Virginia Beach, VA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-40 front yard
- 50 feet minimum
- R-5D/R-5R/R-5S front yard
- 20 feet minimum
- Rear yard, all districts
- 20 feet minimum
- Small accessory structure setback
- 5 feet (≤150 sq ft, ≤8 ft eave)
- Governing section
- CZO § 502
Summary
Virginia Beach's Zoning Ordinance sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by residential district, from 50 feet in R-40 down to 20 feet in the R-5 districts, under City Zoning Ordinance § 502.
The following chart lists the requirements within the R-40 through R-5S Residential Districts for minimum lot area, width, yard spacing and maximum lot coverage for single-family dwellings. ... Minimum front yard setback in feet: 50 50 50 30 30 30 20 20 20 ... Except as provided in subdivision (6.1), minimum side yard setback except when adjacent to a street in feet: 20 15 15 10 10 5 & 10 8 8 5 & 10 ... Minimum rear yard setback except for accessory structures in feet: 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Ordinance's dimensional-requirements table (§ 502) sets separate lot area, lot width, and yard setback minimums for each single-family residential district, R-40 through R-5S. Front yard setbacks range from 50 feet in R-40, R-30, and R-20 down to 30 feet in R-15/R-10/R-7.5 and 20 feet in R-5D/R-5R/R-5S. Side yards run 20 feet in R-40 down to 5-10 feet in the R-5 tier, and every district requires a 20-foot rear yard for the principal dwelling, with a shorter 5-to-20-foot minimum for accessory structures depending on size. Yards adjacent to a street or a 40-foot right-of-way carry larger minimums.
Violations & Fines
Building without meeting minimum setbacks requires a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals or a permit denial; encroachments can trigger a stop-work order and require the structure to be moved or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do setback rules differ across Virginia Beach's residential zones?
Can I build closer to the property line for a shed or small structure?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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