Showing ordinances that apply to University Center, VA
University Center is an unincorporated community (population 3,969) in Loudoun County, Virginia. Because University Center is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Loudoun County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The shed rules rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Loudoun exempts sheds under 256 square feet from building permits but zoning setback and lot coverage rules still apply. Drone/airspace restrictions near Dulles do not affect shed construction.
Loudoun County follows the Virginia USBC exemption allowing accessory structures under 256 square feet to be built without a building permit, though they must still comply with zoning requirements: setbacks (typically 10 feet from side/rear lot lines, within rear yard only in most residential districts), height limits (usually 15 feet in R districts), lot coverage maximums, and material/color consistency. Larger sheds (over 256 sq ft) require building permits. No habitation or commercial use permitted in standard sheds — that triggers ADU rules. HOAs in Ashburn, Brambleton, Lansdowne, and similar planned communities commonly require architectural approval and limit shed size, material (typically matching house), and placement. Historic district sheds require HDRC review.
Building over 256 sq ft without permit: $200-$500. Setback violation: forced relocation or removal. HOA architectural violations: $50-$500 plus legal action possible.
See how University Center's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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