The Form Based Code applies to four commercial centers along Columbia Pike. This innovative, optional zoning district regulates development to help realize the community’s vision for the Pike. We’re using Form Based Codes to encourage mixed-use development and to foster a walkable, lively “Main Street” atmosphere that has plazas, retail shops, sidewalk cafes, a canopy of street trees and a variety of housing.
Arlington was one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to apply Form Based Codes to revitalize an existing, older community. The County Board adopted two Form Based Codes for commercial centers in 2003 and for neighborhoods in 2013.
- Form Based Code – Commercial Centers (document)
- Form Based Code – Commercial Centers (development application)
Commercial Centers Form Based Code (by section)
- Cover & Table of Contents
- Part 1: General Provisions
- Part 2: Administration
- Part 3: The Regulating Plans (text only)
- Part 4: Building Envelopes Standards (includes all four frontage types)
- Part 5: Streetscape Standards
- Part 6: Architectural Standards
- Part 7: Definitions
- Part 8: Attachments
- Zoning Ordinance – Article 11.1. “CP-FBC” – Columbia Pike Form Based Code Districts
- Determinations
- Amendments (Regulating Plan Maps)
- Amendments (Text and Building Envelope Standards)
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- Amendments to the Neighborhoods Form Based Code, Approval Dates and Staff Reports
- FBC-24 – Dec. 16, 2017: Building Architecture and Placement
- FBC-23 – Oct. 18, 2016: Administrative Regulations, Traffic and Street Lighting Specifications, Technical Adjustments
- FBC-22 – June 18, 2016: ZOA-16-06; Sign Regulations
- FBC-21 – March 12, 2016: Western Gateway Regulating Plan Required Building Lines
- FBC-20 – Dec. 15, 2015: Allowable Ground Floor Uses and Civic Buildings
- FBC-19 – Feb. 21, 2015: ZOA-15-1; Incorporation of a Use Classification System and Update Use Tables
- FBC-18 – Nov. 15, 2014: Bicycle Parking Ratios: Vehicular Parking Ratios for Hotels, Clear Height Dimensions
- FBC-17 – April 12, 2014: Historic Designation & District Boundary Change for 2400 Columbia Pike
- FBC-16 – Jan. 26, 2013: Tree Calipers and Street Lights
- FBC-15 – July 24, 2012: Sign Ordinance Amendment
- FBC-14 – June 11, 2011: Open Air Markets
- FBC-13 – April 16, 2011: New North-South Street Between 11th and 12th Streets South
- FBC-12 – April 16, 2011: 32 Ft. Height Limit
- FBC-11 – May 25, 2010: Stoops, Finished Floor Elevation, Clear Heights
- FBC-10 – May 25, 2010: Corners
- FBC-9 – April 27, 2010: ZOA-10-01; Vehicle Service Uses
- FBC-8 – Jan. 23, 2010: Streetscapes and Street Tree List
- FBC-7 – July 11, 2009: ZOA-09-06; Use Permits for Classes Providing Services to Children
- FBC-6 – April 25, 2009: Signage
- FBC-5 – April 19, 2008: Civic Buildings and Public Art
- Jan. 26, 2008: Regulating Plans: Modification of RBLs on Dinwiddie Street
- Dec. 15, 2007: Redraw “Columbia Pike Revitalization District” Boundary to include Arlington Mill Drive | Map
- Nov. 13, 2007: Regulating Plans: Realignment of South Highland Street
- Nov. 14, 2006: Regulating Plans: Modify Street Width on South Glebe Road and Walter Reed Drive
- May 20, 2006: Regulating Plans: Modify Street width on 9th Street South, South Garfield Street and 11th Street South
- FBC-4 – Feb. 25, 2006: Revise Building Envelope Standards to Delete References to “Podiums”
- FBC-3 – Dec. 10, 2005: Modify Historic Preservation Height “Bonus” to Retain Appropriate Tapering
- FBC-2 – Nov. 15, 2005: Modify Definition for “Dormer”
- FBC-1 – Sept. 17, 2005: Modify Clear Heights: Define “Open Contiguous Lot Area”
- Feb. 7, 2004: Regulating Plans, Streetscape Standards, Master Transportation Plan, Bicycle Transportation Plan
- Feb. 25, 2003: Adoption of the Neighborhoods Form Based Code
Approved Development Proposals
- Development Proposals, Approval Dates, Staff Reports and Related Materials
- June 18, 2016: 2400 Columbia Pike (Rappahannock Coffee) | Supplemental Report
- Feb. 20, 2016: 950 George Mason Drive (Village Center)
- Dec. 12, 2015: 3507 Columbia Pike (Arlington Presbyterian Church) | Supplemental Report
- July 13, 2015: 2900 Columbia Pike (Blanca’s Site)
- Dec. 19, 2014: 4707 Columbia Pike (Bob & Edith’s Site)
- May 22, 2012: Pike 3400 (Rosenthal Site) | Supplemental Report 1 | Supplemental Report 2 | Press Release
- March 9, 2012: The Shell | Press Release
- Feb. 12, 2011: Arlington Mill Community Center Residences
- Sept. 25, 2010: Arlington Mill Community Center | 2nd Staff Report
- July 11, 2009: Columbia Place | Supplemental Report | July 2011 Use Permit Amendment | Nov. 2016 Use Permit Amendment | Nov. 2016 Vacation
- July 11, 2009: Axumite Village | Supplemental Report 1 | Supplemental Report 2 | Amendment 1 | Amendment 2
- Oct. 14, 2006: Siena Park (Safeway Site)
- July 9, 2005: 55 Hundred (Columbia Village)
- June 12, 2004: The Halstead (Columbia Station)
Development proposal notes:
- Penrose Square was approved as a Special Exception Site Plan project on Oct. 14, 2006
- The Shell, 4707 and 2900 Columbia Pike FBC applications were approved administratively by the Zoning Administrator