Zoning in St Croix, US Virgin Islands

Many people are confused about the zoning requirements in St Croix. If you are interested in a development on St Croix, I can provide you with in-depth building and zoning information.

Most residential communities are zoned R-1 or R-2 – which governs the building setback requirements and stipulates the minimum lot size, and percent of coverage. There can be no structure more than two stories on R-1 or R-2 land. Set-back requirements are 15 feet from front, side and rear on R-1 land – and 15 feet in front, 10 feet on the side and rear for R-2. There can be two dwelling units on either R-1 or R-2 land.

The minimum lot area on R-1 land is 1/2 acre; it is 10,000 sq. ft. on R-2 land. When land is in a neighborhood or subdivision that has covenants and restrictions, these “trump” the zoning requirements. For example, in some neighborhoods, the minimum set- back area is established at 20 feet. So regardless of the zoning of R-1 or R-2, you can not build within twenty feet of the property’s border.

R-3 land is basically for condos and multi-family structures – with 80 residential structures per acre allowed. 30% of the lot can be covered and the structure can be up to six stories high. There are no set-back requirements and the usable open space must be at least 35%. Minimum lot area is 6000 sq. ft.

There are various other zoning districts, each with different requirements and different permitted uses. All our listings in the MLS contain the zoning of the property in question. I have a short “cheat sheet” for zoning requirements I’m happy to email.