RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 District Guide - Arlington, Texas
The RS-5: Residential Single-Family 5 district in the City of Arlington is designed for medium-density residential development with a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet. This district permits a maximum density of 8 dwelling units per acre and primary land use is limited to single-family detached dwellings alongside compatible community and institutional uses.
Purpose of the RS-5 District
According to the City of Arlington Unified Development Code, the primary purpose of the RS-5 district is to accommodate single-family detached residential uses and typical accessory development at medium densities. The district is intended to provide appropriately located areas for residential development consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan while ensuring adequate light, air, and privacy for all dwelling units [Section 2.2.6.A, Section 2.2.1].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The City of Arlington enforces specific intensity and dimensional standards to maintain the medium-density character of the RS-5 district. These include requirements for minimum lot area, setbacks, and maximum building height.
Intensity and Dimensional Standards Table
| Standard | Residential Requirement | Non-Residential Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Density (max. units/acre) | 8 | N/A |
| Lot Area (min. square feet) | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| Gross Living Area (min. s.f.) | 1,500 | N/A |
| Lot Width (min. feet) | 50 | 60 |
| Lot Depth (min. feet) | 100 | 100 |
| Building Height (max. feet) | 40 | 40 |
| Lot Coverage (max. %) | 60 | 60 |
Setback Requirements
| Setback Location | Distance (feet) |
|---|---|
| Street Front (Arterial/Collector) | 40 |
| Street Front (Local/Private Access) | 20 |
| Street Side (All Roadways) | 15 |
| Street Side (Private Access/Alley) | 10 |
| Street Rear (All Roadways) | 20 |
| Street Rear (Private Access/Alley) | 5 |
| Interior Side | 5 |
| Interior Rear | 5 |
| Non-Residential Adjacent to SF | 20 (side and/or rear) |
[Section 2.2.6]
Allowed Land Uses
The RS-5 district primarily allows residential uses, specifically single-family detached homes. It also permits several public, institutional, and utility uses either by-right or through a Specific Use Permit (SUP).
Residential and Group Living
- Permitted By-Right: Dwelling, single-family detached; Assisted living facility (6 or fewer residents); Community home for disabled persons; Foster family/group homes.
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards: Boarding home facility.
- Requires Specific Use Permit: Assisted living facility (7 or more residents).
Public and Institutional Uses
- Permitted By-Right: Government administration and civic buildings; Religious assembly; Community garden.
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards: Public or private schools; Public parks or playgrounds.
- Requires Specific Use Permit: Philanthropic institutions (not otherwise listed).
Commercial and Industrial Uses
- Permitted with Supplemental Standards: Bed and breakfast inn; Day care center.
- Requires Specific Use Permit: Country club; Airport or landing field; Gas well; Telecommunication towers.
[Section 3.1.5, Table 3.1-1]
Parking Standards
Residential and non-residential developments within the City of Arlington's RS-5 district must adhere to the following off-street parking requirements:
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Bed and breakfast inn | 1 per guest room + requirement for principal residence |
| Day care center | 2.5 per 1,000 sq. ft. of Gross Floor Area (GFA) |
| Religious assembly | 1 space per 4 seats |
| Public or private school | Elementary/Middle: 2 per classroom; High School: 6 per classroom + 1 per 300 sf admin space |
[Section 5.4.3, Table 5.4-1]
General Character and Limitations
The RS-5 district is characterized by a suburban residential feel. To protect this environment, the City of Arlington prohibits most commercial and industrial activities. Accessory buildings, such as detached garages or storage sheds, are allowed but must be clearly subordinate in size (not exceeding 50% of the primary structure's floor area) and may not exceed 24 feet in height [Section 3.3.5].
Furthermore, the City of Arlington regulates "small-lot development" on unplatted tracts of 5 acres or more. For these specific developments, the RS-5 district allows for residential lots as small as 3,000 square feet, provided they meet strict additional design standards regarding open space (35% preservation required) and vehicular access (must be alley-loaded) [Section 5.5.6].
Sections Cited
- Article 2: Zoning Districts
- Section 2.2.1: General Purposes of All Residential Zone Districts
- Section 2.2.6: Residential Single-Family-5 | RS-5
- Article 3: Use Standards
- Section 3.1.5: Table of Allowed Uses
- Section 3.3.5: General Standards for All Accessory Uses and Structures
- Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.5.6: Residential Design Standards for Small Lot Development on Unplatted Residential-Zoned Tracts of 5 Acres or More