RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 Zoning in the City of Arlington

The RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district in the City of Arlington primarily allows for detached single-family residential dwellings on lots with a minimum area of 7,200 square feet. Most non-residential uses, such as higher-density housing (duplexes, townhomes, multi-family) and heavy commercial or industrial operations, are strictly prohibited to preserve the low-density residential character of the neighborhood. While certain community and institutional uses like schools, parks, and religious assemblies are permitted, they often require specific use permits or must adhere to supplemental design standards to ensure compatibility with surrounding City of Arlington homes.

Allowed Uses in the RS-7.2 District

Uses within the RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district are categorized as Permitted By-Right (P), which are allowed without special discretionary approval, or those requiring a Specific Use Permit (S), which requires City Council approval. An asterisk (*) indicates that supplemental use standards apply [Section 3.1.2].

Residential and Group Living Uses

Dwelling, Single-Family Detached (P): The primary permitted use for this district [Table 3.1-1].
Assisted Living Facility, ≤6 residents (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
Assisted Living Facility, ≥7 residents (S): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
Boarding Home Facility (P*): Permitted subject to supplemental standards, including requirements that no exterior features place the structure out of character with the neighborhood [Section 3.2.1.B.4].
Community Home for Disabled Persons (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
Foster Family Home or Group Home (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].

Public, Institutional, and Educational Uses

Government Administration and Civic Buildings (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
Religious Assembly (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
Philanthropic Institution (S): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
Public or Private School (P*): Permitted subject to supplemental standards regarding building height and lighting [Section 3.2.2].
Public Park or Playground (P*): Permitted subject to standards in Section 3.2.2 [Table 3.1-1].
Community Garden (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].

Commercial and Utility Uses

Golf Course (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
Electric Utility Substation (P): Permitted by-right [Table 3.1-1].
Utility Lines, Towers, or Metering Stations (P*): Permitted subject to supplemental standards [Table 3.1-1].
Bed and Breakfast Inn (S*): Requires a Specific Use Permit and must comply with standards in Section 3.2.3.E [Table 3.1-1].
Day Care Center (S*): Requires a Specific Use Permit and must be located at least 300 feet from existing gas wellheads [Section 3.2.3.L].
Country Club (S): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
Marina (S): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
Airport or Landing Field (S): Requires a Specific Use Permit [Table 3.1-1].
Gas Well (S*): Requires a Specific Use Permit and must maintain a 300-foot setback from residential structures [Table 5.3-2].
Telecommunication Facilities (S*): Towers and stealth towers (all heights) require a Specific Use Permit and must meet height-to-distance ratios [Section 3.2.4.D].

Prohibited Uses in the RS-7.2 District

Any use not explicitly listed as permitted or allowed by specific use permit in the City of Arlington UDC is prohibited. Specific prohibited uses within the RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district include, but are not limited to:

Higher Density Residential: Duplexes, Townhouses, and Multi-Family dwellings [Table 3.1-1].
Commercial Housing: Nursing homes, lodging houses, fraternities, sororities, and private dormitories [Table 3.1-1].
Agricultural: Animal production and crop production (though community gardens are allowed) [Table 3.1-1].
Retail and Service: General retail stores, liquor stores, pawn shops, auto service centers, and car washes [Table 3.1-1].
Industrial: Manufacturing (heavy or light), salvage yards, and wholesale distribution [Table 3.1-1].

Accessory and Temporary Uses

The City of Arlington permits certain subordinate uses and structures within the RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district.

Accessory Uses (Permitted By-Right unless noted)

Private Garage: Must be a minimum of 390 square feet and accommodate two cars [Section 5.4.9.B.2].
Home-Based Business (P*): Subject to standards ensuring the business remains incidental to the residential use (e.g., no more than 25% of floor area) [Section 3.3.6.H].
Secondary Living Unit (S*): Requires a Specific Use Permit; must be for family members/relatives and cannot be rented or leased [Section 12.3.5.N].
Swimming Pool (P*): Must not be located in the front yard [Section 3.3.6.P].
Carport (P*): Allowed in the front yard only for structures built before January 31, 1984, and subject to Zoning Administrator approval [Section 3.3.6.D].

Temporary Uses (Permitted By-Right with standards)

Construction Field Office and Storage Yard: Limited to on-premise use during active construction [Section 3.4.5.B].
Real Estate Sales Office: May be located in a model home or portable building until subdivision sales are 90% complete [Section 3.4.5.D].
Short-Term Rental (P*): Only permitted if the property is located within the designated "STR Zone" in the City of Arlington [Section 3.4.5.E.2].

Technical Development Standards

Development within the RS-7.2: Residential Single-Family 7.2 district must adhere to the following dimensional and parking requirements:

Dimensional Standards

Standard	Requirement
Minimum Lot Area (Single-Family)	7,200 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Area (Non-Residential)	15,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Gross Living Area	1,500 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Width	60 feet
Minimum Lot Depth	100 feet
Maximum Building Height	40 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage	50%

[Source: Section 2.2.5]

Minimum Setbacks

Location	Minimum Distance
Front (Arterial or Collector Street)	40 feet
Front (Local Street or Private Access)	20 feet
Side Interior	5 feet
Rear	5 feet
Side/Rear (Non-Residential adjacent to SF)	20 feet