Prince William County, VA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- A-1 front setback
- 35 feet
- A-1 rear setback
- 25 feet
- A-1 side setback
- 15 feet (10 ft possible)
- Varies by
- Zoning district
- Citation
- Zoning Ord. 32-301.06
Summary
Setbacks vary by zoning district. In the A-1 Agricultural district, all buildings must sit at least 35 feet from the front lot line and streets, with a minimum 25-foot rear setback and a 15-foot side setback (reducible to 10 feet in some cases).
All buildings, including accessory structures, shall be set back at least 35 feet from the front lot line, all streets, and all private access easements or rights-of-way. ... The minimum rear setback shall be 25 feet. ... The minimum side setback shall be 15 feet, except the side setback may be reduced to ten feet when properties of similar acreage within the vicinity have a ten-foot sideyard setback.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 46 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Prince William County zones directly and sets minimum yards by district. Under Zoning Ordinance section 32-301.06 (A-1 Agricultural), all buildings, including accessory structures, must be set back at least 35 feet from the front lot line, all streets, and private access easements; the minimum rear setback is 25 feet and the minimum side setback is 15 feet (reducible to 10 feet where nearby similar-acreage lots have a ten-foot side yard). Residential districts (R-2, R-4, R-6 and others) carry their own dimensional standards. Confirm the exact figures for your zoning district with Development Services.
Violations & Fines
Structures encroaching into required yards are zoning violations; the county may require relocation or a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a house sit from the street?
Can the side setback be reduced?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia building setbacks & zoning overview
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