HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201400003 Transmittal SummaryCOUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
TRANSMITTAL TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUMMARY OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
AGENDA TITLE:
ZTA-2014-00003 Neighborhood Model
Setbacks and Yards
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
Public Hearing to amend the Zoning
Ordinance to modify setbacks and yard
regulations in development area zoning
districts
AGENDA DATE:
June 3, 2015
STAFF CONTACT(S):
Higgins, Cilimberg, Burbage, Kamptner
PRESENTER (S):
Ron Higgins
BACKGROUND:
Since the incorporation of Neighborhood Model principles of denser, mixed uses, pedestrian oriented
development into the Comprehensive Plan in 2001, the county has worked to establish this form in the
development areas. This anticipates the use of reduced yard requirements to better enable this urban
form in the Plan’s Development Areas. These latest zoning text amendment proposals are for all
conventional zoning districts in the Development Areas. The proposed amendments represent a
significant amount of input from staff, the Community Advisory Councils, the Planning C ommission, the
development community and the Board.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
After conducting public hearings on the proposed text amendments, the Planning Commission
voted to recommend to the Board of Supervisors, approval of ZTA201400003 with some
modifications. The modifications were made and presented to the Board at a work session on May
6, 2015 (see May 6, 2015 BOS Work Session staff report, Attachment A).
DISCUSSION:
At your work session on May 6, 2015 you accepted the changes and discussed the draft ordinance
provisions. The Board agreed to schedule this public hearing with further changes to the proposed
ordinance that:
-Removes the 3’ setback for front facing garages beyond the front wall of the dwelling.
-Further clarifies the grandfathering of maximum setbacks in commercial districts for structures
existing on June 3, 2015 or on a valid plan approved prior to June 3, 2015.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends acceptance of the changes noted from the Planning Commission and Boar d and
adoption of ZTA201400003 (Attachment B).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Board of Supervisors Work Session staff report for May 6, 2015.
Attachment B – Proposed Ordinance with revisions from Planning Commission and Board of
Supervisors.
Attachment C – Revised Comparison Diagrams illustrating the proposed changes without a
3’ front facing garage setback beyond the front wall of dwellings.
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA TITLE: ZTA 2014-00003 Neighborhood
Model – Setbacks & Yards
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
Work Session-Review and Discussion of proposed
ordinance to modify setback and yard regulations in
development areas zoning districts in order to
permit Neighborhood Model forms of development.
STAFF: Higgins, Cilimberg, Burbage, Kamptner
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING DATE:
May 6,2015
BACKGROUND
The current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1980 and included minimum required front, side and rear yards for
conventional zoning districts. The provisions adopted at that time reflected a more suburban form of development. The
2001 Neighborhood Model amendments to the Comprehensive Plan established new pr inciples of denser, mixed use,
pedestrian oriented development and anticipated reduced yard requirements to better enable this urban form in the Plan’s
Development Areas. Prior Resolutions of Intent (ZTAs 2004-00002 and 2005-00001) were adopted to consider
amending the Zoning Ordinance to incorporate Neighborhood Model yard standards in conventional zoning districts.
Although several work sessions have been held by the Planning Commission since and staff held two roundtable
discussions with stakeholders in 2011, the yard requirements have not yet been amended. In the mean time, multiple
projects have been rezoned to Neighborhood Model District (NMD), a planned development district added to the zoning
ordinance in 2003, with the allowance for reduced setbacks and yards consistent with the Neighborhood Model principles.
Also, staff reports for new Zoning Map Amendments routinely include a “Neighborhood Model Analysis” to evaluate a
proposal’s adherence to the NMD principles.
After conducting a public hearing on a proposed zoning text amendment to amend the yard requirements on November 11,
2014 (see Attachment A, Staff Report), the Planning Commission deferred action and asked the staff to hold another
roundtable with the development community to hear th eir comments and ideas pertaining to maximum setbacks, the
proposed garage off-set, and special exceptions to modify applicable setback standards. The roundtable provided valuable
information, which resulted in the revised ordinance that was considered by the Planning Commission at a second public
hearing on March 17, 2015 (see Attachment B, Staff Report). The Commission recommended the proposed ordinance to
the Board of Supervisors for approval with some modifications.
DISCUSSION
The proposed amendments to the setback and yard regulations are intended to implement the Neighborhood Model
principles and enable conventional residential, commercial and industrial districts to achieve a form of development
comparable to that which has been possible for approximately 10 years in planned development districts, in particular the
Neighborhood Model District. To that end, the Planning Commission voted on March 17, 2015 to recommend adoption of
the proposed ordinance (see Attachment C) with the following modifications:
1. Address grandfathering of proffered conventional re-zonings.
--This has been accomplished in the attached ordinance by adding a note at the end of the tables in Sections 4.19
and 4.20.
