The RM zone permits a broad mix of housing types -- single-family, duplex, townhouse, and small apartment buildings -- at medium density. It serves as a transitional zone between low-density neighborhoods and commercial corridors. A roof whose ridge line runs parallel to the street, with a slope compatible with neighboring buildings, may qualify for additional height under Sec. 3-1106(D).
Development standards in RM
Maximum FAR
1.5
Maximum height
35 ft
Minimum lot width
25 ft
Max density
30 units/acre
Sec. 3-1106(C): the maximum permitted floor area ratio is 1.50.
Sec. 3-1106(D): 35 feet, increasable to 45 feet where the roof ridge line is parallel to the street and the slope is compatible with neighbouring buildings.
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 RM
AllowedSingle-unit dwelling Sec. 3-1102(A)
AllowedTwo-unit dwelling Sec. 3-1102(B)
AllowedTownhouse dwelling Sec. 3-1102(C)
AllowedAccessory uses, as permitted by section 7-100 Sec. 3-1102(D)
AllowedChild or elder care home, as permitted by section 7-500 Sec. 3-1102(E)
AllowedChurch Sec. 3-1102(F)
AllowedHome occupation, as permitted by section 7-300 Sec. 3-1102(G)
AllowedPublic park Sec. 3-1102(H)
AllowedPublic school Sec. 3-1102(I)
AllowedUtilities, as permitted by section 7-1200 Sec. 3-1102(J)
ConditionalDay care center within a church or school building Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-1102.1(A)
ConditionalChild or elder care home, other than pursuant to section 3-1102 Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-1102.1(B)
ConditionalCemetery Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(B)
ConditionalCo-living dwelling, not to exceed two units Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(B.1)
ConditionalDay care center Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(C)
ConditionalMotor vehicle parking or storage, as permitted by section 8-600 Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(D)
ConditionalNursing or convalescent home or hospice Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(F)
ConditionalPrivate school Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(G)
ConditionalSeminary, convent and monastery Special Use Permit required; Sec. 3-1103(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. 3-1103(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?
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.