Virginia Beach, VA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Under the Virginia USBC as adopted by Virginia Beach, detached one-story accessory structures not exceeding 256 square feet of floor area are exempt from building permit requirements, though they must still comply with zoning. Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance requires sheds to be located in rear yards with minimum 5-foot side and rear setbacks in most R-districts, and to occupy no more than 30% of the rear yard when aggregated with other accessory structures. Maximum height is typically 15 feet. Sheds larger than 256 sq ft require a full building permit and must be designed for Virginia Beach's 115 mph Ultimate Design Wind Speed (ASCE 7) since the city sits in a hurricane-prone region. Anchoring via ground anchors or slab attachment is inspected. Sheds cannot have plumbing or be used for habitation. Many HOAs in communities like Salem Lakes, Red Mill Farms, and Glenwood restrict shed materials (no metal), require specific colors matching the home, and cap size below the city's 256 sq ft threshold. Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) along the bayfront and Back Bay require flood venting if the shed is below base flood elevation.