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SetbackIQ

Height limits in Arlington County, VA

Building codes decide when you need a permit; zoning decides how tall you can go. Both are below, measured the way Arlington County measures them.

Rules last checked by a person on October 20, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Arlington County before you build.

Citywide

ADU: Detached height25 ft and 1 1/2 stories
Fence: Side and rear yards7 ft max

R-5 and R-6 one-family dwelling districts

Shed: Height and footprintUnder 1 1/2 stories or 25 ft, and under 560 sq ft, to use the 1 ft setbacks
Garage: Two stories or over 25 ftNot in the required rear yard, and 10 ft from every lot line

R-8, R-10 and R-20 one-family dwelling districts

Shed: Height and footprintUnder 1 1/2 stories or 25 ft, and under 650 sq ft, to use the 1 ft setbacks

Check your lot

What are you building?

Sources

  1. Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, Exemptions from application for permit. Checked 2026-10-20.
    2. One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet... 5. Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety as provided for by Section 3306 or used…
  2. 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
    Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
  3. 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
    Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
  4. 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
    One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
  5. Arlington County Zoning Ordinance § 3.2.6.A.3(e), fences and walls. Checked 2026-10-20.
    (1) Fences and walls up to 4 feet in height are permitted to encroach into any required street setback, except: i. In rear and side yards of corners lots, fences up to 6 feet in height may be erected in the required street setback, but no closer than 3 feet…