2. Write in the provisions for reduction of minimum setbacks by special exception.
--This has been included in the attached ordinance by adding a note after the tables in Sections 4.19 and 4.20.
3. Clarify the definition of infill so the reference is to the lot as it exists at the time of proposed development.
--The proposed ordinance now includes this clarification in the definition of “infill”.
2
4. Change references to “residential structure” to “dwelling unit” as that is a defined term in the zoning ordinance.
--The proposed ordinance now uses “dwelling unit” consistently.
5. Address the numbering of Sections 4.11.5 and 4.11.6 as necessary.
--This has been corrected in the proposed ordinance by renumbering these sections as 4.19 and 4.20.
6. Include a note in the tables that clarifies references to yards and setbacks in the definition section (Section 3.1).
--Rather than address this with a note, this draft revises the definition of “setback” to make this clarification .
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Development Areas: Attract quality employment, commercial and high density residential uses into development areas by
providing services and infrastructure that encourage redevelopment and private investment while protecting the quality of
neighborhoods.
RECOMMENDATION
After review of this proposed zoning text amendment further implementing the Neighborhood Model through changes to
setback and yard regulations in the development areas, staff recommends that the Board schedule this amendment for
public hearing.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Planning Commission Public Hearing staff report for November 11, 2014.
Attachment B: Planning Commission Final Action staff report for March 17, 2015.
Attachment C: Proposed Ordinance.
Attachment D: Revised Comparison Diagrams illustration the proposed changes.
Attachment E. Resolution of Intent, adopted March 25, 2014.
Draft: 05/18/15
1
ORDINANCE NO. 15-18( )
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, ZONING, ARTICLE I, GENERAL REGULATIONS,
ARTICLE II, BASIC REGULATIONS, AND ARTICLE III, DISTRICT REGULATIONS, OF THE CODE
OF THE COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE, VIRGINIA
BE IT ORDAINED By the Board of Supervisors of the County of Albemarle, Virginia, that Chapter 18,
Zoning, Article I, General Regulations, Article II, Basic Regulations, and Article III, District Regulations, are
hereby amended and reordained as follows:
By Amending:
Sec. 3.1 Definitions
Sec. 13.3 Area and bulk regulations
Sec. 14.3 Area and bulk regulations
Sec. 15.3 Area and bulk regulations
Sec. 16.3 Area and bulk regulations
Sec. 16.6 Building separation
Sec. 17.3 Area and bulk regulations
Sec. 17.6 Building separation
Sec. 17.8 Height regulations
Sec. 18.3 Area and bulk regulations
Sec. 18.6 Building separation
Sec. 18.8 Height regulations
Sec. 19.7 Height regulations
Sec. 19.8 Building separation
Sec. 19.9 Setback and yard regulations
Sec. 20.8.4 Height regulations
Sec. 20.8.5 Building separation
Sec. 20.8.6 Setback and yard regulations
Sec. 21.4 Height regulations
Sec. 21.7 Minimum yard requirements
Sec. 21.9 Building separation
Sec. 26.4 Structure height and setback
Sec. 26.5 Minimum yards
By Adding:
Sec. 4.19 Setbacks and stepbacks in residential districts
Sec. 4.20 Setbacks and stepbacks in conventional commercial and industrial districts
Article I. General Provisions
Sec. 3.1 Definitions.
. . .
Infill: As used in section 4.19, when forty percent (40%) or more, in the aggregate, of the residentially zoned
lots fronting on a street are developed within five hundred (500) feet in both directions of the subject lot
having less than one hundred twenty (120) feet of frontage on the same street at the time that it is developed.
Draft: 05/18/15
2
. . .
Setback: The distance by which any building or structure is separated from any street, road, or access
easement, or lot line. (Amended 7-1-81)
. . .
(§ 20-3.1, 12-10-80, 7-1-81, 12-16-81, 2-10-82, 6-2-82, 1-1-83, 7-6-83, 11-7-84, 7-17-85, 3-5-86, 1-1-87, 6-
10-87, 12-2-87, 7-20-88, 12-7-88, 11-1-89, 6-10-92, 7-8-92, 9-15-93, 8-10-94, 10-11-95, 11-15-95, 10-9-96,
12-10-97; § 18-3.1, Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98; Ord. 01-18(6), 10-3-01; Ord. 01-18(9), 10-17-01; Ord. 02-18(2),
2-6-02; Ord. 02-18(5), 7-3-02; Ord. 02-18(7), 10-9-02; Ord. 03-18(1), 2-5-03; Ord. 03-18(2), 3-19-03; Ord.
