Dimensional standards
Uses
Prohibited6
- recreational vehicle as residence
- tent as residence
- camp cabin as residence
- motor vehicle as structure for business
- shipping container as residence
- storage of unlicensed/non-operational motor vehicles outside enclosed structure
Extracted standards
75 individual requirements pulled out of this section’s prose, each with the sentence it came from.
Other
- Accessory apartmentAccessory dwelling unit (ADU)A second, smaller home on a lot that already has one — a garage flat, basement flat or backyard cottage. lot size increase (A-L, A-R)150 pct
The parcel contains a minimum of 150 percent of the minimum lot size required.
- Accessory apartmentAccessory dwelling unit (ADU)A second, smaller home on a lot that already has one — a garage flat, basement flat or backyard cottage. maximum floor area50 pct
Upon completion of the construction, the accessory apartment shall not contain more than 50 percent of the finished floor area of the principal dwelling located on the same lot, but in no case shall the accessory apartment exceed 1,000 square feet.
- Accessory apartmentAccessory dwelling unit (ADU)A second, smaller home on a lot that already has one — a garage flat, basement flat or backyard cottage. maximum floor area1,000 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
Upon completion of the construction, the accessory apartment shall not contain more than 50 percent of the finished floor area of the principal dwelling located on the same lot, but in no case shall the accessory apartment exceed 1,000 square feet.
- Accessory apartmentAccessory dwelling unit (ADU)A second, smaller home on a lot that already has one — a garage flat, basement flat or backyard cottage. minimum floor areaMinimum floor areaThe smallest dwelling the district permits, in square feet of living space.300 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
Minimum floor area of the apartment: 300 square feet.
One parking space shall be required in addition to required parking for the principal dwelling.
- Architectural projection into required yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates.24 in
Eaves of roofs, sills, belt courses, window air conditioning units, chimneys, cornices, and other architectural and/or ornamental features which may project to a distance not to exceed 24 inches into a required yard.
- Assumed right-of-way width for arterial highways40 ft
Unless otherwise provided, the right-of-way of any arterial or primary highway, so designated on the thoroughfare plan shall be assumed to extend 40 feet on each side of the center line of the existing right-of-way for the purpose of measuring front yards required by this ordinance.
- CAFO setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from primary street1,000 ft
At least 1,000 feet from any primary street, road of highway, as defined by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
- CAFO setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from property line500 ft
At least 500 feet from any property line.
- CAFO setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from residence2,500 ft
At least 2,500 feet from residences not located on the same property in the A-R Agricultural Rural Residence District or from any lot in a R-1 or R-2 Residence District.
- CAFO setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from secondary street500 ft
At least 500 feet from any secondary street, road or highway as defined by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
- Class C manufactured homeManufactured homeA dwelling built in a factory to a federal standard and transported to the site. prohibition
A manufactured home, Class C (built prior to July 1, 1976) shall be prohibited in the county.
- Commercial stable minimum lot size20 acresacre43,560 square feet — about the size of an American football field without the end zones.
Minimum lot size: 20 acres.
- Commercial stable setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.200 ft
Minimum setback for stables and riding arenas: 200 feet from all property lines.
- Commercial stable tack shop maximum area1,000 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
Accessory tack shops not exceeding 1,000 square feet are permitted in conjunction with commercial stables.
- Community home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. maximum floor area25 pct
The maximum floor area permitted for a home occupation shall be 25 percent of the finished floor area of the dwelling unit.
- Community home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. sign area2 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
One non-illuminated sign, a maximum of two square feet in area, shall be permitted per dwelling, regardless of the number of home occupations within the dwelling.
- Community home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. storage area10 pct
Storage of goods or products shall not exceed ten percent of the finished floor area.
- Front yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. on side street of corner lot10 ft
Unless otherwise provided in development standards, there shall be a front yard of at least ten feet on the side street of a corner lot in any district; provided, however, that the buildable width of a lot of record at the time of passage of this ordinance shall not be reduced to less than 30 feet.
- Family member manufactured homeManufactured homeA dwelling built in a factory to a federal standard and transported to the site. lot size increase150 pct
The minimum lot size for a primary residence with a family member manufactured home shall be 150 percent of the minimum square footage required by the underlying zoning district.
- Family member manufactured homeManufactured homeA dwelling built in a factory to a federal standard and transported to the site. removal time90 days
The manufactured home shall be removed not later than 90 days after no longer being occupied by the specified occupants.
- Farm employee housing density50 acresacre43,560 square feet — about the size of an American football field without the end zones. per dwelling
No more than one farm employee dwelling for each 50 acres in the total acreage of the farm, whether that acreage is contiguous or separated by other parcels, shall be permitted.
- Filling station pump setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from street15 ft
Filling station pumps and pump islands, with or without a canopy may occupy the required yards; provided, however, that they are not less than 15 feet from street lines.
