Setbacks & Height Limits in Arlington

This guide explains the setback and height rules that apply to residential construction in Arlington, Texas. The numbers below come from Arlington's Unified Development Code (UDC), but the exact requirements depend on your specific zoning district, lot geometry, and any applicable overlays, so always confirm with Arlington Planning & Development Services before finalizing plans.

What Are Setbacks?

A setback is the minimum required distance between a building and a lot line. Setbacks are measured from the property line to the nearest point of the building — typically the exterior wall, though eaves, chimneys, porches, and bay windows have their own projection rules in the UDC.

Arlington's zoning code specifies front, side, and rear setbacks separately for each zoning district. Corner lots have two "front" setbacks (one for each street frontage), plus an interior side and a rear yard.

Typical Residential Setbacks

For Arlington's common single-family residential districts:

The A (Agricultural) district uses larger, context-dependent setbacks, and higher-density residential (MF-22), commercial (NS, GC), and industrial (LI) districts each have their own setback schedules in the UDC.

Height Limits

Maximum building height in Arlington's single-family residential zones (A, SF-7.2, and SF-5) is 35 feet, measured from average grade to the highest point of the roof.

Height rules change in:

• Multi-family districts (MF-22) — generally allow taller buildings, often stepped back from single-family neighbors
• Commercial and mixed-use zones — taller limits tied to use and context
• Overlay and special districts — downtown, entertainment district, and airport overlays can raise or lower height
• Accessory structures — separate, lower caps typically apply to detached garages and sheds

Lot Coverage and FAR

Beyond setbacks and height, Arlington's UDC uses lot coverage and, in some districts, floor area ratio (FAR) to shape building size:

• Lot coverage — the percentage of the lot that buildings may cover. Single-family districts in Arlington typically cap coverage well below 50%, with the specific number set by the UDC for each district.
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — the ratio of total floor area to lot area. FAR is applied more commonly in mixed-use and commercial districts than in Arlington's single-family zones.

Check the base zoning district chapter in the UDC for the exact coverage and FAR values for your lot.

Common Exceptions and Encroachments

Arlington's UDC allows certain features to project into required setbacks. Typical allowances include:

• Eaves, gutters, and roof overhangs (limited projection)
• Chimneys (up to about 2 ft)
• Uncovered porches, stoops, and steps
• Air conditioning condensers, subject to sound and clearance limits
• Bay windows with limited projection

Fences, retaining walls, swimming pools, and detached accessory structures have separate rules in the UDC — check the accessory structure section for your district.

State ADU Overrides

Texas does not have a statewide Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law, so Arlington's local rules govern whether and where ADUs are allowed. See the Arlington overview for current ADU status and contact Planning & Development Services before assuming you can add a second unit.

How to Look Up Your Specific Requirements

1. Find your zoning district — contact Planning & Development Services or use Arlington's online zoning tools through arlingtontx.gov.
2. Read the district regulations — open the Arlington Unified Development Code on Municode and find the chapter for your zone (for example, SF-7.2 or SF-5).
3. Check for overlays — downtown, entertainment district, airport, and other overlays can modify the base standards.
4. Call planning staff — Arlington Planning & Development Services at (817) 459-6510 can confirm setbacks, height, and coverage for a specific address before you commit to design.

Variances

If your project cannot meet the strict letter of the UDC, you may apply for a variance from the Arlington Board of Adjustment — a formal request to deviate from the rules based on a hardship specific to your lot. Variances are discretionary and require a public hearing. See the Variance Application Guide for the general process.

Official Sources

• City of Arlington Planning & Development Services
• Arlington Unified Development Code (Municode)

Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and is not a substitute for direct confirmation from Arlington Planning & Development Services. Zoning codes change — always verify current standards with the city before making design or construction decisions.