04-18(2), 10-13-04; 05-18(2), 2-2-05; Ord. 05-18(7), 6-8-05; Ord. 05-18(8), 7-13-05; Ord. 06-18(2), 12-13-
06; Ord. 07-18(1), 7-11-07; Ord. 07-18(2), 10-3-07; Ord. 08-18(3), 6-11-08; Ord. 08-18(4), 6-11-08; Ord.
08-18(6), 11-12-08; Ord. 08-18(7), 11-12-08; Ord. 09-18(3), 7-1-09; Ord. 09-18(5), 7-1-09; 09-18(8), 8-5-
09; Ord. 09-18(9), 10-14-09; Ord. 09-18(10), 12-2-09; Ord. 09-18(11), 12-10-09; Ord. 10-18(3), 5-5-10; Ord.
10-18(4), 5-5-10; Ord. 10-18(5), 5-12-10; Ord. 11-18(1), 1-12-11; Ord. 11-18(5), 6-1-11; Ord. 11-18(6), 6-1-
11; Ord. 12-18(3), 6-6-12; Ord. 12-18(4), 7-11-12; Ord. 12-18(6), 10-3-12, effective 1-1-13; Ord. 12-18(7),
12-5-12, effective 4-1-13; Ord. 13-18(1), 4-3-13; Ord. 13-18(2), 4-3-13; Ord. 13-18(3), 5-8-13; Ord. 13-
18(5), 9-11-13; Ord. 13-18(6), 11-13-13, effective 1-1-14; Ord. 13-18(7), 12-4-13, effective 1-1-14; Ord. 14-
18(2), 3-5-14)
State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2286(A)(4).
Article II. Basic Regulations
Sec. 4.19 Setbacks and stepbacks in residential districts
The following shall apply within the R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10, and R-15 districts:
Infill: Setbacks
Front-Minimum
Front-Maximum
Garage-Minimum
Garage-Maximum
Side-Minimum
Side-Maximum
Rear-Minimum
Rear- Maximum
Closest setback of an existing structure within 500 feet in each direction along street
fronted
None
Front loading garage: 18 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk
if the sidewalk is outside of the right-of-way
Side loading garage: Closest setback of an existing structure within 500 feet in each
direction along street fronted
None
10 feet, unless the building shares a common wall; provided that in the R-10 and R-15
districts if the abutting lot is zoned residential other than R-10 and R-15, Rural Areas, or
the Monticello Historic district, any dwelling unit that exceeds 35 feet in height shall be
set back 10 feet plus one foot for each foot the dwelling unit exceeds 35 feet in height
None
20 feet
None
Draft: 05/18/15
3
Infill: Stepbacks
Front
Side and Rear
Floors above 40 feet or the third story, whichever is less, shall be stepped back a
minimum of 15 feet
None
Non-Infill: Setbacks
Front-Minimum
Front-Maximum
Garage-Minimum
Garage-Maximum
Side-Minimum
Side-Maximum
Rear-Minimum
Rear- Maximum
Non-Infill:Building
Separation
Minimum
Side-Maximum
Non-Infill: Stepbacks
Front
Side and Rear
5 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is
outside of the right-of-way
In the R-1 and R-2 districts: None
In the R-4, R-6, R-10, and R-15 districts: 25 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior
edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is outside of the right-of-way; none, on any lot
abutting a principal arterial highway
Front loading garage: 18 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk
if the sidewalk is outside of the right-of-way
Side loading garage: 5 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if
the sidewalk is outside of the right-of-way
None
None; see Non-Infill Building Separation
None
20 feet
None
10 feet, unless the building shares a common wall; provided that in the R-10 and R-15
districts if the abutting lot is zoned residential other than R-10 and R-15, rural areas, or
the Monticello Historic district, any building that exceeds 35 feet in height shall be
separated from any other building by 10 feet plus one foot for each foot the building
exceeds 35 feet in height
None
Floors above 40 feet or the third story, whichever is less, shall be stepped back a
minimum of 15 feet
None
1. Whether a site is an infill or non-infill development, and the minimum and maximum setback, shall be determined by
the zoning administrator as an official determination provided to the owner .
2. Any minimum setback and any minimum building separation for a side yard, may be reduced by special exception.
3. The maximum front setback for a non-infill development shall be increased to the depth necessary to avoid existing
utilities, significant existing vegetation steep slopes, perennial and intermittent streams, stream buffers, public spaces
Draft: 05/18/15
4
and public plazas shown as such on an approved site plan or subdivision plat, to satisfy a condition of a certificate of
appropriateness, and in circumstances where there are multiple dwellings on the same lot and prevailing development
patterns..
