Suffolk, VA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RL Max
- 30% impervious
- RLM Max
- 35% impervious
- RM Max
- 40% impervious
- RU Max
- 60% impervious
- Code Section
- UDO Table 407-1
Summary
Suffolk limits impervious surface coverage by zoning district in UDO Table 407-1. RL lots cap at 30%, RLM at 35%, RM at 40%, and denser RC and RU districts allow 50% and 60% impervious cover.
The floor area ratio and impervious surface ratio (columns (D) and (E)) are maximums and are expressed as a ratio (See Appendix A for definitions).
Full Breakdown
Rather than a building-footprint cap, Suffolk's UDO § 31-407 controls lot coverage through a maximum impervious surface ratio in Table 407-1. Residential Low Density (RL) is limited to 0.30, Residential Low-Medium (RLM) to 0.35, Residential Medium (RM) to 0.40, Compact Residential (RC) to 0.50, and Urban Residential (RU) to 0.60. Agricultural and rural districts cap at 0.16. Properties within the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District face additional impervious-cover restrictions to protect water quality. Impervious surfaces include buildings, driveways, patios, and other hardscape.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the district impervious surface ratio prevents development approval under the UDO. Suffolk Zoning can deny permits or require removal of excess hardscape; Chesapeake Bay overlay violations may draw separate environmental penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my Suffolk lot can be covered?
Do patios and driveways count toward lot coverage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk
Compare Suffolk to another location·View the Virginia building setbacks & zoning overview
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