- Front yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. average rule
Where the street frontage in a block, or within 800 feet of the lot in question, is partially built up, the minimum front yard for a new building shall be the average of the existing front yards on either side thereof in the same block with a variation of five feet permitted; provided however that except as provided in development standards for specific uses no front yard in a residence district shall be less than 25 feet or less than the setback line denoted on a recorded subdivision plat, whichever is greater, or need to be more than 75 feet under this provision.
- Front yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. measured from official line
Where an official line has been established by an officially adopted detailed plan on file with the administrator for the future widening or opening of a street or major thoroughfare upon which a lot abuts, then the depth of a front or side yard shall be measured from such official line to the nearest line of the building.
- Front yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. porch projection8 ft
Open, unenclosed porches, platforms, or paved terraces, not covered by a roof or canopy and which do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, may extend or project into the front yard not more than eight feet.
- Grain dryer setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from property line200 ft
Any grain or peanut dryer and storage operation as accessory to a farm operation shall be: At least 200 feet from any property line and at least 100 feet from any street, road or highway.
- Grain dryer setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from residence400 ft
Any grain or peanut dryer and storage operation as accessory to a farm operation shall be: At least 400 feet from any residence not located on the same farm or from any lot in a R-1 or R-2 Residence District.
- Grain dryer setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from street100 ft
Any grain or peanut dryer and storage operation as accessory to a farm operation shall be: At least 200 feet from any property line and at least 100 feet from any street, road or highway.
- Ground-mounted solar collector maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.15 ft
The maximum height of a ground-mounted solar collector shall be 15 feet as measured from the grade or base of the collector to its highest point and shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or use.
- Ground-mounted solar collector side/rear setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.10 ft
Ground-mounted solar collectors shall not be located within ten feet of any side or rear lot line.
- Guest house lot size increase150 pct
The minimum lot size for a primary dwelling with a guest house shall be 150 percent of the minimum lot size required for the zoning district in which the use is located.
- Guest house occupancy limit3 months
No such quarters shall be occupied by the same guest or guests for more than three consecutive months in any 12-month period.
- Structures exempt from heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. limits
The height limitations of this ordinance shall not apply to: Amateur radio towers and antenna less than 200 feet in height; Belfries; Public monuments; Chimneys; Ornamental towers and spires, domes, cupolas; Church spires; Conveyors; Commercial radio and television towers less than 125 feet in height; Cooling towers; Silos and grain driers; tanks; Elevator bulkheads; Smoke stacks; Fire towers; Stage towers or scenery lofts; Water towers and stand pipes; Flag poles; Fire and parapet walls extending no more than four feet above the roof.
- Home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. hours of operation
No activity in conjunction with a home occupation shall be conducted before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. that adversely impacts or disturbs adjoining property owners.
- Home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. noise limit60 dB(A)
No equipment or process shall be used in a home occupation which creates noise in excess of 60dB(A) measured at the property line, or vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the premises or through common walls.
- Minimum right-of-way width for measurement50 ft
In no case shall any street or road be considered for the purpose of this section, as having a right-of-way less than 50 feet wide.
- MultifamilyMultifamily dwellingA building of four or more dwelling units. Where zoning is most restrictive. conversion lot size rule
The minimum lot size shall meet the minimum lot size for the district for the first unit plus one half the lot size for each additional unit proposed.
- Multiple windmills conditional useConditional useAllowed only after a discretionary approval — usually a public hearing and a board vote. permit2 windmills
The installation of multiple windmills on a single site shall require a conditional use permit from the board of supervisors in accordance with section 1-501 of this ordinance. Multiple windmills shall consist of more than two windmills on a single property.
- Portable on demand storage (POD) use duration6 months
Portable on demand storage (POD) units shall be considered a temporary structure. They are permitted for use for a total of six months, after which a zoning permit must be obtained through the planning and zoning department.
Accessory swimming pools, open and unenclosed, may occupy a required rear or side yard, provided they are not located closer than six feet to a rear lot line or ten feet to an interior side lot line.
Accessory swimming pools, open and unenclosed, may occupy a required rear or side yard, provided they are not located closer than six feet to a rear lot line or ten feet to an interior side lot line.
- Pool walk space3 ft
A walk space at least three feet wide shall be provided between pool walls and protective fences or barrier walls.
- Private kennelKennelBoarding or breeding animals above the number kept as household pets. minimum lot size1 acresacre43,560 square feet — about the size of an American football field without the end zones.
Minimum lot size: One acre.
- Private kennelKennelBoarding or breeding animals above the number kept as household pets. run setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.50 ft
Exterior runs, pens and other confined areas designed to house five or more animals shall be set back at least 50 feet from any property line.
- Private stable animal density1 animal per acreacre43,560 square feet — about the size of an American football field without the end zones.
On lots of less than ten acres, no more than one stable animal per acre shall be permitted.
- Private stable minimum lot size2 acresacre43,560 square feet — about the size of an American football field without the end zones.
Private stables in A-R, RVC, and R-1 districts shall comply with the following requirements: Minimum lot size: Two acres.
- Private stable setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.100 ft
Minimum setback for stables and riding arenas: 100 feet from all property lines.
- Rear yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. fire escape projection8 ft
Open or lattice-enclosed fire escapes, outside stairways and balconies opening upon fire towers may project into the required rear yard for a distance of not more than eight feet, but only where the same are so placed as not to obstruct light and ventilation.
- Roadside stand front setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.25 ft
Front yard setback: 25 feet from any public right-of-way.
- Roadside stand maximum area (R-1)200 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
In the R-1 district, a roadside stand not exceeding 200 square feet in area for seasonal sales of products raised on the premises shall be permitted.
- Rural home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. maximum floor area30 pct
The maximum floor area permitted for a home occupation shall be 30 percent of the finished floor area of the dwelling unit.
- Rural home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. sign area4 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
One non-illuminated sign, a maximum of four square feet in area, shall be permitted per dwelling, regardless of the number of home occupations within the dwelling.
- Rural home occupationHome occupationA business run from a dwelling, permitted so long as it stays subordinate to living there. storage area10 pct
Storage of goods or products shall not exceed ten percent of the finished floor area.
- Temporary sawmill setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from boundary200 ft
A temporary sawmill shall be located at least 400 feet from any residence located on an adjoining property or from any lot in an R-1 or R-2 Residence District, at least 200 feet from any boundary of the tract, and at least 100 feet from any street, road or highway.
- Temporary sawmill setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from residence400 ft
A temporary sawmill shall be located at least 400 feet from any residence located on an adjoining property or from any lot in an R-1 or R-2 Residence District, at least 200 feet from any boundary of the tract, and at least 100 feet from any street, road or highway.
- Temporary sawmill setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from street100 ft
A temporary sawmill shall be located at least 400 feet from any residence located on an adjoining property or from any lot in an R-1 or R-2 Residence District, at least 200 feet from any boundary of the tract, and at least 100 feet from any street, road or highway.
- Temporary sawmill special exception period12 months
A special exception permit shall be required from the board of zoning appeals, in accordance with section 1-304, for periods in excess of 12 months.
- Shooting range backstop setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.200 ft
Where a backstop is utilized to absorb the discharged load, the minimum distance may be 200 feet.
- Shooting range firing point property line setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.100 ft
No firing point shall be located within 100 feet of an adjoining property line.
- Shooting range firing point setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.300 ft
The minimum distance from any firing point measured in the direction of fire to the nearest property line shall not be less than 300 feet.
- Side yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. porch projection6 ft
Open, unenclosed porches, platforms, or paved terraces, not covered by roof or canopy and which do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, may extend or project into the side yard setback not more than six feet.
- Sight triangle leg length25 ft
The legs of this sight triangle shall be 25 feet in length.
- Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. within sight triangle30 in
Within this sight triangle nothing in excess of 30 inches in height shall be constructed, placed or permanently parked.
- Solar device heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. exemption5 ft
Solar heating and solar collection devices provided such devices do not exceed by more than five feet above the otherwise permitted maximum height for the zone in which they are located.
- Turkey shoot firing line road setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.100 ft
The firing line or points shall be located at least 100 feet from any public road.
- Turkey shoot firing point property setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.600 ft
The site shall be so designed that the distance to any adjacent property measured from the firing point or points in the direction of fire shall be not less than 600 feet, or an earthen backstop of 20 feet or greater shall be provided a minimum of 200 feet from the firing line.
- Turkey shoot hours of operation
The use or discharge of firearms shall be prohibited between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Turkey shoot minimum site area3 acresacre43,560 square feet — about the size of an American football field without the end zones.
A turkey shoot shall be on a site of not less than three acres.
- Turkey shoot permit duration60 days
A zoning permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days.
- Two-family dwellingTwo-family dwellingTwo dwelling units in one building — a duplex. lot size increase150 pct
The minimum site area for two-family dwellings is 150 percent of the required lot area for a single-family dwelling.
- Windmill heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. by rightBy rightPermitted outright: if the plans meet the written rules, permission cannot be withheld. (other districts)125 ft
Windmills on structures of less than 125 feet shall be permitted by right as indicated in article III, Zoning districts and boundaries.
- Windmill heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. by rightBy rightPermitted outright: if the plans meet the written rules, permission cannot be withheld. (R-1, R-2)60 ft
Windmills on structures of less than 60 feet shall be permitted by right as indicated in article III, Zoning districts and boundaries.
- Windmill setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from residential structure40 pct of tower heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.
The minimum setback requirement from the base of the pole or tower to any residential structure on an adjoining lot shall be at least equal to 40 percent of the height of the tower, measured from the closest structural member of the tower (excluding guy lines).
- YardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. sale frequency3 days per 30-day period
Yard sales or garage sales, so long as such sales are not conducted on the same lot more than three days (whether consecutive or not) during any 30-day period.
From the ordinance
Any use not expressly permitted by this ordinance shall be prohibited unless a use is otherwise approved by the administrator as set forth in section 2-201 of this ordinance.