Choosing a location

Zoning Requirements

The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance regulates the location of various kinds of land uses including different types of businesses. A business cannot operate at a certain location unless permitted by the Zoning Ordinance, which is given through a Certificate of Occupancy. If you are unsure if your business can operate at a certain location, call the Arlington Zoning Office at (703) 228-3883.

To help guide you in planning your location, you may obtain a zoning map from the zoning office or online at www.co.arlington.va.us.

Arlington’s Zoning Ordinance permits certain land uses by-right and other uses by special exception depending on the zoning district. The following list gives a brief description of the zoning districts where retail, office, and industrial uses are allowed. These brief descriptions are only intended as a general guide. Retail uses generally are permitted by-right in these six different commercial zones (as well as industrial zones). However, certain service-oriented commercial uses (for example, an auto repair garage) must obtain a use permit to locate in these zones:

• C-1-R: Restricted local commercial districts in isolated locations
• C-1: Low-intensity commercial, mainly retail and personal services
• C-2: Commercial development serving the broad community
• C-3: Similar to C-1 and C-2 uses but at higher intensity of use, density and height
• C-TH: Commercial townhouse
• C-R: Mixed-use development at medium density
• C-O-A: Coordinated mixed-use development near Metro stations.

Offices are permitted by-right in the above seven districts, in the following five office districts, and the three industrial districts below.

• C-1-0: Non-retail uses such as offices and financial institutions at low density
• C-O-1.0 and C-O-1.5: Office, hotel, apartment — moderate intensities
• C-O-2.5: Office, hotel, apartment — high-rise, in Metro transit corridors
• C-O: Office, hotel, apartment — high-rise, highest intensity

• C-M: Light manufacturing, wholesale and distribution uses
• M-1: Light industrial uses
• M-2: Service industrial uses

By special exception certain businesses can locate in zones that otherwise would not be permitted subject to obtaining a use permit. For example, under certain circumstances offices are permitted in residential areas and retail uses can locate in office apartment and hotel zones. Home Occupations are permitted in residences within limits. Some owners of rental properties limit or prohibit lessees from operating businesses, so be sure to check your lease before initiating a home-based business. The Zoning Ordinance also regulates building heights, floor areas, lot area coverage, setbacks (yards), parking, signs, loading space, and landscaping. Owners of lots or buildings which are in conflict with the Zoning Ordinance may apply for a variance.

Remember, it is important for you to verify zoning requirements with the Zoning Office before you sign a lease, purchase a property, or make improvements. For more information, contact the Arlington Zoning Office at (703) 228-3883.