RMF-22 Residential Multi-Family 22 District Regulations in the City of Arlington
The RMF-22: Residential Multi-Family 22 district in the City of Arlington is established to provide for high-density multi-family residential development with a maximum density of 22 units per acre. The district permits a variety of housing types including apartments, townhouses, and duplexes, as well as essential institutional and civic uses [Section 2.2.8]. Development in this district is specifically designed to be compatible with surrounding neighborhoods while allowing for more intensive residential uses and residential units over ground-floor non-residential spaces [Section 2.2.8].
Allowed Land Uses in the RMF-22 District
In the City of Arlington, land uses within the RMF-22 district are classified as Permitted by-right (P), Permitted subject to supplemental use standards (P*), or requiring a Specific Use Permit (S). Any use not explicitly listed in the UDC is considered prohibited [Section 3.1.1].
Residential and Group Living Uses
- Permitted By-Right (P): Dwelling, duplex; Dwelling, single-family detached; Dwelling, townhouse; Assisted living facility (all sizes); Community home for disabled persons; Foster family home; Foster group home [Section 3.1.5].
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P):* Dwelling, live/work; Dwelling, multi-family; Boarding home facility; Independent senior living facility; Lodging house, fraternity, sorority, or private dorm; Nursing home [Section 3.1.5].
Public, Institutional, and Civic Uses
- Permitted By-Right (P): Art gallery or museum; Domestic violence shelter; Government administration and civic buildings; Religious assembly; Community garden; Electric utility substation; Utility lines, towers, or metering stations [Section 3.1.5].
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P):* Public or private school; Public park or playground; Telecommunication facilities (building-mounted antennae and towers; towers ≤75 ft; stealth towers ≤100 ft) [Section 3.1.5].
- Specific Use Permit Required (S): Philanthropic institution (other than listed); Cemetery; Airport or landing field [Section 3.1.5].
Commercial and Industrial Uses
- Permitted By-Right (P): Golf course [Section 3.1.5].
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P):* Day care center [Section 3.1.5].
- Specific Use Permit Required (S): Bed and breakfast inn (S*); Lodge or fraternal organization; Private club; Country club; Marina; Gas well (S*) [Section 3.1.5].
Prohibited Uses
Per the City of Arlington Unified Development Code, any use not specifically allowed is prohibited. Notable prohibited uses in the RMF-22 district include:
- HUD-Code manufactured homes and mobile homes [Section 3.1.5].
- Cottage Communities (permitted only in RM-12 as a Planned Development) [Section 5.11.1].
- Agricultural uses such as animal production and crop production [Section 3.1.5].
- Commercial animal services like kennels or stables [Section 3.1.5].
- Standard retail and commercial services such as auto sales, bars, restaurants, or general retail [Section 3.1.5].
- All heavy industrial and manufacturing uses [Section 3.1.5].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The RMF-22 district is governed by strict dimensional requirements to ensure proper density and site organization.
| Standard Type | Requirement for RMF-22 District |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 22 units per gross acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Multi-family) | 15,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Duplex) | 6,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Townhouse) | 2,900 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Multi-family) | 60 feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Townhouse) | 20 feet |
| Front Setback (Arterial Street) | 40 feet |
| Front Setback (Collector Street) | 25 feet |
| Front Setback (Local Street) | 20 feet |
| Side Setback (Interior) | 10 feet |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet |
| Adjacent to Single-Family (Side/Rear) | 40 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Multi-family) | 90% |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Duplex) | 80% |
[Table 1.6-1, Section 2.2.8]
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Arlington mandates specific parking ratios for different use types within the RMF-22 district.
| Use Type | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Multi-family (Studio) | 1.0 space per unit |
| Multi-family (1 Bedroom) | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| Multi-family (2 Bedroom) | 2.0 spaces per unit |
| Multi-family (3 Bedroom) | 2.5 spaces per unit |
| Multi-family (4+ Bedrooms) | 2.5 spaces + 0.5 per additional bedroom |
| Duplex / Townhouse / Single-family | 2.0 spaces per unit |
| Independent Senior Living | 1.3 spaces per unit |
| Assisted Living (≥7 residents) | 1.0 space per unit |
| Day Care Center | 2.5 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA |
[Table 5.4-1]
Specific Development Standards
- Building Length: The maximum length of any multi-family building in the City of Arlington is 180 feet [Section 5.5.4.F.5].
- Building Separation: For multi-family buildings, the minimum separation for structures facing "Face to Face" is 50 feet, and "Face to End" or "End to End" is 30 feet [Table 5.5-1].
- Multi-family Parking Location: At least half of the required parking spaces must be provided in a parking structure, enclosed garage, or carport. At least 20 percent must be in an enclosed garage [Section 5.5.4.E].
- Tree Preservation: All multi-family developments in the RMF-22 district must achieve a minimum of 10 percent tree preservation [Section 5.2.3.D.2.a].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.6.8 (Transition to New Zone Districts)
- Section 2.2.8 (Residential Multi-Family-22 | RMF-22)
- Section 3.1.1 (Use Standards - Purpose)
- Section 3.1.5 (Table of Allowed Uses)
- Section 5.2.3 (Tree Preservation and Replacement)
- Section 5.4.3 (Off-Street Parking Standards)
- Section 5.5.4 (Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings)
- Section 5.11.1 (Cottage Community Design Standards)