4. The maximum front setback for a non-infill development may be increased by special exception to accommodate low
impact design, unique parking or circulation plans, or a unique target market design.
5.The minimum 15 foot stepback may be reduced by special exception.
6. Notwithstanding section 4.6.3, the front setbacks in the districts subject to this section shall be measured from the
right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is outside of the right -of-way.
7. On any site subject to proffered conditions accepted in conjunction with a zoning map amendment establishing
minimum or maximum setbacks or stepbacks, the proffered setbacks or stepbacks shall apply.
Figures
Figures 1 through 4 are for illustration purposes only. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between a
regulation in section 4.19 to which a Figure pertains and the Figure itself, the regulation is controlling. In
addition, Figures 1 through 4 merely illustrate specific requirements and do not show all applicable
requirements of the applicable district regulations.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Draft: 05/18/15
5
Figure 3
Figure 4
State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280
Sec. 4.20 Setbacks and stepbacks in conventional commercial and industrial districts
Setbacks and stepbacks shall be provided as follows:
a. Conventional commercial districts. The following shall apply within the C-1, CO, and HC districts:
Setbacks
Front-Minimum
Front-Maximum
10 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is
outside of the right-of-way
30 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is
outside of the right-of-way, provided that this maximum setback shall not apply to any
structure existing on June 3, 2015 and to any structure depicted on an approved final site
Draft: 05/18/15
6
Side and Rear-
Minimum
Side and Rear-
Maximum
Stepbacks
Front
Side and Rear
plan that is valid on June 3, 2015 as having a front setback greater than 30 feet; none, on
any lot abutting a principal arterial highway
If the abutting lot is zoned residential, rural areas, or the Monticello Historic district: (i)
no portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be located closer than 50 feet from the
district boundary; and (ii) no off-street parking or loading space shall be located closer
than 20 feet to the district boundary.
If the abutting lot is zoned commercial or industrial, any primary structure shall be
constructed and separated in accordance with the current edition of the Building Code.
None
Floors above 40 feet or the third story, whichever is less, shall be stepped back a
minimum of 15 feet
None
1. The maximum front setback shall be increased to the depth necessary to avoid existing utilities, significant existing
vegetation, steep slopes, perennial and intermittent streams, stream buffers, public spaces and public shown as such
on an approved site plan or subdivision plat, to satisfy a condition of a certificate of appropriateness , and in
circumstances where there are multiple buildings on the same lot and prevailing development patterns.
2. The maximum front setback may be increased by special exception to accommodate low impact design, unique
parking or circulation plans, or a unique target market design.
3. Any minimum setback may be reduced by special exception.
4. The minimum 15 foot stepback may be reduced by special exception.
5. Notwithstanding section 4.6.3, the front setbacks in the districts subject to this subsection shall be measured from
the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is outside of the right -of-way.
6. On any site subject to proffered conditions accepted in conjunction with a zoning map amendment establishing
minimum or maximum setbacks or stepbacks, the proffered setbacks or stepbacks shall apply.
b. Conventional industrial districts. The following shall apply within the LI and HI districts:
Setbacks
Front-Minimum
Front-Maximum
Side and Rear-
Minimum
10 feet from the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is
outside of the right-of-way
None
In the LI district, if the abutting lot is zoned residential, rural areas, or the Monticello
Historic district: (i) no portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be located closer
than 50 feet from the district boundary; and (ii) no portion of any off-street parking space
shall be located closer than 30 feet from the district boundary.
In the HI district, if the abutting lot is zoned residential, rural areas, or the Monticello
Historic district: (i) no portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be located closer
than 100 feet from the district boundary; and (ii) no portion of any off-street parking
space shall be located closer than 30 feet from the district boundary.
If the abutting lot is zoned commercial or industrial, any primary structure shall be
constructed and separated in accordance with the current edition of the Building Code.
Draft: 05/18/15
7
Side and Rear-
Maximum
Stepbacks
Front
Side and Rear
None
Floors above 40 feet or the third story, whichever is less, shall be stepped back a
minimum of 15 feet
None
1. Any maximum front setback may be increased by special exception.
2. Any minimum setback may be reduced by special exception.
3. The minimum 15 foot stepback may be reduced by special exception.
4. Notwithstanding section 4.6.3, the front setbacks in the districts subject to this subsection shall be measured from
the right-of-way or the exterior edge of the sidewalk if the sidewalk is outside of the right -of-way.
5. On any site subject to proffered conditions accepted in conjunction with a zoning map amendment establishing
minimum or maximum setbacks or stepbacks, the proffered setbacks or stepbacks shall apply.
