Design Standards & Guidelines

The Department of Environment Services (DES) Construction Standards and Specifications and Standard Details are included in construction contracts, including Civil Engineering Plans (CEP), as a core component for horizontal projects constructed in Arlington. The content of these documents is based on the collective coordination of multiple departments, divisions and bureaus and provides information about requirements for construction projects in Arlington. These Standards and Specifications will be updated periodically. Please bookmark this page for the latest updates to these documents.

Updates to the 2020 DES Construction Standards and Specifications and Standard Details

2020 DES Construction Standards and Specifications (September 2020) (County projects advertised and Developer projects with CEP Plans approved between Nov. 30, 2020 and March 30, 2023)

2020 DES Construction Standard Details (September 2020) (County projects advertised and Developer projects with CEP Plans approved between Nov. 30, 2020 and March 30, 2023)

2019 DES Construction Standards and Specifications (November 2019)(PDF, 2MB) (County project contracts signed between November 11, 2019 and November 30, 2020)

2013 DES Construction Standards and Specifications (September 2013) (County project contracts signed between September 13, 2013 and November 11, 2019 and Developer projects with CEP Plans approved between September 13, 2013 and November 30, 2020)

2013 DES Construction Standard Details (September 2013) (County project contracts signed between September 13, 2013 and November 11, 2019 and Developer projects with CEP Plans approved between September 13, 2013 and November 30, 2020)

Please use this form to submit comments on the DES Construction Standards and Specifications and Standard Details.

• H-3.1- Driveway Entrances
• H-3.2 – Curb Ramps
• H-3.3 – Curb Extensions Approval
• H-3.4 – Bicycle Lanes
• H-3.5 – On-Street Parking
• H-3.6 – Medians and Traffic Islands
• H-3.7 – Crosswalks
• H-3.8 – Vertical Speed Control Devices
• H-3.9 – Sidewalks
• H-3.10 – Bus Stops
• H-3.11 – Streetlights
• H-3.12 – Traffic Circles

• Building Design Vertical Standards (entire document)
• Cover Document Amendment History
• Amendment NO 1
• Introduction
• Design Goals
• Table of Contents
• Legend
• General Requirements
• Site Work
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Metals
• Woods and Plastics
• Thermal and Moisture Protection
• Doors and Windows
• Finishes
• Specialties
• Equipment
• Furnishings
• Special Equipment
• Conveying Systems
• Mechanical/Plumbing
• Electrical
• Fire Protection
• Appendix A – List of Abbreviations
• Appendix B – Applicable Standards & Specifications
• Appendix C – DAS Technical Specifications
• Appendix D – Communication Room Standards
• Appendix E – Definitions
• Appendix F – Publication Improvement Request
• Appendix G – Brand Name Justifications (Warren)
• Appendix H – Brand Name Justifications (Turner)
• Appendix I – Brand Name Justifications (Bevis)
• Appendix J – Index
• Back Cover