Virginia Beach Zoning

R-40 Zone in Virginia Beach, VA

R-40 zoning district rules in Virginia Beach, VA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.

Residential DistrictMulti-Family Medium Density

The R-40 zone in Virginia Beach, VA is a residential district (Multi-Family Medium Density). Permits multi-family housing at medium density. Allows small to mid-size apartment buildings and condominiums. This zone requires a 50 ft front setback, 20 ft side setback, and 50 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 35 feet (2 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 25%.

Common Permitted Uses

  • Apartments
  • Condominiums
  • Townhomes

Permits multi-family housing at medium density. Allows small to mid-size apartment buildings and condominiums.

Setback Requirements

Setback TypeRequirement
Front Setback50 feet
Side Setback20 feet
Rear Setback50 feet

Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. R-40 requires 40,000 sqft lots — large estate lots in the least dense residential areas.

Height Limits

Max Height
35 feet
Max Stories
2

Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance.

Lot Coverage

Max Coverage
25%

Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance. Large estate lots — lower coverage preserves rural character.

Parking Requirements

Single-family: 2 off-street parking spaces per single-family dwelling. Oceanfront Resort area may have different standards for resort properties. Multi-family: 1.5–2 spaces per unit. Reduced requirements for affordable housing developments.

Source: Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 11 — Zoning Ordinance; Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source

Last updated: April 6, 2026
R-40 Zone in Virginia Beach, VA — Permitted Uses & Rules | PropertyZoned