Alexandria, VA · Alexandria Zoning Ordinance
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.
| Front setback | Other principal uses: At least 30 ft | 3-306(A)(1) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 3-306(A)(1) | |
| Side setback | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: At least the greater of 8 ft and half of the building height | 3-306(A)(2) |
| Other principal uses: At least the greater of 25 ft and the building height | 3-306(A)(2) | |
| Side setbacks combined | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-300 |
| Rear setback | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: At least the greater of 8 ft and the building height minus half of the width of the alley the lot abuts (0 if none) | 3-306(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) | 3-306(A)(3) | |
| Maximum height | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily: At most 30 ft | 3-306(C) |
| Other principal uses, place of worship or school: At most 40 ft | 3-306(C) | |
| Other principal uses, other than place of worship or school: At most 30 ft | 3-306(C) | |
| Maximum FAR | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses: At most 0.35 | 3-306(B) |
| Max density | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-300 |
| Minimum lot size | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses, interior lot: At least 8,000 sq ft | 3-305(A) |
| Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses, corner lot: At least 9,000 sq ft | 3-305(A) | |
| Minimum lot width | Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses, interior lot: At least 65 ft | 3-305(B) |
| Single-family detached and two-family and multifamily and other principal uses, corner lot: At least 80 ft | 3-305(B) | |
| Maximum lot coverage | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-300 |
| Minimum open space | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-300 |
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.
Look up an address