Chesterfield County, VA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- VA Code 15.2-2280
- Set by district
- Zoning Ordinance Ch. 19.2
- Controls
- Yards, lot size, open space
- Bay areas
- Impervious-cover limits apply
- Verify
- Planning 804-748-1050
Summary
Chesterfield County limits how much of a lot buildings and structures may occupy through district-specific standards in its Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 19.2), using the yard and open-space authority in Virginia Code Section 15.2-2280.
The areas and dimensions of land, water, and air space to be occupied by buildings, structures and uses, and of courts, yards, and other open spaces to be left unoccupied
Full Breakdown
Under Virginia Code Section 15.2-2280, the county may regulate the areas and dimensions of land occupied by buildings and the open spaces left unoccupied. Chesterfield County's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 19.2) applies this through minimum lot sizes, required front, side, and rear yards, and, in some districts, explicit maximum building or impervious coverage limits that leave adequate open space. In Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection and Resource Management Areas, additional impervious-cover and buffer limits apply under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act to protect water quality. Because coverage and open-space standards differ by district and overlay, confirm the exact figures for your parcel with the Planning Department before adding structures.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding allowed coverage or reducing required open space can lead to permit denial, correction orders, or a required variance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum lot coverage?
Do Chesapeake Bay rules affect coverage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesterfield County
Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia building setbacks & zoning overview
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