PopularAccessory Apartments Allowed With District LimitsCounty
Local ADU Intelligence
Bedford County, Virginia ADU Rules
Bedford 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.
August 2026
Local Authority
Bedford County Community Development — Planning & Zoning
540-586-7616
122 E. Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523
Visit Local DepartmentVirginia Law Is Changing
Virginia's new statewide accessory dwelling unit framework is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027. Current Bedford County zoning rules remain important when evaluating projects before that date.
View Virginia's 2027 ADU LawLocal Rules at a Glance
What we currently know.
These verified or researched details are a starting point. They do not determine whether a specific parcel is eligible for an ADU.
Rules can change, and additional zoning, building, utility, septic, or private restrictions may apply.
Accessory Apartments
01Permitted by right in listed districts
County guidance lists AP, AR, AV, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, PRD, C-1, and C-2, subject to applicable restrictions.
Detached Units
02AP, AR, and AV only
Bedford County states that detached accessory apartments are only permissible in AP, AR, and AV zoning districts.
Other Listed Districts
03Within the existing dwelling
In the other listed zoning districts, the accessory apartment must be within the existing dwelling, such as a basement apartment.
Owner Occupancy
04Important requirement to verify
The County's published FAQ addresses accessory apartments in an owner-occupied residence. Confirm the applicable requirement for the parcel and proposal.
Maximum Size
05Verify with Community Development
Do not assume a universal maximum without confirming the current ordinance and zoning district.
Setbacks
06Depend on zoning and structure type
The County notes that setbacks vary by zoning district and can differ between principal and accessory structures.
Permit Process
07Building permit required
Bedford County states that accessory-apartment applications must be submitted with a building permit.
Short-Term Rental Use
08Separately regulated
Using a dwelling as a short-term rental is subject to Bedford County's separate short-term-rental requirements.
Property Verification
The locality is only one layer.
The individual parcel still determines whether setbacks, access, utilities, site conditions, and other constraints leave enough room for the ADU you want.
Find My ADUCheck 1
Confirm whether the parcel is AP, AR, AV, or another zoning district
Check 2
Determine whether a detached accessory apartment is allowed
Check 3
Verify the applicable accessory-structure setbacks
Check 4
Confirm owner-occupancy requirements
Check 5
Review well and septic capacity if applicable
Check 6
Check building-permit requirements
Check 7
Review short-term-rental rules if rental use is planned
Check 8
Confirm any overlays, proffers, or property-specific conditions
Local Process
A practical path toward approval.
01
Confirm Zoning
Determine whether an ADU is allowed on the parcel and identify the dimensional standards that apply.
02
Identify Permits
Determine which zoning, building, utility, septic, land-disturbance, or other approvals may be required.
03
Complete Local Review
Confirm that the project documents address applicable local and state building requirements.
Plan Exploration
ADU plans worth exploring.
These plans are not represented as locally approved. Where we have a verified size or bedroom maximum, we use it only to avoid showing sample plans that obviously exceed that known limit.
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Where this information comes from.
We prioritize local government, official ordinance, and state government sources rather than third-party summaries.
Reviewed August 2026
Bedford County Residential Projects FAQ
County guidance addressing accessory apartments, detached locations, setbacks, and permits.
Official Source
Bedford County Planning & Zoning FAQ
Additional guidance on second dwellings, zoning, and accessory apartments.
Official Source
Bedford County Planning & Zoning
County planning department and development resources.
Official Source
Verify before purchasing or building.
Best ADU Plans provides general educational information and does not make a legal determination that an ADU or particular plan is permitted on a property. Zoning, building codes, ordinances, utilities, septic requirements, private restrictions, and other conditions can change. Confirm current requirements with the applicable locality and qualified professionals before purchasing, permitting, or building.
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