Single Family Dwelling Development Standards for Residential Districts

PLEASE READ FIRST – NOTE TO DEVELOPERS & DISCLAIMER: Residential zoning districts require minimum yard distances from property lines for building single-family structures. The following zoning district classifications indicate the required lot areas, widths and yards for newly created lots in standard subdivisions. Based upon the availability of water and sewer connections lot sizes may increase as may be required by the Chesapeake Health Department to permit adequate facilities for wells and sewerage disposal. These development standards do NOT include minimum requirements for “cluster” subdivisions or for two-family and multi-family dwellings. For further explanation or cluster subdivisions please refer to sections 6-2200 thru 6-2210 of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. More detailed information on two-family and multi-family development is also available in Sections 6-1500 thru 6-1702 of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance [located at end of Code of Ordinances].

These required yards also apply to all existing lots that may be zoned residential but may not meet current development standards as they were developed under a previous ordinance. The development standards noted below are not all inclusive but do reflect the minimum standards under which most people need to begin their individual building projects.

Minimum lot widths are measured at the required front yard setback. Maximum building heights are 35 feet, and may only be increased by a conditional use permit approved by City Council. Under normal construction most homes that are equal or less than 2 ½ stories will be at or below the 35-foot height limit (1 story usually equals 14 feet). Under certain circumstances, lot frontages in standard subdivisions (the width of the lot along a street) may be reduced to 80% of the lot width. Some lot frontages developed on a cul-de-sac may qualify for additional lot frontage reductions.

In the zoning categories marked with “(a)”, some newly created lots may be platted below the minimum for the zoning district but the overall average of the subdivision must meet the minimum requirements. Setbacks to property lines may also change in these cases, and these changes are noted below. Additional information and inquiries on subdividing properties can be obtained by calling the Planning Department at 757-382-6176. If you need additional information on the required yards and setbacks, or wish to construct two-family or multifamily dwellings please call the Department of Development & Permits, Zoning Administration Division at 757-382-8454.

Revised 11/21/06