Newport News, VA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Newport News, VA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max rear-yard coverage
- 30% of required rear yard
- Max height/floor area
- 1.5 stories or main house
- Front yards
- generally prohibited
- Governing section
- Sec. 45-2806
Summary
Newport News limits accessory buildings and sheds to 1.5 stories or the main house's height, caps rear-yard coverage at 30 percent, and generally bars them from front yards.
(1)Percent of yard covered. Not more than thirty (30) percent of a required rear yard shall be occupied by an accessory building or structure...(6)Maximum height and floor area. The overall height and floor area of accessory buildings and structures shall not exceed one and one-half (1½) stories, the height or ground floor area of the main building on properties used for individual single-family, two-family, mobile homes and townhouse units.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 45-2806 sets the citywide baseline for accessory buildings and structures, including sheds, in residential districts. An accessory building can occupy no more than 30% of a required rear yard, and its overall height and floor area can't exceed one and one-half stories or the main house's height/ground-floor area on single-family, two-family, mobile home, and townhouse lots. Accessory buildings within 10 feet of the main house must meet the same front, side, and rear yard setbacks as the main building, and are generally barred from front yards. A building permit is still required under Sec. 13-23, with a reduced $35.00 inspection fee for sheds under 200 sq ft (Sec. 13-26(a)(o)).
Violations & Fines
Building an oversized or misplaced accessory structure without approval can require it be relocated, modified, or removed to meet Sec. 45-2806's coverage, height, and setback limits; unpermitted construction also doubles the fee under Sec. 13-26(g).
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Newport News?
Can I put a shed in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
How Newport News compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.