Prince William County, VA · Prince William County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 32)
B-3, Convenience Retail District. The intent of the B-3 District is to provide for areas within the rural area as defined by the Comprehensive Plan where convenience goods and services may be located. The B-3 District is intended to implement the convenience retail land use classification of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of this district is to serve nearby residents, rather than pass-by or regional traffic, promote employment opportunities, and enhance the tax base of Prince William County. Description abridged from Sec. 32-401.30 of the Prince William County Zoning Ordinance -- sentences carrying figures are omitted here so this text can never contradict the standards table, which carries a citation on each value. Read that section for the district's own words in full.
| Front setback | At least 55 ft | 32-401.35 |
|---|---|---|
| Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 32-401.34 | |
| Side setback | At least 20 ft from a side lot line along a street (a corner lot's side street), and at least 25 ft from a side lot line that abuts an agricultural or residential district; otherwise none required. “Except when other provisions of this chapter operate to impose a greater setback, a minimum setback of 25 feet from the common property line for all structures and uses shall be required when the side or rear of a lot within a B-3 District abuts an agricultural or residential district.” “The front setback for the principal building shall be 55 feet. For a corner lot, a setback of 20 feet shall be required along the side street.” “No rear or side yards shall be required (except as provided herein), provided each lot shall have at least 20-foot wide unobstructed vehicular access to a rear service area capable of handling emergency and refuse removal equipment if the rear of the lot is not otherwise accessible via a street, driveway, or parking area, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator after consultation with the Fire Marshal.” | 32-401.35(2) |
| Corner lot: On a corner lot, 20 ft along the side street. Otherwise none required, except at least 25 ft from a side lot line that abuts an agricultural or residential district. “The front setback for the principal building shall be 55 feet. For a corner lot, a setback of 20 feet shall be required along the side street.” “Except when other provisions of this chapter operate to impose a greater setback, a minimum setback of 25 feet from the common property line for all structures and uses shall be required when the side or rear of a lot within a B-3 District abuts an agricultural or residential district.” “No rear or side yards shall be required (except as provided herein), provided each lot shall have at least 20-foot wide unobstructed vehicular access to a rear service area capable of handling emergency and refuse removal equipment if the rear of the lot is not otherwise accessible via a street, driveway, or parking area, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator after consultation with the Fire Marshal.” | 32-401.35(1) | |
| Side setbacks combined | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 32-401.34 |
| Rear setback | None required, except at least 25 ft from a rear lot line that abuts an agricultural or residential district. “Except when other provisions of this chapter operate to impose a greater setback, a minimum setback of 25 feet from the common property line for all structures and uses shall be required when the side or rear of a lot within a B-3 District abuts an agricultural or residential district.” “No rear or side yards shall be required (except as provided herein), provided each lot shall have at least 20-foot wide unobstructed vehicular access to a rear service area capable of handling emergency and refuse removal equipment if the rear of the lot is not otherwise accessible via a street, driveway, or parking area, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator after consultation with the Fire Marshal.” | 32-401.35(2) |
| Maximum height | At most 35 ft | 32-401.34 |
| Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 32-401.34 | |
| Maximum FAR | At most 0.1 | 32-401.34 |
| Not computed here: the ordinance makes it depend on facts about the site | 32-401.34 | |
| Max density | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 32-401.34 |
| Minimum lot size | The ordinance sets no figure for this case | 32-401.34 |
| Minimum lot width | No requirement | 32-401.34 |
| Maximum lot coverage | At most 80% | 32-401.34 |
| Minimum open space | At least 20% | 32-401.34 |
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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