
In the RMF-22 district, the City of Arlington requires parking based on the size of the dwelling unit.
| Multi-Family Unit Type | Minimum Required Spaces |
|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | 1.0 space per unit |
| 1-Bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| 2-Bedroom | 2.0 spaces per unit |
| 3-Bedroom | 2.5 spaces per unit |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 2.5 + 0.5 per additional bedroom |
[Table 5.4-1]
Furthermore, at least half of the required parking must be provided in a parking structure, enclosed garage, or carport, with at least 20 percent specifically located within an enclosed garage [Section 5.5.4.E.a]. Bicycle parking is also required at a rate of 10% of the total number of units [Table 5.4-4].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.8: Residential Multi-Family-22 | RMF-22
- Table 3.1-1: Allowed Uses – Residential Districts
- Table 5.4-1: Off-Street Parking Schedule A
- Section 5.5.2: General Standards for All Residential Development
- Section 5.5.4: Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings
- Table 5.4-4: Required Bicycle Parking