The R-8 zone is Alexandria's most common low-density residential zone by parcel count, with approximately 4,386 parcels. Minimum lot size is 8,000 square feet (9,000 for corner lots). It covers established neighborhoods including Del Ray, Rosemont, and much of the west end. Over one-third of R-8 parcels are smaller than the minimum lot size, making them legally nonconforming. Single-unit dwellings predominate, but two-unit dwellings and multi-unit dwellings up to four units are permitted by right (Sec. 3-302). ADUs are permitted under Sec. 7-203.
Development standards in R-8
Maximum FAR
0.35
Maximum height
30 ft
Minimum lot size
8000 sq ft
Minimum lot width
65 ft
Side setback
8 ft
Rear setback
8 ft
Sec. 3-306(B): the maximum permitted floor area ratio is 0.35.
Sec. 3-306(C): 30 feet, rising to 40 feet for a church or school use.
Read from City of Alexandria Zoning Ordinance, effective through 2025-06-14. Amendments adopted after that date (most recent 2026-03-14) are not yet reflected.
Permitted uses in R-8
AllowedSingle-unit dwelling Sec. 3-302(A)
AllowedTwo-unit dwelling Sec. 3-302(A.1)
AllowedMulti-unit dwelling up to four units Sec. 3-302(A.2)
AllowedAccessory uses, as permitted by section 7-100 Sec. 3-302(B)
AllowedChild or elder care home, as permitted by section 7-500 Sec. 3-302(C)
AllowedChurch Sec. 3-302(D)
AllowedHome occupation, as permitted by section 7-300 Sec. 3-302(E)
AllowedPublic park Sec. 3-302(F)
AllowedPublic school Sec. 3-302(G)
AllowedUtilities, as permitted by section 7-1200 Sec. 3-302(H)
ConditionalDay care center within a church or school building Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-302.1(A)
ConditionalChild or elder care home, other than pursuant to section 3-302 Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-302.1(B)
ConditionalCemetery Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-303(A)
ConditionalNoncommercial, not-for-profit facilities, including indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and community centers, designed to serve the neighborhood Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-303(C)
ConditionalPrivate school Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-303(D)
ConditionalAny church or school parking added after October 1, 1996 which exceeds the number of spaces required by this ordinance; provided, however, that no special use permit for such excess parking shall regulate or substantially burden any religious practice or belief Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-303(E)
AllowedADU / Accessory Dwelling By-right accessory use; Sec. 7-100(N)/7-203 standards (accessory to single/two/townhouse dwellings)
ConditionalSTR - Short-Term Rentals STR permit required for >10 days/year; owner-occupied or unhosted permitted; Sec. 7-1403/7-1404
"Conditional" means the use generally requires a public hearing or special-exception approval — a very different timeline and risk profile from a by-right permit.
This is the zone. What about the parcel?
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.