Building Setbacks & Zoning in Suffolk, VA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Suffolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Suffolk sets minimum yard setbacks by zoning district in UDO Table 407-1. In RLM the minimum front setback is 30 feet, side 15 feet, and rear 30 feet; RM requires 25 feet front, 10 side, and 25 rear.
Suffolk Property Setback Requirements
Some RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Unified Development Ordinance § 31-407
No application for development approval shall be approved unless the minimum lot area, density, intensity, floor area ratio, impervious surface ratio and dimensional requirements conform to the minimum and maximum requirements as set forth in Table 407-1 below.
Structure Height Limits
Suffolk caps building height by zoning district in UDO Table 407-1. Most residential districts, including RL, RLM, RM, RC, and RU, allow a maximum of 45 feet; the RU-12 district permits up to 60 feet.
Suffolk Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Unified Development Ordinance § 31-407
This Section establishes minimum and maximum standards for the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2280.
Lot Coverage Limits
Suffolk limits impervious surface coverage by zoning district in UDO Table 407-1. RL lots cap at 30%, RLM at 35%, RM at 40%, and denser RC and RU districts allow 50% and 60% impervious cover.
Suffolk Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Unified Development Ordinance § 31-407, Table 407-1
The floor area ratio and impervious surface ratio (columns (D) and (E)) are maximums and are expressed as a ratio (See Appendix A for definitions).