ADU rules in Alexandria, VA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Alexandria allows one ADU per single-family, townhouse, or duplex property via administrative permit ($75-$100 fee). Owner-occupancy required at application and construction; height capped at the main house or 20 ft (whichever is less); short-term rental use prohibited.
City Council approved Alexandria's accessory dwelling unit policy on January 23, 2021. ADUs are permitted citywide via an administrative permit with a fee of $75-$100. Each single-family, townhouse, or duplex property may have one ADU. Coverage is limited to the greater of one-third the main house or 350-500 sq ft depending on lot size. Height is capped at the main house or 20 feet, whichever is less. Setbacks scale with height: 1 ft for structures under 13.5 ft, 2.5 ft for 13.5-16 ft, and 5 ft for 16-20 ft. Owner-occupancy is required at the time of application and construction. The ordinance prohibits exclusive use of an ADU as a short-term rental.
Operating an ADU without a permit, or using one exclusively as a short-term rental in violation of the ADU policy, triggers code enforcement action. Owner-occupancy violations can void the administrative permit.
Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, VA
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See how Alexandria's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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