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

2 rules for unincorporated Rockingham County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

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

Setback Rules

In Rockingham County outside Harrisonburg and the towns, Zoning Ordinance (chapter 17) Table 17-806.01 fixes minimum yard setbacks by zoning district: an R-1 single-family home needs a 10-foot side yard and a 25-foot rear yard, while A-1 and A-2 agricultural lots need 15-foot side and 25-foot rear yards, all measured under the rules in Sec. 17-803.

Rockingham County Yard Setback Minimums

Some Restrictions

Rockingham County Code §§ 17-803.01, 17-806

Sec. 17-803.01. - Front setback. (a)The front setback shall be measured at a right angle to the centerline of the road or property line, whichever is closer to the primary structure. ... Structures or Uses by Zoning Districts Minimum Lot Size Minimum Lot Width Minimum Front Setback Minimum Side Setback Minimum Rear Setback Maximum Building Height ... R-1, Low Density Residential Single-family d...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

In Rockingham County outside Harrisonburg and the towns, Table 17-806.01 of the Zoning Ordinance (chapter 17) caps most residential structures at 35 to 45 feet depending on district, measured under the Sec. 17-201 definition of building height, with taller structures possible only through a special use permit under Sec. 17-804.

Rockingham County Building Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Rockingham County Code §§ 17-201, 17-804, 17-806

Building height. The vertical distance measured from the highest finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Utilities or ornamental features may extend no more than an additional five (5) feet. ... Sec. 17-804. - Height exemption. (a)Height limitations, unless otherwise limited by this chapter, shall not apply to water storage tanks, wind energy towers, wireless telecommunication towers, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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