Figures
Figures 1 through 6 are for illustration purposes only. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between a
regulation in section 4.20 to which a Figure pertains and the Figure itself, the regulation is controlling. In
addition, Figures 1 through 6 merely illustrate specific requirements and do not show all applicable
requirements of the applicable district regulations.
Figure 1
Draft: 05/18/15
8
Figure 2
Figure 3
Draft: 05/18/15
9
Figure 4
Figure 5
Draft: 05/18/15
10
Figure 6
State law reference – Va. Code § 15.2-2280
Article III. District Regulations
Section 13
Residential R-1
Sec. 13.3 Area and bulk regulations
AREA AND BULK REGULATIONS
Area and bulk regulations within the R-1, Residential, district are as follows:
STANDARD LEVEL BONUS LEVEL
CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Gross density 0.97 du/acre 0.97 du/acre 1.45 du/acre 1.45du/acre
Minimum Lot Size 45,000 sq ft 30,000 sq ft 30,000 sq ft. 20,000 sq ft
Minimum
frontage:
public, private 120 feet 100 feet 100 feet 80 feet
Yards, minimum:
Front 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
Side 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 1 5 feet
Rear 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, and minimum building separation, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
Maximum
Structure height 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet 30 feet
Draft: 05/18/15
11
Section 14
Residential R-2
Sec. 14.3 Area and bulk regulations
Area and bulk regulations within the R-2, Residential, district are as follows:
STANDARD LEVEL BONUS LEVEL
CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Gross density 2 du/acre 2 du/acre 3 du/acre 3 du/acre
Minimum Lot Size 21,780 sq ft 14,500 sq ft 1 4,520 sq ft. 9,700 sq ft
Minimum
frontage:
public, private 80 feet 70 feet 70 feet 65 feet
Yards, minimum:
Front 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
Side 10 feet 10 f eet 10 feet 10 feet
Rear 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
(a) Minimum side yards may be reduced to not less than ten (10) feet in accordance with section 4.11.3, provided that minimu m side yards
may be reduced to zero (0) feet on one side in zero lot line developments in accordance with section 4 .11.3 and are approved under chapter 14.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, and minimum building separation, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
Maximum
Structure height 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet
(§ 20-14.3, 12-10-80; Ord. 08-18(4), 6-11-08)
Section 15
Residential R-4
Sec. 15.3 Area and bulk regulations (Amended 3-18-81)
Area and bulk regulations within the R-4, Residential, district are as follows:
STANDARD LEVEL BONUS LEVEL
CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Gross density 4 du/acre 4 du/acre 6 du/acre 6 du/acre
Minimum Lot Size (added 7-17-85)
10,890 sq ft N/A 7,260 sq ft. N/A
Yards, minimum:
Front 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
Side(a) 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Rear 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
(a) Minimum side yards may be reduced to not less than ten (10) feet in accordance with section 4.11.3, provided that minimum side yards
may be reduced to zero (0) feet on one side in zero lot line developments in accordance with section 4.11.3 and are approved under chapter 14.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, and minimum building separation, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
(Amended 1-1-83; 6-11-08)
Maximum
Structure height 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet
(§ 20-15.3, 12-10-80; 1-1-83; 7-17-85; Ord. 08-18(4), 6-11-08)
Draft: 05/18/15
12
Section 16
Residential R-6
Sec. 16.3 Area and bulk regulations
Area and bulk regulations within the R-6, Residential, district are as follows:
STANDARD LEVEL BONUS LEVEL
CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Gross density 6 du/acre 6 du/acre 9 du/acre 9du/acre
Minimum Lot Size (Added 7-17-85)
7,260 sq ft N/A 4,840 sq ft. N/A
Yards, minimum:
Front 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
Side(a) 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Rear 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
(a) Minimum side yards may be reduced to not less than ten (10) feet in accordance with section 4.11.3, provided that minimum side yards
may be reduced to zero (0) feet on one side in zero lot line developments in accordance with section 4.11.3 and are approved under chapter 14.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
(Amended 1-1-83, 6-11-08)
Maximum
Structure height 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet
(§20-16.3, 12-10-80; 1-1-83; 7-17-85; Ord. 08-18(4), 6-11-08)
Sec. 16.6 Building separation
In any case in which there is more than one main structure on any parcel, there shall be a minimum of thirty
(30) feet between such structures except as otherwise provided in section 4.11.3. This provision shall not
apply to structures built to a common wall. The minimum building separation shall be as provided in section
4.19. (Amended 1-1-83) (Amended 8-14-85)
Section 17
Residential R-10
Sec. 17.3 Area and bulk regulations
Area and bulk regulations within the R-10, Residential, district are as follows:
STANDARD LEVEL BONUS LEVEL
CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Gross density 10 du/acre 10 du/acre 15 du/acre 15du/acre
Minimum Lot Size (Added 7-17-85)
4,356 sq ft N/A 2,904 sq ft. N/A
Yards, minimum:
Front 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
Side(a) 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Rear 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
(a) Minimum side yards may be reduced to not less than (10) feet in accordance with section 4.11.3, provided that minimum side yards may
be reduced to zero (0) feet on one side in zero lot line developments in accordance with section 4.11.3 and are approved unde r chapter 14.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
Maximum
Structure height 65 feet 65 feet 65 feet 65 feet
(§ 20-17.3, 12-10-80; 7-17-85; Ord. 08-18(4), 6-11-08)
Draft: 05/18/15
13
Sec. 17.6 Building separation
In any case in which there is more than one main structure on any parcel, there shall be a minimum of thirty
(30) feet between such structures except as otherwise provided in section 4.11.3. This provision shall not
apply to structures built to a common wall. The minimum building separation shall be as provided in section
4.19. (Amended 1-1-83)
Sec. 17.8 Height regulations
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.10, structures may be erected to a height not to excess exceed
sixty-five (65) feet; provided that any structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back from
any street right-of-way or single-family residential or agricultural district; in addition to minimum yard
requirements, a distance of not less than two (2) feet for each one (1) foot of height in excess of thirty-five
(35) feet. The minimum stepback requirements for any structure exceeding forty (40) feet or three (3) stories,
whichever is less, in height shall be as provided in section 4.19. (Amended 9- 9-92) (Amended 8-14-85)
Section 18
Residential R-15
Sec. 18.3 Area and bulk regulations
Area and bulk regulations within the R-15, Residential, district are as follows:
STANDARD LEVEL BONUS LEVEL
CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER CONVENTIONAL CLUSTER
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Gross density 15 du/acre 15 du/acre 20 du/acre 20 du/acre
Minimum Lot Size (Added 7-17-85)
2,904 sq ft N/A 2,178 sq ft. N/A
Yards, minimum:
Front 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet
Side(a) 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Rear 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
(a) Minimum side yards may be reduced to not less than ten (10) feet in accordance with section 4.11.3, provided that minimum side yards
may be reduced to zero (0) feet on one side in zero lot line developments in accordance with section 4.11.3 and are approved under chapter 14.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
(Amended 1-1-83)
Maximum
Structure height 65 feet 65 feet 65 feet 65 feet
(§ 20-18.3, 12-10-80, 6-11-08; 1-1-83; 7-17-85; Ord. 08-18(4), 6-11-08)
Sec. 18.6 Building separation
In any case in which there is more than one main structure on any parcel, there shall be a minimum of thirty
(30) feet between such structures except as otherwise provided in section 4.11.3. This provision shall not
apply to structures built to a common wall. The minimum building separation shall be as provided in section
4.19. (Amended 1-1-83)
Sec. 18.8 Height regulations
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.10, structures may be erected to a height not to exceed sixty-five
(65) feet; provided that any structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back from any
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street right-of-way or single-family residential or agricultural district; in addition to minimum yard
requirements, a distance of not less than two (2) feet for each one (1) foot of height in excess of thirty-five
(35) feet. The minimum stepback requirements for any structure exceeding forty (40) feet or three (3) stories,
whichever is less, in height shall be as provided in section 4.19. (Amended 9- 9-92) (Amended 8-14-85)
Section 19
Planned Residential Development – PRD
Sec. 19.7 Height regulations
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.10, structures may be erected to a height not to exceed sixty-five
(65) feet; provided that any structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back from any
street right-of-way or single-family residential or agricultural district; in addition to minimum yard
requirements, a distance of not less than two (2) feet for each one (1) foot of height in excess of thirty-five
(35) feet. The minimum stepback requirements for any structure exceeding forty (40) feet or three (3) stories,
whichever is less, in height shall be as provided in section 4.19. (Amended 9- 9-92)
Sec. 19.8 Building separation
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.11.3, whether or not located on the same parcel, there shall be a
minimum of thirty (30) feet between main structures. This provision shall not apply to structures built to a
common wall. The minimum building separation shall be as provided in section 4.19. (Amended 1-1-83)
Sec. 19.9 Setbacks and yard regulations
19.9.1 Structures to be located on the outer perimeter of a PRD district shall conform to the setback and
yard regulations of the adjoining district.
