The RS zone is a townhouse district allowing attached dwellings at a maximum density of 15 units per acre. Minimum lot size per unit is 2,904 square feet with a minimum 18-foot frontage. Heights are limited to 35 feet and FAR to 0.75. Open and usable space must comprise at least 35 percent of each lot. A public alley or walkway is required to facilitate trash removal. Walkway requirement and lot standards were modified through Ord. No. 5593 (June 2025).
Development standards in RS
Maximum FAR
0.75
Maximum height
35 ft
Minimum lot width
18 ft
Max density
15 units/acre
Front setback
20 ft
Rear setback
16 ft
Sec. 3-1206(C): the maximum permitted floor area ratio is .75.
Sec. 3-1206(D): the maximum permitted height of a structure is 35 feet. Sec. 3-1200 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 RS
AllowedTownhouse dwelling Sec. 3-1202(A)
AllowedAccessory uses, as permitted by section 7-100 Sec. 3-1202(B)
AllowedChild or elder care home, as permitted by section 7-500 Sec. 3-1202(C)
AllowedChurch Sec. 3-1202(C.1)
AllowedHome occupation, as permitted by section 7-300 Sec. 3-1202(D)
AllowedPublic park Sec. 3-1202(E)
AllowedUtilities, as permitted by section 7-1200 Sec. 3-1202(F)
ConditionalChild or elder care home, other than pursuant to section 3-1202 Admin approval required (Sec. 11-513); Sec. 3-1202.1(A)
ConditionalADU / Accessory Dwelling Sec. 7-700 standards apply
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.