The RA zone is Alexandria's low-rise multifamily district, allowing apartment buildings up to 45 feet (30 feet for single- and two-unit dwellings). FAR is 0.75. DUA limits were removed by the Zoning for Housing ordinance (November 2023) to allow smaller, more affordable units within the same building envelope. The zone is commonly used as a transition buffer between single-family neighborhoods and more intense uses.
Development standards in RA
Maximum FAR
0.75
Maximum height
45 ft
Minimum lot width
50 ft
Max density
22 units/acre
Rear setback
8 ft
Sec. 3-606(C): the maximum permitted floor area ratio is 0.75.
Sec. 3-606(D): 45 ft for all structures other than single- and two-unit dwellings, which are limited to 30 ft. Sec. 3-600 sets no limit in storeys.
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 RA
AllowedSingle-unit dwelling Sec. 3-602(A)
AllowedTwo-unit dwelling Sec. 3-602(B)
AllowedTownhouse dwelling Sec. 3-602(C)
AllowedMulti-unit dwelling Sec. 3-602(D)
AllowedAccessory uses, as permitted by section 7-100 Sec. 3-602(E)
AllowedChild or elder care home, as permitted by section 7-500 Sec. 3-602(F)
AllowedChurch Sec. 3-602(G)
AllowedHome occupation, as permitted by section 7-300 Sec. 3-602(H)
AllowedPublic park Sec. 3-602(I)
AllowedPublic school Sec. 3-602(J)
AllowedUtilities, as permitted by section 7-1200 Sec. 3-602(K)
ConditionalDay care center within a church or school building Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-602.1(A)
ConditionalChild or elder care home, other than pursuant to section 3-602 Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-602.1(B)
ConditionalCo-living dwelling, not to exceed two units Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-602.1(C)
ConditionalCemetery Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(A)
ConditionalDay care center Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(A.1)
ConditionalCo-living dwelling, other than pursuant to section 3-602.1 Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(B)
ConditionalContinuum of care facility Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(C)
ConditionalNoncommercial, not-for-profit facilities, including indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and community centers, designed to serve the neighborhood Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(D)
ConditionalNursing or convalescent home or hospice Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(E)
ConditionalOutdoor market Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(F)
ConditionalPrivate school Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(G)
ConditionalSeminary, convent and monastery Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-603(I)
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. 3-603(J)
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?
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