Showing ordinances that apply to University Center, VA
University Center is an unincorporated community (population 3,969) in Loudoun County, Virginia. Because University Center is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Loudoun County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The structure height limits rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Loudoun County residential height limits typically 35 feet / 2.5 stories in R-1 and R-2 zones. Rural A-3 Agricultural allows 40 feet for primary dwellings, higher for silos and agricultural barns. PD-H (Ashburn, Brambleton) heights set by approved plan, often 35-40 ft. Commercial and industrial zones allow 60-75 ft. Data center zones (PD-IP, CLI) permit up to 90-100 ft for tall data centers. Measured from average finished grade to roof ridge. Dulles airport proximity imposes FAA Part 77 height limits regardless of zoning.
Loudoun County Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance sets maximum heights by district. R-1 and R-2: 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less, measured from average finished grade to roof peak per Zoning Ord. §6-1300. TR (Transitional Residential): 35 ft. R-4 and R-8 (higher density): 40-45 ft. PD-H: governed by approved Concept Development Plan — typically 35-40 ft, but some mixed-use projects like One Loudoun allow 60-75 ft for mid-rise. A-3 (Agricultural Rural): 40 ft for dwellings, exemption for silos and agricultural structures (75 ft+). CLI and IP (Industrial): 60 ft standard, extendable via SPEX. PD-IP (Planned Industrial, Ashburn's Data Center Alley): heights up to 90-100 ft for data centers via special use permit amendments post-2020. Commercial Community (CC) and Town Center (TC): 50-75 ft. Chimneys, bell towers, antennas, mechanical penthouses exempt up to 15 ft above limit. CRITICAL: Federal Aviation Administration Part 77 imaginary surfaces around Washington Dulles International (IAD) impose maximum heights that may be STRICTER than zoning — any construction over 200 ft or in the primary/approach surfaces requires FAA 7460-1 filing. This often caps development near IAD regardless of zoning.
Exceeding height (Ord. §6-1300): stop-work, retroactive compliance required, $250-$2,500 fines. FAA Part 77 violation without 7460-1: federal civil penalties + possible airspace hazard declaration.
See how University Center's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.