Shaping the Future of Downtown Arlington with Form-Based Code

Republished from The City of Arlington. 

Downtown Arlington has had a clear vision for its future since the adoption of the 2018 Downtown Master Plan: a walkable, connected, and vibrant urban core that supports local businesses, welcomes new investment, and creates great places to live and gather. 

To help bring that vision to life, the City of Arlington is introducing the Downtown Form-Based Code (FBC), a zoning framework designed to make development simpler and more predictable while shaping high-quality, walkable places throughout Downtown. 

So, what is a Form-Based Code? In simple terms, it’s a set of development standards that focus on how buildings shape streets and public spaces. Rather than concentrating primarily on land use categories, it emphasizes building form, pedestrian experience, height transitions, storefront design, and how new development fits into its surroundings. 

For Downtown Arlington, this means clearer standards and a more streamlined approach to growth. Today, development regulations are spread across multiple zoning districts and code sections. The Form-Based Code brings them together into one organized structure, with five general sub-districts shown on a single Regulating Plan. 

What this means for the Downtown community: 

• Local businesses gain opportunities for incremental improvements and reinvestment. 

• Property owners and developers benefit from a clearer, less complex framework. 

• Residents and visitors can expect Downtown to grow in a way that feels connected, safe, and engaging. 

The code supports outcomes people value Downtown, like adaptive reuse of existing buildings, active and flexible ground-floor spaces, improved walkability and connectivity, appropriate transitions near neighborhoods, and thoughtful reinvestment in the urban core. 

As Downtown Arlington continues to evolve with new housing, restaurants, retail, offices, and public spaces, the Form-Based Code provides a consistent structure to guide that growth while reinforcing the character and energy that make our Downtown unique. 

The Downtown Form-Based Code is now entering its final phase prior to adoption, with a Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing scheduled for March 4, 2026, followed by City Council public hearings on April 7 and April 21, 2026.