Virginia Beach, VA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-7.5 District cap
- 35% max lot coverage
- R-40 District cap
- 25% max lot coverage
- R-5D/R-5S District cap
- 40% max lot coverage
- Governing table
- CZO § 502(a)
- Coverage definition
- CZO § 111
Summary
Single-family lot coverage in Virginia Beach is capped by zoning district, from 25% in R-40 down to as much as 40% in R-5D and R-5S.
Sec. 502(a): Maximum lot coverage in percent: 25 [R-40] 25 [R-30] 25 [R-20] 30 [R-15] 30 [R-10] 35 [R-7.5] 40 [R-5D] 35 [R-5R] 40 [R-5S]. Sec. 111: "Lot coverage. That percent of a zoning lot covered by enclosed building space including total area of all covered open space ... but not including uncovered entrance platforms, uncovered terraces, or uncovered steps where such features do not themselves constitute enclosures for building areas below them."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The City Zoning Ordinance sets a maximum lot coverage percentage for each residential district in the Sec. 502 dimensional table: 25% in R-40, R-30 and R-20, 30% in R-15 and R-10, 35% in R-7.5, 40% in R-5D, 35% in R-5R and 40% in R-5S. "Lot coverage" is defined in Sec. 111 as the percent of a lot covered by enclosed building space, including covered open space, but excluding eaves, uncovered entrance platforms, terraces and steps. Sec. 200 further specifies what counts toward that percentage: floodplains, water bodies and most of an easement over 20 feet wide are excluded, while special flood hazard areas and utility easements up to 20 feet wide are included.
Violations & Fines
Building beyond the district's maximum lot coverage without a variance is a zoning violation; the zoning administrator can order the excess structure removed or altered, and a certificate of occupancy will be withheld until the lot conforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lot coverage include my porch or deck?
Which district has the highest lot coverage cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia building setbacks & zoning overview
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