19.9.2 Within the PRD district, the board of supervisors shall establish minimum setback and yard
requirements at time of establishment of such district.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
Section 20
Planned Unit Development – PUD
Sec. 20.8.4 Height regulations
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.10, structures may be erected to a height not to exceed sixty-five
(65) feet; provided that any structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back from any
street right-of-way or single-family residential or agricultural district; in addition to minimum yard
requirements, a distance of not less than two (2) feet for each one (1) foot of height in excess of thirty-five
(35) feet. The minimum stepback requirements for any structure exceeding forty (40) feet or three (3) stories,
whichever is less, in height shall be as provided in section 4.19. (Amended 9-9-92)
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15
Sec. 20.8.5 Building separation
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.11.3, whether or not located on the same parcel there shall be a
minimum of thirty (30) feet between main structures. This provision shall not apply to structures built to a
common wall. The minimum building separation shall be as provided in section 4.19. (Amended 1-1-83)
Sec. 20.8.6 Setback and yard regulations
Structures to be located on the outer perimeter of a PUD district shall conform to the setback and yard
regulations of the adjoining district.
Within the PUD district, the board of supervisors shall establish minimum setback and yard requirements at
time of establishment of such district.
The minimum and maximum yards, including those for garages, shall be as provided in section 4.19.
Section 21
Commercial Districts – Generally
Sec. 21.4 Height regulations
Except as otherwise provided in section 4.10, structures may be erected to a height not to exceed sixty-five
(65) feet; provided that any structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back from any
street right-of-way or single-family residential or agricultural district; in addition to minimum yard
requirements, a distance of not less than two (2) feet for each one (1) foot of height in excess of thirty-five
(35) feet. The minimum stepback requirements for any structure exceeding forty (40) feet or three (3) stories,
whichever is less, in height shall be as provided in section 4.20. (Amended 9- 9-92)
Sec. 21.7 Minimum yard requirements
The minimum yard requirements in the commercial districts are as follows:
a. Adjacent to public streets. No portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be erected closer than
thirty (30) feet to any public street right-of-way. No off-street parking or loading space shall be
located closer than ten (10) feet to any public street right-of-way. The minimum and maximum front
yards shall be as provided in section 4.20. (Amended 7-10-85; 7-8-92)
b. Adjacent to residential and , rural areas, or the Monticello Historic districts and rural areas
districts. No portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be located closer than fifty (50) feet to
any residential or rural areas district. No off-street parking or loading space shall be located closer
than twenty (20) feet to any residential or rural areas district. If the abutting lot is zoned residential,
rural areas, or the Monticello Historic district, the minimum and maximum side and rear yards shall
be as provided in section 4.20. (Amended 7-10-85; 7-8-92)
c. Buffer zone adjacent to residential and rural areas districts. No construction activity including
grading or clearing of vegetation shall occur closer than twenty (20) feet to any residential or rural
areas district. Screening shall be provided as required in section 32.7.9. The board of supervisors
may waive by special exception the prohibition of construction activity, grading or the clearing of
vegetation in the buffer in a particular case upon consideration of whether: (i) the developer or
subdivider demonstrates that grading or clearing is necessary or would result in an improved site
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design; (ii) minimum screening requirements will be satisfied; and (iii) existing landscaping in
excess of minimum requirements is substantially restored. (Amended 9-9-92)
1. Waiver by the commission. The commission may waive the prohibition of construction
activity, grading or the clearing of vegetation in the buffer in a particular case where the
developer or subdivider demonstrateds that grading or clearing is necessary or would result
in an improved site design, provided that: (i) minimum screening requirements are met and
(ii) existing landscaping in excess of minimum requirements is substantially restored.
(Added 7-10-85)
2. Waiver by the agent. In accordance with the procedures stated in section 2.5 of this chapter,
the agent may waive the prohibition of construction activity, grading or the clearing of
vegetation in the buffer zone in the following circumstances: (i) adequate landscape
screening does not currently exist and the installation of screening which meets or exceeds
the requirements of this chapter would result in disturbance to the buffer; (ii) an arborist or
landscape architect certifies that trees in the buffer are dying, diseased or will constitute a
fall hazard; (iii) the county engineer determines that disturbance of the buffer is necessary in
order to address an existing drainage problem; or (iv) disturbance of the buffer will result in
improved screening through the use of a berm, a retaining wall or similar physical
modification or improvement. In such a case, the developer or subdivider shall illustrate the
result of both the existing screening without disturbance of the buffer and the screening that
would be provided as a result of the disturbance of the buffer.
