Setback Requirements for the RS-20 Residential Single-Family District in the City of Arlington
In the City of Arlington’s RS-20: Residential Single-Family 20 district, the standard front setback is 20 feet from local streets and 40 feet from arterial or collector roads. Interior side and rear setbacks are generally required to be 10 feet, though specific reductions are available for covered front porches and J-swing garages on local streets [Section 2.2.3 and Section 4.1.6].
RS-20 Dimensional Setback Standards
The City of Arlington establishes specific setback distances for the RS-20 district based on the type of street frontage and the orientation of the property line. These requirements apply to both single-family residential uses and permitted non-residential uses within the RS-20 district.
| Setback Category | Application | Requirement (Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | Arterial or collector street | 40 ft |
| Front Setback | Local street, alley, or private access easement | 20 ft |
| Street Side Setback | All roadways | 15 ft |
| Street Side Setback | Private access easement or alley | 10 ft |
| Street Rear Setback | All roadways | 20 ft |
| Street Rear Setback | Private access easement or alley | 5 ft |
| Interior Setback | Side (Interior) | 10 ft |
| Interior Setback | Rear (Interior) | 10 ft |
| Interior Setback | Non-residential adjacent to single-family | 20 ft |
[Section 2.2.3]
Definitions and Measurement Rules
In the City of Arlington, setbacks are measured from the property lines with specific rules for different street types:
- Street Frontage Setbacks: These are measured from the right-of-way line as shown on the Thoroughfare Development Plan for arterial and collector streets. For non-Thoroughfare Plan streets, they are measured from the existing right-of-way [Section 4.1.6.C].
- Double-Frontage Lots: Street setbacks are required on all frontages of double-frontage lots within the City of Arlington, except in mixed-use districts [Section 4.1.6.D].
- Corner Lots: Only one lot line is considered the front lot line for corner lots in the RS-20 district. The Zoning Administrator may determine which street frontage is the "front" based on the prevailing pattern of the street [Section 4.1.6.E].
Authorized Setback Reductions
The City of Arlington Unified Development Code allows for specific reductions to the minimum setbacks in the RS-20 district:
- Porches and Garages: Covered front porches and J-swing garages may encroach up to five feet into the 20-foot setback required for local streets, private access easements, or alleys. This reduction is strictly prohibited for front-entry garages [Section 4.1.6.G].
- Double-Frontage Lots: If a single-family residence in the RS-20 district is on a double-frontage lot where the rear lot line is a minor arterial or local street, and an approved fence is installed, the rear setback for the residence and accessory structures may be reduced to five feet [Section 4.1.6.G].
Permitted Projections
Certain architectural features and structures are permitted to project into the required setbacks of the City of Arlington's RS-20 district, provided they do not encroach into a public or private easement or right-of-way:
- Patios: Uncovered paved terraces and patios not taller than 12 inches [Section 4.1.6.H].
- Architectural Features: Cornices, eaves, sills, and similar features may project up to two feet into a required yard, provided they do not occupy more than two percent of the required setback area [Section 4.1.6.H].
- Approaches: Roofs over porches, stairways, and landings may encroach up to five feet into a front setback [Section 4.1.6.H].
- Swimming Pools: A swimming pool and its decking may project into a required side or rear setback, but the outside wall of the pool must remain at least five feet from the property line [Section 4.1.6.H].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.2.3, Residential Single-Family-20 | RS-20
- Section 4.1.6, Setbacks