Building Setbacks & Zoning in Albemarle County, VA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Albemarle County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Albemarle County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Albemarle County sets a 20-foot minimum rear setback and a 5-foot minimum front and side setback for standard non-infill lots in the R-1 through R-15, PRD and PUD residential districts under Sec. 4.19. Infill lots instead key their front setback to the closest existing building within 500 feet on the same street.

Albemarle County Residential Yard Setbacks

Some Restrictions

Albemarle County Code § 18-4.19

Sec. 4.19 - Setbacks and stepbacks in residential districts. The following shall apply within the R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10, R-15, PRD, and PUD districts: ... Non-Infill: Setbacks Front-Minimum 5 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is outside of the right-of-way ... Side-Minimum 5 feet, unless the building shares a common wall ... Rear-Minimum 20 feet

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

In Albemarle County outside Charlottesville and Scottsville, homes in the Rural Areas zoning district are capped at 35 feet under Code of Albemarle § 18-10.4's area and bulk table for RA parcels. Any building over 35 feet, in any district, also needs fire-official sign-off before a permit issues, and Community Development enforces both limits through the zoning clearance and building permit process.

Albemarle County Residential Height Limit

Some Restrictions

Albemarle County Code §§ 18-4.10.2.1, 18-4.10.3.4, 18-10.4

Sec. 4.10.2.1 - Fire protection. No building exceeding 35 feet in height above grade shall be erected without certification from the Albemarle County fire official that such building, as proposed to be located, constructed and equipped, and particularly occupants of upper stories, can be properly protected in case of fire. ... Sec. ... 4.10.3.4 - Accessory buildings in residential districts. Ex...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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