RMF-22 Residential Multi-Family 22 District Setbacks in Arlington
In the City of Arlington, the RMF-22: Residential Multi-Family 22 district requires a minimum front setback ranging from 20 to 40 feet depending on the classification of the adjacent street. While standard interior side and rear setbacks are set at 10 feet, the City of Arlington mandates a significant 40-foot interior setback when an RMF-22 district development is adjacent to a single-family residential district.
Standard Setback Requirements for RMF-22
The City of Arlington establishes specific dimensional standards for the RMF-22 district to ensure multi-family developments are compatible with their surroundings [Section 2.2.8.A]. Setbacks are measured from the property lines, with street frontage setbacks measured from the right-of-way line as defined by the Thoroughfare Development Plan [Section 4.1.6.C].
RMF-22 Dimensional Standards Table
| Setback Type | Condition or Street Classification | Minimum Requirement (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Street Frontage (Front) | Arterial Street | 40 |
| Collector Street | 25 | |
| Local street, alley, or private access easement | 20 | |
| Street Side | All roadways | 20 |
| Private access easement or alley | 10 | |
| Street Rear | All roadways | 20 |
| Private access easement or alley | 10 | |
| Interior Setback | Side (Interior) | 10 |
| Rear (Interior) | 10 | |
| Adjacency Buffer | Non-residential or multi-family adjacent to single-family |
[Source: Section 2.2.8.D]
Contextual and Special Setback Provisions
The City of Arlington provides certain allowances and restrictions that may modify the standard setbacks for the RMF-22 district based on the specific location or historical context of the development.
Contextual Front Setbacks
In the RMF-22 district, if a new residential use is proposed on a lot that abuts existing structures on at least three sides and was platted prior to January 31, 1984, the applicant may use a contextual front setback [Section 5.5.2.A]. This allows the front setback to be consistent with the prevailing pattern of the existing buildings on the block, rather than strictly following the 20 to 40-foot minimums [Section 4.1.6.E].
Double-Frontage Lots
For properties in the RMF-22 district that have frontage on two parallel public streets (double-frontage lots), the City of Arlington requires street setbacks to be maintained on both frontages [Section 4.1.6.D].
Permitted Projections into Setbacks
The City of Arlington allows certain architectural and functional features to project into the required setbacks of the RMF-22 district:
- Unroofed Landings and Decks: May project up to five feet into required setbacks [Section 4.1.6.H.2].
- Architectural Features: Cornices, eaves, sills, and similar features may project up to two feet into any required yard, provided they do not occupy more than two percent of the setback area [Section 4.1.6.H.3].
- Roof Overhangs: Roofs over porches or entries may encroach up to five feet into a front setback [Section 4.1.6.H.4].
- Swimming Pools: A pool and its decking may project into the required side or rear setback, provided the outside wall of the pool remains at least five feet from the property line [Section 4.1.6.H.8].
Adjacency and Building Separation
Beyond property line setbacks, the City of Arlington regulates the distance between individual buildings within an RMF-22 district development to ensure adequate light and air. The minimum separation between multi-family buildings with window or door openings on facing facades is 50 feet for "face to face" orientation and 30 feet for "face to end" or "end to end" orientations [Section 5.5.4.D].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.8, Residential Multi-Family–22 | RMF-22
- Section 4.1.6, Setbacks
- Section 5.5.2, General Standards for All Residential Development
- Section 5.5.4, Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings