What are setbacks and how do I determine what the required setbacks are for my property?
A setback is the minimum distance by which any building or structure must be separated from a lot line. In Rural Preservation and Agricultural Preservation districts the setbacks for a principal structure (house) are based on the acreage of the parcel. Article XII of the Zoning Ordinance delineates the setbacks for property located in the Rural Preservation and Agricultural Preservation districts as well as Lake Caroline, Lake Land or and Caroline Pines subdivisions. Please contact our office at 804-633-4303 for setback requirements in other subdivisions located within the County.

Note: Double frontage lots, for the purpose of setbacks, have 2 front yards and 2 side yards.

Show All Answers

1. When is a building/zoning permit required?
2. What is the minimum amount of acreage required to construct a single family dwelling?
3. What is a certified house location survey and when is it required?
4. May I have more than 1 dwelling on my property?
5. What are setbacks and how do I determine what the required setbacks are for my property?
6. What is an accessory building/structure?
7. May I construct an accessory building/structure before I build my house?
8. What are the setbacks for an accessory building?
9. Where and how do I get a 911 address?
10. What is a Rezoning?
11. What is a Use permit?
12. What is a Zoning Text Amendment?
13. What is a Proffer Amendment?
14. What is the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)?
15. What is a Variance?
16. What is a zoning Violation?