Norfolk setbacks vary by zoning district. Typical R-6 and R-7 single-family zones: 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 25 ft rear. Waterfront lots follow Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act 100-foot Resource Protection Area buffer from shoreline. Historic districts have contextual setback requirements.
Norfolk Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 45) establishes setbacks by district. Typical single-family residential districts (R-6, R-7, R-9) require front setback of 25 feet (or average of adjacent homes for infill), side setbacks of 8-10 feet (one side may be 5 ft in some districts), and rear setback of 25 feet. Corner lots have a side-street setback usually 15-20 feet. Waterfront properties are subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (VA Code §62.1-44.15:67 et seq.) which imposes a 100-foot Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffer from tidal shorelines, tidal wetlands, and connected streams. New structures generally cannot encroach into the RPA without a variance and water-quality plan. Historic districts (West Freemason, Ghent Historic District, East Ghent) apply contextual setbacks matching prevailing streetscape rather than strict district rules. FEMA flood zone freeboard may also affect where structures can be placed.
Setback violations trigger stop-work order, require variance or demolition. Chesapeake Bay Act violations: up to $32,500 per day state civil penalty.
Norfolk, VA
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See how Norfolk's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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