Building Setbacks & Zoning in Charlottesville, VA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Charlottesville, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, the Development Code sets minimum yard setbacks for every lot under Sec. 2.10.5, keeping buildings a required distance from the primary street, side street, side and rear lot lines. Some districts also carry a maximum setback tied to build-to requirements, and an Existing Range rule lets infill match its neighbors' existing front setbacks.
Charlottesville Yard Setback Minimums
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville Development Code § 2.10.5
2.10.5. Building Setbacks The area on a lot not intended for buildings and structures. Includes primary street setbacks, side street setbacks, side setbacks, rear setbacks, and alley setbacks. ... ... C. Standards 1. Minimum Setbacks All buildings and structures on a lot must be located at or behind the minimum building setback specified by the zoning district, unless listed as an exception bel...
Structure Height Limits
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, residential building height is capped district by district under the Development Code. Sec. 2.2.1 sets base maximums of 35 feet in RN-A, 35 or 40 feet in R-A and R-B, and 40 or 52 feet in R-C, while Sec. 2.10.9 bars any building from exceeding the stories or feet its district allows unless a listed exception or height bonus applies.
Charlottesville Residential Height Limits
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville Development Code § 2.2.1
2.2.1. Summary of Districts ... R-A 25’ or 40’ lot width (min) 3 dwelling units (max) 35’ height or 40’ height (max) 60’ building width (max) RN-A 25’ or 40’ lot width (min) 1 dwelling unit (max) 35’ height (max) 40’ building width (max) R-B 25’ or 40’ lot width (min) 6 dwelling units (max) 35’ height or 40’ height (max) 60’ building width (max) R-C 25’ or 40’ lot width (min) 8 dwelling units (...
Lot Coverage Limits
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, the Development Code caps how much of a residential lot can be covered by buildings and structures. Development Code Sec. 2.10.4 sets a cumulative building coverage maximum for every lot, with Residential A, RN-A, Residential B and Residential C using tiered percentages that scale with the number of dwelling units placed on the lot.
Charlottesville Building Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville Development Code § 2.10.4.A
2.10.4. Coverage A. Building Coverage The percentage of lot area that is covered by buildings or structures. ... To facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive, and harmonious community by preserving the open area and reducing the bulk of buildings on a lot by limiting the amount of buildings or structures that cover a lot. ... ... 3. Standards a. Buildings or covered structures on a lo...