Newport News Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance) sets dimensional standards for each residential district. In the R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District, the maximum lot coverage by all structures is 35 percent, with mandatory front, rear, and side yard setbacks. Accessory structures count toward the coverage total.
Newport News City Code Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance), Article VI — R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District Regulations, establishes the following lot and yard standards: minimum lot area 9,000 sq ft; maximum lot coverage by all buildings and structures 35 percent of total lot area; minimum front yard 30 feet; minimum rear yard 20 feet; minimum side yard 10 percent of lot width, but no more than 10 feet required; maximum building height 35 feet. Detached garages, sheds, and other accessory structures are counted when calculating total lot coverage. Building permits issued by the Permits and Inspections Division verify compliance. Variances may be sought through the Board of Zoning Appeals under § 45-3001.
Building without a permit or exceeding coverage limits violates Chapter 45 and Chapter 13 (Building Regulations); fines up to $2,500 per day; structure may be ordered removed.
Newport News, VA
Newport News prohibits oversized vehicles from parking on residential streets overnight. Vehicles exceeding 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, or 8 feet tall are ban...
Newport News, VA
Newport News regulates retaining walls under Chapter 13 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Retaining wall...
Newport News, VA
Newport News regulates fence materials under Chapter 13, Article VI of the City Code. Certain hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited in residential...
Newport News, VA
Newport News enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), which requires property owners and occupants to cut and remove weeds, grass, vines,...
Newport News, VA
Newport News defines "landscape" as living plants, natural features, or structural features under Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance). No express ban on artificial...
Newport News, VA
Newport News Code Ch. 33.02 requires a landscaped green area as part of all site plans. The city officially encourages use of native and drought-tolerant pla...
See how Newport News's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.