Zoning Districts for Duplex and Townhouse Dwellings in the City of Arlington

In the City of Arlington, duplexes and townhouses are primarily permitted in the RM-12 (Residential Medium-Density 12), RMF-22 (Residential Multi-Family 22), NMU (Neighborhood Mixed-Use), and RMU (Regional Mixed-Use) zoning districts. While these districts allow such dwellings by-right, the DB (Downtown Business) district requires a Specific Use Permit for townhouses, and the EDO (Entertainment District Overlay) permits them by-right specifically when incorporated into a mixed-use development.

Residential Zoning Districts

The City of Arlington Unified Development Code identifies two specific residential districts designed to accommodate duplexes and townhouses. The RM-12 district is intended to provide a transition between lower-density single-family neighborhoods and higher-density multi-family areas, limiting residential density to 12 units per gross acre [Section 2.2.7]. The RMF-22 district provides for higher-density residential uses with a maximum of 22 units per acre [Section 2.2.8].

RM-12 and RMF-22 Dimensional Standards

The following table outlines the minimum lot and building standards for duplexes and townhouses within these City of Arlington residential districts:

Standard	RM-12 Duplex	RM-12 Townhouse	RMF-22 Duplex	RMF-22 Townhouse
Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.)	6,000	2,900	6,000	2,900
Min. Lot Width (ft.)	60	20	60	20
Max. Building Height (ft.)	60	75	80	90
Max. Lot Coverage	40%	40%	(See Note)	(See Note)

Note: In the City of Arlington RMF-22 district, building height is governed by Section 5.5.4 standards rather than a fixed maximum height in the primary table [Section 2.2.8].

Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Districts

Beyond residential zones, the City of Arlington allows duplex and townhouse developments in specific mixed-use environments to encourage high-density, urban-scale growth.

NMU (Neighborhood Mixed-Use): This district allows duplexes and townhouses by-right. Residential densities in the NMU district are limited to a maximum of 40 units per gross acre [Section 2.3.12].
RMU (Regional Mixed-Use): This district allows duplexes and townhouses by-right. Residential densities in the RMU district are limited to a maximum of 100 units per gross acre [Section 2.3.13].
DB (Downtown Business): The DB district allows townhouses only upon the approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) [Section 3.1.5, Table 3.1-2].
EDO (Entertainment District Overlay): Townhouse residential uses are permitted by-right in the EDO when they are part of a mixed-use development or building [Section 5.8.1.B.1.e].

Off-Street Parking Requirements

The City of Arlington requires specific parking ratios for duplex and townhouse developments to ensure adequate facilities are provided on-site.

Use Type	City of Arlington Parking Requirement
Dwelling, duplex	2 per dwelling unit
Dwelling, townhouse	2 per dwelling unit

For townhouse developments in the City of Arlington, a minimum of two enclosed garage parking spaces is required for each unit, with the garage being at least 390 square feet in area [Section 5.4.9.B.2.a].

Design and Development Standards

Townhouse developments in the City of Arlington must adhere to "Anti-Monotony Standards." This requires that different floor plans and façade treatments be used to give residences a unique identity. For groups of six or more units, the City of Arlington prohibits the replication of elevations [Section 5.5.3.E.5.c]. Furthermore, all garages and carports in multi-family and mixed-use developments must be located at the rear or side of the primary structure and cannot be visible from a public street [Section 5.5.4.C.9.a].

Sections Cited