ADU rules in Henrico County, VA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Virginia authorizes localities to permit accessory dwelling units within single-family zones, with the Uniform Statewide Building Code governing construction standards uniformly across all jurisdictions.
Virginia has no statewide ADU mandate, but localities may permit ADUs through zoning under Va. Code § 15.2-2280 (general zoning power). Construction is governed by the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.), which preempts local building codes and sets uniform requirements for ceiling height, egress, plumbing, and electrical. Localities cannot impose construction standards stricter than USBC, but may regulate ADU size, parking, and owner-occupancy requirements through zoning.
USBC violations: stop-work orders, fines up to $2,500. Zoning violations: locally set, typically $100-$2,500 per day.
See how Henrico County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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