Background 

In 2021, the Town of Arlington amended the Zoning Bylaw to allow artist live/work spaces in areas of town that are zoned Industrial. These uses are in addition to and expand on the existing artistic and creative production uses that are currently allowed either by right or by special permit in the district. This was proposed for the Industrial District to address the antiquated table of uses and density and dimensional requirements that are preventing the attraction of new and modern uses to Arlington’s Industrial Districts. Currently, there are many other communities in the Commonwealth who have artist housing policies or programs such as Boston, Cambridge, Beverly, and Fitchburg.  

Definition

Artists' Mixed-Use: The use of all or a portion of a building for both habitation and Artistic/Creative Production use, or a combination thereof. Refer to Section 5.6.4.

Check out the Zoning Bylaw (Section 5.6.4) regarding Artist Live Work.

Process 

The creation of artist live/work space (also known as Artists' Mixed-Use) within the Zoning Bylaw does not mean that artist housing is required to be constructed or created. At this time, there are no Artist Live/Work housing units. 

To create Artists' Mixed-Use, developers must meet the criteria below:

1. Designed in accordance with the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC) standards and guidelines for artists' mixed-use. 
2. Obtain approval by special permit, granted by the Redevelopment Board or Board of Appeals, as applicable. This will contain an agreement for artists' housing as part of the conditions of the permit.
3. Work with the Department of Planning and Community Development to ensure that Artists' Mixed-Use will be occupied by persons certified as artists pursuant to the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC) Artist Certification Process.

Questions can be directed to Katie Luczai, Economic Development Coordinator at kluczai@town.arlington.ma.us.