Fairfax County, VA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Fairfax County front yard setback requirements are established in the Zoning Ordinance (recodified in 2021 as the Zoning Ordinance or zOrd), with minimum front yard depths varying by zoning district. Typical residential front yard setbacks are: R-1 (1 unit/acre) — 40 feet; R-2 — 40 feet; R-3 — 35 feet; R-4 (4 units/acre) — 30 feet; R-5 — 30 feet; R-8 — 25 feet; R-12/R-16/R-20 (townhouse/multifamily) — typically 20–25 feet. Planned Development Housing (PDH) districts have front setbacks established in the approved development plan. The front yard is measured from the right-of-way line (not the edge of pavement) to the nearest part of the principal structure, including covered porches, bay windows projecting more than 3 feet, and enclosed entries. Uncovered stoops, eaves, chimneys, and bay windows projecting less than 3 feet may encroach into the setback to a limited extent as specified in the zoning ordinance. Accessory structures generally must be located behind the front building line of the principal dwelling. On corner lots, both street-facing yards are treated as front yards (or a modified corner-lot rule applies). Setback variances require application to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) with proof of hardship. Building without meeting setbacks is a zoning violation subject to civil penalties and corrective action. HOAs commonly impose tighter architectural review of front setbacks.