The UT zone is applied to utility infrastructure and transportation facilities including railroad yards, WMATA stations, substations, and water facilities. It is a narrow zone that accommodates essential infrastructure uses. Residential and commercial uses are not permitted. Most intensive uses require a Special Use Permit.
Development standards in UT
Maximum FAR
0.25
Maximum height
35 ft
Sec. 4-1305(B): .25 by right; may be increased to not more than .5 with a special use permit.
Sec. 4-1305(C): 35 feet by right; may be increased to not more than 50 feet with a special use permit.
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 UT
AllowedElectrical substation/switching station, less than 10,000 sf land area Sec. 4-1302(A)
AllowedRailroad, bus and rail transit passenger stations Sec. 4-1302(B)
AllowedRailroad switching yard Sec. 4-1302(C)
AllowedRailroad tracks Sec. 4-1302(D)
AllowedTelephone company dial center Sec. 4-1302(E)
AllowedUtilities (Sec. 7-1200) Sec. 4-1302(F)
AllowedUtility company office Sec. 4-1302(G)
AllowedWMATA stations and associated facilities and operations Sec. 4-1302(H)
AllowedWater pumping station, tower and reservoir Sec. 4-1302(I)
AllowedAccessory uses (Sec. 7-100) Sec. 4-1302(J)
ConditionalBus shelter on private property Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(A)
ConditionalElectrical power generating plant Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(B)
ConditionalElectrical substation/switching station, 10,000 sf or more Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(B-1)
ConditionalHelistop Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(C)
ConditionalPublic utility service yard Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(D)
ConditionalRailroad, bus and rail transit maintenance, repair and operating facilities Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(E)
ConditionalRailroad car assembly operations Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(F)
ConditionalRailroad engine service operations Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(G)
ConditionalRailroad repair yards Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(H)
ConditionalUtility and transportation equipment and outdoor storage yards Special Use Permit required; Sec. 4-1303(I)
Not AllowedSTR - Short-Term Rentals Residential use not permitted as primary use in UT zone; Sec. 7-1403
"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.