RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 District in Arlington, Texas
The RS-20 district in the City of Arlington is a large-lot residential zone requiring a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet (approximately one-half acre) and a minimum gross living area of 2,200 square feet for single-family homes. This district is designed to maintain a maximum density of two dwelling units per gross acre while strictly limiting land uses that might interfere with its quiet, low-density residential character [Section 2.2.3].
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the RS-20 district is to accommodate large-lot single-family detached residential development within the City of Arlington. The regulations for the RS-20 district are specifically authored to discourage any land use that would substantially interfere with the development of detached dwellings or the tranquil nature of the neighborhood [Section 2.2.3.A].
Beyond residential uses, the district allows for complementary community activities such as parks, open spaces, public and private schools, and religious assemblies to support a well-rounded neighborhood environment [Section 2.2.1].
Dimensional Standards
The City of Arlington enforces specific intensity and building standards for the RS-20 district to ensure consistency in the "one-half acre" suburban character.
| Standard | Single-Family Dwellings | Non-Residential Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Density | 2 dwelling units per acre | N/A |
| Min. Lot Area | 20,000 square feet | 15,000 square feet |
| Min. Gross Living Area | 2,200 square feet | N/A |
| Min. Lot Width | 100 feet | 100 feet |
| Min. Lot Depth | 150 feet | 150 feet |
| Max. Building Height | 40 feet | 40 feet |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 40% | 40% |
Required Setbacks
Building setbacks in the RS-20 district vary based on the type of roadway or the nature of the adjacent property line.
| Setback Type | Standard (Feet) |
|---|---|
| Front (Street, Arterial or Collector) | 40 feet |
| Front (Local Street, Alley, or Private Easement) | 20 feet |
| Street Side (All Roadways) | 15 feet |
| Street Side (Private Access Easement or Alley) | 10 feet |
| Street Rear (All Roadways) | 20 feet |
| Street Rear (Private Access Easement or Alley) | 5 feet |
| Interior Side | 10 feet |
| Interior Rear | 10 feet |
| Non-Residential Adjacent to Single Family (Side/Rear) | 20 feet |
Note: Pursuant to Senate Bill 15, certain properties within the RS-20 district may be subject to alternative standards found in Section 5.5.6 [Section 2.2.3].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the RS-20 district are categorized by their impact on the surrounding single-family environment.
Residential and Group Living
- Permitted By-Right: Single-family detached dwellings, assisted living facilities (6 or fewer residents), foster family homes, and foster group homes [Table 3.1-1].
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards: Boarding home facilities and community homes for disabled persons [Table 3.1-1].
- Specific Use Permit Required: Assisted living facilities with 7 or more residents [Table 3.1-1].
Public, Institutional, and Commercial
- Permitted By-Right: Religious assemblies, government administration/civic buildings, and community gardens [Table 3.1-1].
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards: Public or private schools, public parks, and playgrounds [Table 3.1-1].
- Specific Use Permit Required: Philanthropic institutions, country clubs, golf courses, marinas, airports/landing fields, and gas wells [Table 3.1-1].
Development Standards
Off-Street Parking
The City of Arlington requires a minimum of two (2) off-street parking spaces per single-family detached dwelling unit in the RS-20 district [Table 5.4-1]. For non-residential uses such as religious assemblies, the standard is typically one space per four seats [Table 5.4-1].
Garage Requirements
For all new single-family detached dwellings in the RS-20 district, the City of Arlington requires an enclosed two-car garage. This garage must be a minimum of 390 square feet in area [Section 5.4.9.B.2.a].
Accessory Buildings
The RS-20 district allows for accessory structures such as storage sheds, gazebos, and detached garages. These structures must be located behind the front building line and must maintain a minimum five-foot setback from side and rear property lines [Section 3.3.6.A].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.1.2, Zoning Districts Established
- Section 2.2.1, General Purposes of All Residential Zone Districts
- Section 2.2.3, Residential Single-Family-20 | RS-20
- Table 3.1-1, Allowed Uses – Residential Districts
- Section 3.3.6, Supplemental Accessory Use Standards
- Section 5.4.9, Parking Facility Location and Design
- Table 5.4-1, Off-Street Parking Schedule A