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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

R-3 front yard min
40 feet
R-3 interior side yard
12 feet
R-3 street side yard
25 feet
R-3 rear yard min
40 feet
Governing section
Sec. 24-3309 (R-3)

Summary

In Henrico's common R-3 One-Family Residence District, a dwelling must have a minimum front yard of 40 feet, interior side yard of 12 feet, street side yard of 25 feet, and rear yard of 40 feet (Chapter 24, Sec. 24-3309). Setbacks vary by zoning district.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Henrico County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

R-3 District Dimensional Standards (Dwellings): Lot area, minimum — 11,000 sf.; Lot width, minimum (feet) — 80; Front yard, minimum (feet) — 40; Interior side yard, minimum (feet) — 12; Street side yard, minimum (feet) — 25; Rear yard, minimum (feet) — 40.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Because Henrico County has no incorporated towns, Chapter 24 setback standards apply countywide. In the R-3 One-Family Residence District (11,000 sq. ft. minimum lots), the dimensional standards for a dwelling require a minimum lot width of 80 feet, front yard of 40 feet, interior side yard of 12 feet, street side yard of 25 feet, and rear yard of 40 feet. Different residential districts (R-0 through R-6, RTH) set different yard minimums, and additional setbacks apply where a yard adjoins a road on the major thoroughfare plan (Sec. 24-3105.D). Always confirm your parcel's exact zoning district with Henrico Planning.

Violations & Fines

Building within a required yard without a variance is a Chapter 24 zoning violation, a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and escalating fines for continued violation (Sec. 24-7602). A stop-work order may also be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the setbacks for a house in Henrico County?
In the common R-3 district, a dwelling needs a 40-foot front yard, 12-foot interior side yard, 25-foot street side yard, and 40-foot rear yard. Other zoning districts have different minimums (Sec. 24-3309).
How do I find my property's setback requirements?
Setbacks depend on your parcel's zoning district (R-0 through R-6, RTH, etc.). Confirm your district and its dimensional standards with the Henrico County Planning Department at (804) 501-4602.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

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