(12-10-80, §§ 21.7, 21.7.1, 21.7.2, 21.7.3; 7-10-85, 7-8-92, 9-9-92; Ord. 01-18(3), 5-9-01; Ord. 09-18(1), 1-
14-09, § 21.7)
Sec. 21.9 Building separation
Whether or not located on the same parcel, main structures shall be constructed and separated in accordance
with Table 401 Fire Resistance Ratings of Structure Elements of the BOCA Basic Building Code, 1994
Edition or its equivalent in the current edition of the BOCA Basic Building Code. The minimum building
separation shall be as provided in section 4.20. (Amended 10-15-06)
Section 26
Industrial Districts – Generally
Sec 26.4 Structure height and setback
(Formerly Standard Ratios, Repealed 4-3-13)
The maximum structure height and minimum setback for structures exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height
in the industrial districts are as follows:
a. Maximum height. Except as otherwise provided in section 4.10, structures may be erected to a height
not to exceed sixty-five (65) feet. The minimum stepback requirements for any structure exceeding
forty (40) feet or three (3) stories, whichever is less, in height shall be as provided in section 4.20.
b. Minimum setback. Any structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back from any
street right-of-way or residential or agricultural district a distance of not less than two (2) feet for
each one (1) foot of height in excess of thirty-five (35) feet plus the applicable minimum yard.
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(§ 26.4, Ord. 13-18(1), 4-3-13; § 26.6, 12-10-80, 9-9-92)
Sec. 26.5 Minimum yards
(Formerly Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, Repealed 4-3-13)
The minimum yard requirements in the industrial districts are as follows:
a. Adjacent to public streets. No portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be located within fifty
(50) feet of any public street right-of-way. No portion of any off-street parking or loading space
shall be located within ten (10) feet of any public street right-of-way. The minimum and maximum
front yards shall be as provided in section 4.20.
b. Adjacent to district other than commercial or industrial district. No portion of any structure,
excluding signs, shall be located within fifty (50) feet of any district other than a commercial or
industrial district and no portion of any off-street parking space shall be located within thirty (30)
feet of any district other than a commercial or industrial district. In the heavy industry (HI) district,
no portion of any structure, excluding signs, shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of any
district other than a commercial or industrial district and no portion of any off-street parking shall be
located within thirty (30) feet of any district other than a commercial or industrial district. If the
abutting lot is zoned residential, rural areas, or the Monticello Historic district, the minimum and
maximum side and rear yards shall be as provided in section 4.20. (Amended 7- 10-85; 7-8-92)
c. Buffer adjacent to district other than commercial or industrial district. No construction activity,
including grading or clearing vegetation (collectively, “disturbance”), shall occur within thirty (30)
feet of any district other than a commercial or industrial district except in the following
circumstances: (i) adequate landscape screening does not currently exist and disturbance is necessary
to install screening that meets or exceeds the screening requirements in section 32.7.9; (ii) an arborist
or landscape architect certifies that trees in the buffer are dying, diseased or will constitute a fall
hazard and must be removed; (iii) the county engineer determines that disturbance is necessary in
order to address an existing drainage problem; or (iv) disturbance will result in improved screening
through the use of a berm, a retaining wall or similar physical modification or improvement. When
disturbance is allowed under subsection (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), the developer shall submit an illustration
showing the existing screening without disturbance and the screening that would be installed after
the disturbance, and disturbance shall be allowed only if the screening installed after the disturbance
is equal to or exceeds the screening existing prior to disturbance. (Amended 9-9-92)
d. Special exception to disturb buffer abutting district other than a commercial or industrial district.
The board of supervisors may authorize a disturbance in the buffer required to be maintained under
subsection (c) by special exception. The board shall consider whether disturbance is necessary or
would result in an improved site design, provided that: (i) minimum screening requirements are met;
and (ii) existing landscaping in excess of minimum requirements is substantially restored. (Added 7-
10-85)
e. Building separation. The minimum building separation shall be as provided in section 4.20.
(§ 26.5, Ord. 13-18(1), 4-3-13; § 26.10, Ord. 09-18(1), 1-14-09; §§ 26.10, 26.10.1, 26.10.2, 26.10.3; 12-10-
80; 7-10-85, 7-8-92, 9-9-92)
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I, Ella W. Jordan, do hereby certify that the foregoing writing is a true, correct copy of an Ordinance duly
adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, by a vote of _____ to _____, as
recorded below, at a regular meeting held on _________________________.
__________________________________
Clerk, Board of County Supervisors
Aye Nay
Mr. Boyd ____ ____
Ms. Dittmar ____ ____
Ms. Mallek ____ ____
Ms. McKeel ____ ____
Ms. Palmer ____ ____
Mr. Sheffield ____ ____
Proposed Conventional and PDD Residential,
Non-infill
Proposed Conventional Residential, Infill Example
Existing Residential,
Commercial & Industrial
Front Setbacks (side view)
Proposed Residential,
Commercial & Industrial
Front Step Back (side view)
Front setback Front setback