Arlington Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones

Fact-checked against the current City of Arlington Unified Development Code materials on September 20, 2026.

Arlington's setbacks, height limits, lot dimensions, and coverage standards are controlled by the Unified Development Code (UDC). The exact requirements depend on the complete zoning district, the proposed use, lot geometry, and any applicable special standards.

Current Residential District Names

The previous version of this page referred to SF-7.2 and SF-5. Those are not the current district names used by Arlington's UDC.

The City's current residential district list includes:

• RE — Residential Estate;
• RS-20 — Residential Single-Family 20;
• RS-15 — Residential Single-Family 15;
• RS-7.2 — Residential Single-Family 7.2;
• RS-5 — Residential Single-Family 5;
• additional residential districts for other housing types.

The number in RS-7.2 and RS-5 reflects the general minimum-lot-size category: the City describes RS-7.2 as a minimum 7,200-sq-ft single-family district and RS-5 as a minimum 5,000-sq-ft single-family district.

Do Not Reuse the Old SF Table

Because the old page used obsolete district labels, its setback table should not be treated as a current UDC schedule.

For a project, use the current UDC dimensional table for the exact RS district and then check all use-specific and development standards. This is safer than carrying forward numbers attached to obsolete zone names.

Height and Building Form

Maximum height also comes from the current UDC district and development standards. Accessory structures, nonresidential uses, mixed-use projects, and properties near protected residential areas can be subject to additional rules.

Airport, downtown, entertainment-area, and other special controls can further affect development.

Corner Lots and Accessory Structures

A corner lot should not automatically be treated as having two identical front yards. The UDC contains definitions and specific rules for front, side-street, interior-side, and rear conditions.

Garages, sheds, pools, fences, and other accessory improvements also have separate standards. Use the applicable UDC section rather than applying the principal-house setback to every feature.

How to Check a Property

1. Confirm the parcel's current zoning district using City of Arlington resources.
2. Use the current district name, such as RS-7.2 or RS-5, not an older SF label.
3. Read the UDC dimensional standards for that district and proposed use.
4. Check corner-lot, accessory-structure, overlay, airport, and other special provisions.
5. Verify unusual conditions with Arlington Planning & Development Services before relying on a design dimension.

Official Sources

• City of Arlington — Unified Development Code
• City of Arlington — Zoning Districts

This guide is informational only. The current UDC and parcel-specific conditions control. Verify current requirements before design, permitting, purchase, or construction decisions.