Alexandria, VA · Alexandria Zoning Ordinance
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).
| Front setback | Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 3-1106(A)(1) |
|---|---|---|
| Side setback | Single-family and two-family dwellings: At least 0 ft if the lot width is less than 25 ft; otherwise 5 ft if the lot width is at least 35 ft | 3-1106(A)(2)(c) |
| Other principal uses: At least 5 ft | 3-1106(A)(2)(d) | |
| Side setbacks combined | Single-family and two-family dwellings: At least 0 ft if the lot width is less than 25 ft; otherwise 5 ft if the lot width is at least 25 ft and the lot width is less than 35 ft; otherwise 10 ft (2 times 5) if the lot width is at least 35 ft | 3-1106(A)(2)(c) |
| Other principal uses: At least 10 ft (2 times 5) | 3-1106(A)(2)(d) | |
| Rear setback | Single-family and two-family dwellings: At least the greater of 16 ft and half of the building height minus half of the width of the alley the lot abuts (0 if none) “(4) Corner lot. When a building is on a corner lot, the two frontages abutting the intersecting streets shall comply with the front yard requirements of section 3-1106(A)(1). The remaining yard on an exterior townhouse lot shall comply with the rear yard requirement of section 3-1106(A)(3)(a).” | 3-1106(A)(3)(a) |
| Other principal uses: At least the greater of 16 ft and the building height minus half of the width of the alley the lot abuts (0 if none) “(4) Corner lot. When a building is on a corner lot, the two frontages abutting the intersecting streets shall comply with the front yard requirements of section 3-1106(A)(1). The remaining yard on an exterior townhouse lot shall comply with the rear yard requirement of section 3-1106(A)(3)(a).” | 3-1106(A)(3)(b) | |
| Maximum height | Single-family detached and two-family and single-family attached and other principal uses: At most 35 ft | 3-1106(D) |
| Single-family detached and two-family and single-family attached and other principal uses: At most 45 ft | 3-1106(D) | |
| Maximum FAR | Single-family detached and two-family and single-family attached and other principal uses: At most 1.5 | 3-1106(C) |
| Max density | Single-family detached and two-family and single-family attached and other principal uses: At most 30 dwellings per acre | 3-1105(A) |
| Minimum lot size | Single-family and two-family dwellings: At least 1,452 sq ft | 3-1105(B)(1) |
| Other principal uses: No requirement | 3-1105(B)(2) | |
| Minimum lot width | Single-family detached: At least 25 ft | 3-1105(C)(1) |
| Two-family, duplex: At least 25 ft | 3-1105(C)(1) | |
| Single-family attached, interior lot: At least 18 ft | 3-1105(C)(2) | |
| Two-family, semi-detached: The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-1105(C)(1) | |
| Maximum lot coverage | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 3-1100 |
| Minimum open space | Single-family and two-family dwellings: Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 3-1106(B)(1) |
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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