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Henrico County, VA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

ADU rules in Henrico County, VA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Max size: 800 sq ft or 35%
Per lot: One ADU maximum
Allowed on: Single-family detached lots only
Detached spacing: 10 ft from main house
Min tenancy: 30 days or longer

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Virginia under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Henrico County, VA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Henrico County allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, only accessory to a single-family detached home. It cannot exceed 800 sq ft or 35% of the main house, must share the address and utilities, and cannot be rented for under 30 days.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Henrico County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

An accessory dwelling unit is allowed only as accessory to a single-family detached dwelling... The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit must not exceed the lesser of 800 square feet or 35 percent of the finished floor area of the principal dwelling.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Henrico County Code Sec. 24-4406, an ADU is permitted only as accessory to a single-family detached dwelling, with no more than one per lot. It may be inside, attached, or detached (e.g., above a garage); if detached it must sit at least ten feet from the principal structure. Floor area cannot exceed the lesser of 800 square feet or 35% of the principal dwelling's finished floor area. The ADU must share the principal home's street address, mailbox, water, sewer, gas, and electric, and allows only one kitchen. At least one extra off-street parking space is required. It cannot be leased for tenancies of less than 30 days, and a manufactured home or RV cannot serve as an ADU.

Violations & Fines

Building or renting a noncompliant ADU is a zoning violation; unpermitted short-term (under 30-day) rental use is prohibited. Enforcement follows Chapter 24 zoning remedies, and a building permit under the USBC is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my Henrico ADU on Airbnb?

No. Sec. 24-4406(I) prohibits offering, leasing, or renting an accessory dwelling unit for tenancies of less than 30 days.

Can I put an ADU on a townhouse or duplex lot?

No. An ADU is allowed only as accessory to a single-family detached dwelling; townhouses, duplexes, and manufactured homes do not qualify.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Garage ConversionsSome Restrictions Tiny HomesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

How Henrico County compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia accessory structures overview

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