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Statewide Changes ComingVirginia ADU Intelligence
Virginia ADU Rules
Virginia ADU requirements currently depend heavily on local zoning ordinances. A new statewide ADU law has been enacted and is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027, creating a much broader statewide framework.
At a Glance
What to know about ADUs in Virginia.
These are the major statewide points to understand before drilling into city, county, and property requirements.
01
Local ordinances remain critical today
02
A statewide ADU framework takes effect July 1, 2027
03
Building, septic, utility, and site requirements may apply
04
Requirements can differ significantly between Virginia localities
Important
Local requirements still matter.
Do not rely on the July 2027 statewide rules as current requirements. Property owners should verify the ordinance currently in effect in their city, town, or county.
Local ADU Intelligence
Virginia rules by city and county.
State guidance is only the first layer. Continue into the local guides we've researched for Virginia.
4 local guides available
City Guide
Lynchburg
ADUs Addressed in Current Zoning CodeThe City of Lynchburg expressly addresses accessory dwelling units in its zoning ordinance. ADUs may be located within a principal single-household residence or in a detached accessory structure, subject to applicable zoning-district and site-development standards.
Known Max Size
900 SF
Known Bed Limit
1 Bed
County Guide
Amherst County
Property-Specific Zoning Review RequiredAmherst County development requirements depend on the property's zoning district, lot characteristics, utilities, and proposed use. Our current source review did not identify one simple countywide ADU standard that should be applied to every property, so homeowners should verify how the County will classify and review the proposed accessory dwelling before selecting a plan.
County Guide
Bedford County
Accessory Apartments Allowed With District LimitsBedford County permits accessory apartments by right in several zoning districts with restrictions. One of the most important distinctions is that detached accessory apartments are limited to AP, AR, and AV zoning districts under the County's current guidance.
County Guide
Campbell County
ADUs Expressly Defined in Current Zoning CodeCampbell County's current zoning ordinance expressly defines accessory dwelling units and establishes standards for attached and detached ADUs. The ordinance limits ADUs to no more than two bedrooms and limits detached units to 1,000 square feet.
Known Max Size
1000 SF
Known Bed Limit
2 Bed
More Virginia guides are coming.
We're expanding local research city by city and county by county.
Before Choosing a Plan
Start with the property, not just the floor plan.
The plan works best when it follows the real-world conditions of the building site.
01
Understand the State
Start with the broader Virginia ADU framework and the statewide rules that may apply.
02
Research the Locality
Check the city or county rules that may add requirements, limits, or approvals.
03
Verify the Property
Review zoning, setbacks, utilities, septic, access, and other property-specific conditions.
04
Choose the Plan
Use what you learned to narrow down the ADU plans that make sense for the site.
Find My ADU
Building an ADU in Virginia?
Tell us about your property, goals, available space, and must-have features. We'll help narrow the plans worth considering.
Find My ADURemember
1
State guidance is the starting point.
2
Local regulations can change the project.
3
Property-specific verification still matters.
4
Plan compatibility should never be assumed.
Explore Plans
ADU plans to start exploring.
These are general designs to explore. They are not being represented as approved, compliant, or compatible with every property in Virginia.
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Where this information comes from.
We prioritize official state and government sources when building ADU rule guides.
Before You Build
Verify current requirements.
Best ADU Plans provides general educational information, not legal, zoning, engineering, permitting, or architectural advice.
Requirements may differ by city, county, zoning district, property, and project. Always verify current requirements before purchasing, permitting, or building an ADU.
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