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AC units, heat pumps and generators in Arlington County, VA

AC units, heat pumps, pool equipment and generators may sit in side and rear yards at least 8 ft from a side line and 10 ft from the rear line. Screened with a fence or plantings, they may sit closer, even in a front yard.

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

The details

  • Outdoor equipment doesn't count toward lot coverage.High confidence
  • Replacing an electric unit needs no building permit in Virginia. A new system or a generator needs permits.High confidence

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Common questions

Where can outdoor mechanical equipment go in Arlington County?
AC units, heat pumps, pool equipment and generators may sit in side and rear yards at least 8 ft from a side line and 10 ft from the rear line. Screened with a fence or plantings, they may sit closer, even in a front yard.

Sources

  1. Arlington County Zoning Ordinance §§ 3.2.5, 3.2.6.A.4, 12.9.9, 12.9.11, 12.9.12, 12.9.16, 12.9.17 and Article 18. Checked 2026-10-21
    [Visual clearance] On any corner lot in an R or RA district there shall be no planting, structure, retaining wall, fence, shrubbery or obstruction to vision between a height of three feet and a height of 10 feet above the curb level within the triangle form…
  2. Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2 (pools, mechanical, electrical and flood-area items). Checked 2026-10-21
    8. Swimming pools that have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet and are less than 24 inches deep... 14.4 Replacement of mechanical appliances provided the equipment is not fueled by gas or oil in Group R-2 where serving a single-family dwelling …

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.