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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS :: LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
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.
The Planning Department staff reviews the application and forwards
a
case to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning
Commission reviews the case and holds a public hearing, the members
vote to recommend approval or denial of the request, and forwards the
decision to the City Council. For cases that have been recommended for
denial, Council must vote to call a public hearing. Cases recommended
for approval automatically receive a public hearing at Council. The
City Council has final authority over all zoning decisions.
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.
- If your property is vacant and has never been platted and you wish to build a new structure on the property, a plat is required.
A plat is not required if you are adding to or altering an existing
home or adding a storage shed, etc.
- If you are selling a portion of your property, you must have a
plat showing all the parcels of land under your ownership, and how you intend to divide it.
- If you own two adjacent lots and wish to build over the common lot line, a plat is required.
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:
- The area of the lots or land covered by the proposed change; or
- The area of the land extending 200 feet from the request.
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:
- For Remodeling - 2 copies of floor plans
- For Additions - 2 site plans and floor plans showing:
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:
- Two site plans drawn to scale, indicating the placement of the structure, lot dimensions, easements, and showing other existing
structures located on the same property; and,
- A Homeowner Affidavit affirming compliance with applicable deed restrictions.
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.
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