Setback Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
Front, side, and rear setback requirements by zoning district for Virginia Beach, VA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Setbacks by Zoning District
| Zone | Front | Side | Rear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-40 | 50 feet | 20 feet | 50 feet | Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. R-40 requires 40,000 sqft lots — large estate lots in the least dense residential areas. |
| R-20 | 35 feet | 10 feet | 30 feet | Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. R-20 requires 20,000 sqft lots. |
| R-10 | 25 feet | 8 feet | 20 feet | Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. R-10 most common suburban residential zone. 10,000 sqft minimum lot. |
| R-7.5 | 20 feet | 7 feet | 15 feet | Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. R-7.5 allows 7,500 sqft minimum lots. Common in older established neighborhoods. |
| A-12 | 20 feet | 10 feet | 20 feet | Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. A-12 apartment district — 12 units per acre. |
All setbacks measured from property line. Verify with Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development — Permits and Inspections before submitting permit applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my Virginia Beach home on Airbnb or VRBO?
It depends on location. In the Oceanfront Resort Tourist (RT) zones, short-term rentals are permitted by right — a significant advantage for Oceanfront property owners. In residential zones inland, short-term rentals require a conditional use permit. All STR operators must register with the city ($250/year) and collect Virginia's 7% Transient Occupancy Tax plus any local Virginia Beach TOT. STR platforms handle tax collection automatically.
What is the Green Line and how does it affect my property?
The Green Line is a boundary established in Virginia Beach's Comprehensive Plan separating the urban service area (northern portion of the city) from the rural and agricultural southern portion. Properties north of the Green Line have full urban services (water, sewer, urban zoning). Properties south of the Green Line are in agricultural zones (AG-1, AG-2) with rural character. Development standards are significantly different in the two areas.
Does my Virginia Beach property have flood risk?
Many Virginia Beach properties, especially near the oceanfront, bay, or in low-lying areas, are in FEMA-designated flood zones. The city sits near sea level and faces tidal flooding, hurricane surge, and increasingly frequent nuisance flooding. Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center with your address. Properties in Zones AE or VE require flood insurance with federally-backed mortgages. Virginia Beach's Flood Zone rules may require elevation certificates and floodproofing for new construction.
Can I build an accessory apartment (ADU) in Virginia Beach?
Yes — Virginia state law requires Virginia Beach to allow accessory apartments in residential zones. You'll need a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission and a building permit. The unit can be up to 1,200 sqft. Owner-occupancy of either unit is required. ADUs are a popular option in Virginia Beach given the area's strong rental market, particularly near the Oceanfront.
What permits are needed for coastal/oceanfront construction in Virginia Beach?
Oceanfront and bay-front construction in Virginia Beach has additional requirements beyond standard permits. These include compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Resource Protection Areas, 100-ft buffers), FEMA flood zone requirements (elevation certificates, flood-resistant construction), coastal construction zone standards (wind-rated materials, ASCE 7 coastal category), and Virginia Beach's Shoreline Management Plan.
How do I look up the zoning of a property in Virginia Beach?
Use Virginia Beach's online zoning lookup tool at vbgov.com/planning. You can search by address to find the zoning designation, overlay districts, and applicable development standards. The Planning Department at (757) 385-4621 can also assist with zoning questions. Virginia Beach's interactive zoning map shows all zones including the Oceanfront Resort District, agricultural southern areas, and development corridors.
Source: Virginia Beach Zoning Code — Setback Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source