Henrico County, VA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Henrico County, 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
- From house
- 10 feet minimum
- From side/rear lines
- 3 feet minimum
- From street/alley
- 10 feet minimum
- Max height
- 20 feet
- Rear-yard coverage
- 30% aggregate maximum
Summary
In Henrico County a detached shed must sit 10 ft from the house, 6 ft from other structures, 10 ft from street/alley lines, and 3 ft from other lot lines. It cannot exceed 20 ft tall, must be in the rear yard, and all accessory structures may cover no more
Accessory structures must be located:... Ten feet from the principal dwelling...; Six feet from all structures other than the principal dwelling; Ten feet from all street and alley lines; and Three feet from all other lot lines, except that a swimming pool must be located at least ten feet from all lot lines.
Full Breakdown
Henrico County Code Sec. 24-4404 governs sheds, garages, gazebos, and similar detached accessory structures for single-family, duplex, and townhouse dwellings. They must not be located in any front yard, street side yard, or interior side yard unless a conditional use permit is issued. Required setbacks are ten feet from the principal dwelling, six feet from other structures, ten feet from all street and alley lines, and three feet from all other lot lines. Height is capped at 20 feet, and all detached accessory structures together may not occupy more than 30% of the rear yard. A building permit is required for sheds over 256 square feet; smaller ones may be exempt but still must meet setbacks.
Violations & Fines
A shed placed in a prohibited yard or within required setbacks is a zoning violation subject to Chapter 24 enforcement, correction orders, and possible removal. Building without a required USBC permit adds a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a shed in my front yard in Henrico?
How close to my property line can a shed go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henrico County
How Henrico County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia accessory structures overview
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