Alexandria, VA · Alexandria Zoning Ordinance
The R-20 zone is Alexandria's lowest-density residential district, requiring 20,000 square feet per lot -- roughly half an acre. It is concentrated in the western and southwestern parts of the city. Large lot sizes give R-20 the most subdivision potential of the low-density zones, though substandard lot development requires SUP approval. Despite the low-density character, two-unit dwellings and multi-unit dwellings up to four units are permitted by right (Sec. 3-102). ADUs are permitted under Sec. 7-203.
| Front setback | Other principal uses: At least 70 ft | 3-106(A)(1) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 3-106(A)(1) | |
| Side setback | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: At least the greater of 12 ft and half of the building height | 3-106(A)(2) |
| Other principal uses: At least the greater of 25 ft and the building height | 3-106(A)(2) | |
| Side setbacks combined | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-100 |
| Rear setback | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: At least the greater of 12 ft and the building height minus half of the width of the alley the lot abuts (0 if none) | 3-106(A)(3) |
| Other principal uses: At least the greater of 25 ft and the building height minus half of the width of the alley the lot abuts (0 if none) | 3-106(A)(3) | |
| Maximum height | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: At most 30 ft | 3-106(C) |
| Other principal uses, place of worship or school: At most 40 ft | 3-106(C) | |
| Other principal uses, other than place of worship or school: At most 30 ft | 3-106(C) | |
| Maximum FAR | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses: At most 0.25 | 3-106(B) |
| Max density | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-100 |
| Minimum lot size | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses: At least 20,000 sq ft | 3-105(A) |
| Minimum lot width | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses, interior lot: At least 100 ft | 3-105(B) |
| Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses, corner lot: At least 120 ft | 3-105(B) | |
| Maximum lot coverage | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-100 |
| Minimum open space | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-100 |
Zone rules are the starting point — the answer for a specific property also depends on lot size, overlays, existing improvements and site conditions. Run a free address lookup to see what applies to one property.
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