Skip to content
SetbackIQ

Sheds and garages in Alexandria, VA

In a required yard, sheds are limited to 100 sq ft total and 10 ft tall (65 sq ft and 8 ft in historic districts). Freestanding garages behind the house have their own size and setback rules.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Alexandria before you build.

The details

  • Garage size scales with lot size: 250 sq ft and 11.5 ft on lots under 8,000 sq ft, 500 sq ft and 13.5 ft on larger lots.High confidence

Check a project at your address

SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

What are you building?

Open the checker

Common questions

Where can a shed or garage go in Alexandria?
In a required yard, sheds are limited to 100 sq ft total and 10 ft tall (65 sq ft and 8 ft in historic districts). Freestanding garages behind the house have their own size and setback rules.

Sources

  1. City of Alexandria Zoning Ordinance § 7-2501, freestanding private garages to the rear of the main building (Municode, Supp. 103). Checked 2026-10-20
    [Applies in R-20, R-12, R-8, R-5, R-2-5 and single or two-unit dwellings in RA and RB, outside the historic districts.] For lots with a minimum of 2,500 square feet and with less than 8,000 square feet lot area, the garage shall have a floor area not greate…

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.