Arlington’s New Form-Based Zoning Designed to Guide a Cohesive Public Realm

Arlington, Texas is testing a new form-based zoning code that, unlike traditional zoning, focuses on the design of buildings and how they interact with surrounding public space, offering more options for uses.

As Billy Wadsack explains in Bisnow, “The form-based zoning code being piloted in the area is designed to create walkable neighborhoods by regulating how buildings, streets and public spaces work together.” 

The new code divides downtown Arlintgon into five districts: “traditional neighborhood, urban neighborhood, corridor mixed-use, downtown core and a downtown gateway special district.” Each zone will allow progressively higher density and more diverse uses. “The downtown core area will allow mid-rise buildings that top out at 12 stories for uses such as hotels, offices, residential, civic and entertainment. And the downtown gateway will feature mid- and high-rise buildings up to 18 stories for uses like hotels, offices, residential, and sports and entertainment attractions.”

The new code also regulates sidewalk widths, building setbacks, and the distance between structures. “Arlington's planning and zoning committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the form-based zoning plan in March, and the council will discuss it again that same month.”