RMU: Regional Mixed-Use District in Arlington, Texas
The RMU: Regional Mixed-Use District in the City of Arlington is established for large-scale, high-visibility activity centers of at least 20 acres that integrate major economic generators with high-density residential uses. Developments within the RMU District are designed to be pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented, supporting a maximum residential density of 100 units per gross acre and a maximum lot coverage of 90 percent [Section 2.3.13].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Arlington intended the RMU District to encourage the development of distinctive regional centers that contain a concentrated mix of land uses. These areas are characterized by major economic generators such as regional shopping malls, large employers, theaters, hotels, and dense office developments. The RMU District aims to facilitate pedestrian travel between residential and non-residential components and is typically located in areas where the transportation network can accommodate high levels of concentrated development [Section 2.3.13].
Key characteristics of the RMU District include:
- Scale: Centers are generally at least 20 acres in size [Section 2.3.13].
- Mixed-Use Focus: New developments must include a mix of two or more distinct types of permitted uses [Section 5.7.3.A].
- Pedestrian Environment: The City of Arlington requires wide sidewalks, shaded internal walkways, and building designs that enhance the human scale [Section 5.6.3].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The RMU District utilizes specific dimensional standards to maintain a dense, urban character while ensuring compatibility with the City of Arlington’s overall infrastructure.
Dimensional Standards for the RMU District
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Site Area | 20 acres [Section 2.3.13] |
| Minimum Lot Area | 10,000 square feet [Section 2.3.13] |
| Maximum Residential Density | 100 units per gross acre [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 | 250 feet (without unconnected physical separation) [Section 5.7.5.A] |
Setback Requirements
| Frontage Type | Minimum Setback | Maximum Setback |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate or State Highway | 12 feet | 24 feet |
| Public Street/Access Easement | 10 feet | 20 feet |
| Public Street | 10 feet | None |
| Private Access Easement or Alley | 5 feet | None |
| Side and/or Rear | 0 feet | None |
| Adjacent to Single-Family (Side/Rear) | 20 feet | 20 feet |
| Source: [Section 2.3.13] |
Land Use Permissions
The RMU District allows a wide variety of high-intensity uses. The City of Arlington requires any mixed-use building with less than 65 percent residential use to submit a Mixed-Use Development Plan for administrative approval [Section 3.2.3.K.1].
Permitted Residential Uses
- Dwelling, Multi-family: Permitted by-right subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
- Dwelling, Live/Work: Permitted by-right subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
- Independent Senior Living Facility: Permitted by-right subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
Permitted Commercial and Institutional Uses
- Office, Business or Professional: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-2].
- Retail, General: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-2].
- Restaurant: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-2].
- Hotels: Various tiers (Luxury, Upscale, etc.) are permitted subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-2].
- Bar: Permitted by-right subject to a 500-foot separation from certain residential districts [Section 3.2.3.D].
- Art Gallery or Museum: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-2].
- University or College: Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-2].
Design and Operational Requirements
The City of Arlington applies rigorous design standards to the RMU District to ensure "360-degree architecture," where all sides of a building display a similar level of quality and detail [Section 5.7.5.C].
Parking Standards
Off-street parking in the RMU District is regulated to avoid "seas of parking" between buildings and the street.
- Location: Surface parking lots and driving aisles are not permitted between a building and the street [Section 5.4.4.H.1.c].
- Layout: Surface parking areas must be divided into sub-areas accommodating no more than 250 vehicles, separated by 15-foot wide landscaped features [Section 5.4.9.C.2].
- Reductions: The Zoning Administrator may reduce the total number of required spaces if the applicant provides a parking evaluation [Section 5.4.4.H.1.b].
Common Open Space
Developments in the RMU District must set aside land area as common open space based on the size of the building:
- GFA 10,000–50,000 sf: 3% of total gross site area [Section 5.10.2.D].
- GFA > 50,000 sf: 5% of total gross site area [Section 5.10.2.E].
- Usable Portion: At least 60% of the required common open space must be usable for active or passive recreation [Section 5.10.3.D.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3.13, Regional Mixed-Use | RMU
- Section 3.1.5, Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.2.3.D, Bar
- Section 3.2.3.K, Mixed-Use
- Section 4.1.6, Setbacks
- Section 5.4.4, Special Parking Requirements in Certain Zoning Districts
- Section 5.4.9, Parking Facility Location and Design
- Section 5.7.3, Mixed-Use Design Standards - Uses
- Section 5.7.4, Mixed-Use Design Standards - Site Design and Building Organization
- Section 5.7.5, Mixed-Use Design Standards - Building Design
- Section 5.10.2, Common Open Space - Applicability
- Section 5.10.3, Common Open Space Standards