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

Front yard setbacks are established by Article IV of the Herndon Zoning Ordinance and vary by zoning district to maintain neighborhood character. In R-1 Single-Family Residential, the minimum front setback is 40 feet from the front property line (typically the right-of-way line, not the curb). In R-2 and R-3 districts, the front setback is 30 feet. R-4 Townhouse districts generally require 20 to 25 feet. In commercial districts along Elden Street and other corridors, front setbacks may be reduced or zero to encourage walkable street-oriented buildings. The front setback is measured perpendicular from the front property line to the nearest point of the principal structure, including any habitable space, garage, or enclosed porch. Allowable encroachments into the front setback include: eaves and cornices up to 2 feet, uncovered steps and stoops, open (unroofed) decks up to 6 feet, covered front porches up to 8 feet provided they remain open on at least 3 sides, bay windows up to 3 feet, chimneys up to 2 feet, and awnings. In established neighborhoods, the average front setback rule may apply, where a new or rebuilt structure can align with the average of existing adjacent structures even if less than the zoning minimum. Fences, walls under 3.5 feet, driveways, walkways, and landscape features are permitted in the front setback. Variances may be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for hardships, but variances are difficult to obtain in Virginia post-Cochran v. Fairfax County.