How do I find out if my property is in the City of Arlington?

The Department of Planning and Development Services can determine if a specific piece of property is located in Arlington.

For more information, contact the Development Services Desk at 817-459-6526 or visit them at the Municipal Building, 101 West Abram Street, 2nd Floor.

What is zoning?

Zoning establishes the types of land uses permitted on a specific tract of land. Zoning also sets development standards such as building height, setbacks, density, parking and loading requirements, lot coverage, lot area, and screening requirements. Every parcel in Arlington is zoned one of 23 zoning districts.

How do I find out the zoning on my property?

The Department of Planning and Development Services can provide the current zoning on any parcel in Arlington, if given the address of the property. The information can be obtained over the phone by calling the Department at 817-459-6526 or visiting the Development Services Desk at 101 West Abram Street, 2nd Floor. The Planning and Development Services Department also produces a planning atlas on compact disk with zoning, land use, aerial photos, and tax maps of all property within the city. This CD is available for a minimal charge of $5 at the Development Services Desk.

How do I change the zoning on my property?

Zoning may only be changed through the public hearing process. If you determine that you need to change the zoning on your property, you are encouraged to discuss the proposed change with a city planner. The Planning staff will discuss the surrounding zoning, land uses, recent area zoning trends, adopted development-related policies, and any other factors important to the zoning change request. Staff will also provide a zoning application form and a submittal schedule. The application must be signed by the property owner and notarized.

For more information or to request an application, contact the Department of Planning and Development Services, 101 West Abram Street, 2nd Floor or call 817-459-6650.

Am I notified if my neighbor wants to change the zoning on his or her property?

Property owners within 200 feet of the subject property are notified of any zoning change request at least 10 days prior to a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing. Signs are also placed on the site announcing the request. Additionally, video bulletin board notices on CITY 5 are posted approximately 25 days prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Newspaper notices are also published for Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council public hearings at least 15 days prior to the meetings.

How do I find out about zoning cases occurring in the City?

All current zoning cases along with staff reports and site photographs can be viewed at www.ci.arlington.tx.us.

What is a subdivision plat?

A map of land within a subdivision, that describes the easements, dimensions and location of lot lines. A plat establishes the blocks, lots and subdivision name used in real estate transactions.

When is a plat required?

There are several situations that require the platting of property.

How can our neighborhood show support or opposition to a proposed development in our neighborhood?

During the public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council, the applicant and any individuals in favor of or opposed to the request have an opportunity to present their view. You may also send letters to the Commission and Council either directly or through the Planning and Development Services Department, or you may discuss the case with the Department of Planning and Development Services.

How can our neighborhood file a petition for or against a development?

A more formal process is to submit a petition in opposition to the City Secretary’s Office. A blank petition form can be obtained from the Planning and Development Services Department. A petition is filed with the City Secretary’s Office and becomes a permanent part of the case file, which is made available to the City Council to assist them in the decision making process.

A three-quarter majority of City Council Members voting in the affirmative is required to approve the proposed development if a petition is signed by the owners of at least 20 percent of either:

All petitions must contain verification by the person submitting the signatures and the verification must be notarized by a registered notary public.

For more information, contact the Department of Planning and Development Services at 817-459-6650 or visit their offices at 101 West Abram Street, 2nd Floor.

What is required by the City for me to remodel my home?

If you are moving walls or making room additions, you are required to complete a building permit application; pay a modest plan review and inspection fee, which is based on the square footage or the cost of construction; and submit the following additional items:

Location of existing and proposed structures.

Lot dimensions and easements.

Dimensions from the property line to the proposed addition.

Location of doors and windows marked.

All rooms to be added and all rooms adjacent to the addition.

All rooms must be clearly labeled and doors and windows shown.

A Deed Restriction Affidavit (available in Building Inspections) affirming compliance with applicable deed restrictions.

For more information, contact Building Inspections at 817-459-6503 or visit them at the City Municipal Building at 101 West Abram Street, 2nd Floor.

How do I find out if my property has deed restrictions?

Deed restrictions are listed in the deed for your property. If you do not have a copy of the deed to your property, you may contact the Tarrant County Clerk’s Office for the deed information. The County Clerk’s Office is located at 100 West Weatherford Street in Fort Worth and can be reached at 817-884-1195.

Does the City enforce deed restrictions?

No, the City does not enforce deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are private covenants. Neighborhood and homeowners associations can enforce deed restrictions through the court system.

What is required if I want to install a fence or build a storage shed on my property?

You must complete a building permit application; pay a modest plan review and inspection fee, which is based on the square footage or the cost of construction; and submit:

For more information, contact Building Inspections at 817-459-6503 or visit them at 101 West Abram Street, 2nd Floor.

Does Building Inspections have a webpage with forms that can be downloaded?

Yes. The address is www.ci.arlington.tx.us/build. In addition to forms, the site contains ordinances, staff contacts, fee schedules, construction details, Certificate of Occupancy applications, and other materials.

Where can I get a map of a particular piece of property?

The City of Arlington can provide zoning maps, aerial photos, and traffic count maps for a minimal charge. This information is also produced on a compact disk and is available, amongst others, for purchase through the Department of Planning and Development Services.

For information on the CD or hard copies of the information, contact the Department of Planning and Development Services at (817) 459-6526 or visit their office on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building at 101 West Abram Street.

If Building Inspections has a site plan on microfilm, a copy can be viewed or purchased for actual copying charges in the Building Inspections Office on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building, 101 West Abram Street.