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RS-20 Residential Single-Family 20 District Off-Street Parking Requirements

Jurisdiction: City of ArlingtonCode Version: August 26, 2025

In the City of Arlington’s RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district, all detached single-family dwellings must provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces, which are required to be located within an enclosed two-car garage of at least 390 square feet [Section 5.4.3 and Section 5.4.9.B.2.a]. Non-residential and limited commercial projects allowed in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district, such as country clubs or day care centers, must adhere to specific parking ratios ranging from 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area to 4 spaces per golf green [Section 5.4.3].

Residential Parking Requirements

The primary use in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district is the single-family detached dwelling. The City of Arlington requires these residential projects to provide sufficient off-street parking to prevent spillover into adjacent neighborhoods [Section 5.4.1].

Mandatory Garage Standards

For any new single-family detached dwelling in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district, the City of Arlington mandates the construction of an enclosed two-car garage [Section 5.4.9.B.2.a].

  • Minimum Size: The garage must be at least 390 square feet in area [Section 5.4.9.B.2.a].
  • Conversion Restrictions: A garage in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district may not be converted into living space unless another two-car garage is constructed on the same lot [Section 5.4.9.B.2.c].
  • Exception: Dwellings constructed prior to January 31, 1984, are not required to have a garage [Section 5.4.9.B.2.b].

Residential Parking Ratios

Use Type Minimum Parking Requirement
Dwelling, single-family detached 2 per dwelling unit [Table 5.4-1]
Assisted living facility (≤6 residents) 2.0 per dwelling unit, not to exceed 1 per bedroom [Table 5.4-1]
Boarding home facility As required for the principal use; not to exceed 1 per bedroom [Table 5.4-1]

Commercial and Institutional Parking Requirements

While the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district is primarily residential, certain commercial and institutional uses are permitted, often requiring a Specific Use Permit (SUP). These projects must provide off-street parking according to the City of Arlington's Parking Schedule A [Section 5.4.3.A].

Use Type Minimum Parking Requirement
Bed and breakfast inn 1 per guest room, in addition to those required for principal residence [Table 5.4-1]
Country club 4 per 1,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area (GFA) [Table 5.4-1]
Day care center 2.5 per 1,000 square feet of GFA [Table 5.4-1]
Golf course 4 per green [Table 5.4-1]
Nursery garden shop or plant sales See Parking Schedule B (Table 5.4-2) [Table 5.4-1]
Stables, commercial 1 per 5 stalls [Table 5.4-1]
Public or private school Elementary/Middle: 2 per classroom; High School: 6 per classroom + 1 per 300 sf of admin space [Table 5.4-1]
Religious assembly 1 space per 4 seats [Table 5.4-1]

Parking Facility Design and Location

The RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district follows general City of Arlington standards for the design and placement of parking facilities to ensure safety and functionality [Section 5.4.9].

Parking Space Dimensions

Feature Minimum Standard
Standard Parking Space 9 feet wide by 18 feet long [Section 5.4.9.A.1]
Compact Car Space (max 20% of total) 8 feet wide by 16 feet long [Section 5.4.9.A.3]
Parking Aisle Width 24 feet [Section 5.4.9.A.3]

Prohibited Locations

In the City of Arlington, no off-street parking facility for any project in the RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district may be located within a public street, sidewalk, parkway, alley, or other public right-of-way [Section 5.4.9.B.1.a].

Sections Cited

  • Section 2.2.3: Residential Single-Family-20 | RS-20
  • Section 3.1.5: Table of Allowed Uses
  • Section 5.4.1: Purpose (Off-Street Parking and Loading)
  • Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards
  • Table 5.4-1: Off-Street Parking Schedule A
  • Table 5.4-2: Off-Street Parking Schedule B
  • Section 5.4.9.A: Parking Space Dimensions
  • Section 5.4.9.B: Location and Design of Parking Spaces

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