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Henrico County, VA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tiny home rules in Henrico County, VA, covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds, determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.

Key Facts

Tiny-home ordinance
None specific
Tiny house on wheels
Not allowed as dwelling/ADU
RV or trailer
Cannot be an ADU
On foundation
Must meet building code
As ADU
Capped at 800 sq ft

Summary

Henrico County has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on wheels, an RV, or a travel trailer cannot be used as a dwelling or ADU. A tiny house on a permanent foundation that meets the building code could qualify as an accessory dwelling unit capped at 800 sq ft.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Henrico County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A manufactured home or recreational vehicle, travel trailer, camper, or similar vehicle must not be used as an accessory dwelling unit.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Henrico County does not have a dedicated tiny-home category in its zoning ordinance. Under Sec. 24-4406(H), a manufactured home, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, camper, or similar vehicle must not be used as an accessory dwelling unit, so a tiny house on wheels cannot be a permanent residence on a lot. A site-built or modular tiny house on a permanent foundation that meets the Uniform Statewide Building Code and the zoning district's dimensional standards may be a principal dwelling, or an accessory dwelling unit if it stays within the lesser of 800 square feet or 35% of the principal home. Living in an RV or travel trailer on a residential lot is not allowed as a permanent dwelling.

Violations & Fines

Occupying an RV, trailer, or tiny house on wheels as a dwelling violates zoning and building codes; enforcement includes correction orders and fines. Any dwelling requires a USBC building permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in Henrico?
No. A recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or similar vehicle cannot be used as an accessory dwelling unit or permanent residence under Sec. 24-4406(H).
Is a foundation-built tiny house legal in Henrico?
Potentially yes, if it meets the Uniform Statewide Building Code and the district's dimensional standards, either as a principal home or an ADU under 800 sq ft.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsGarage ConversionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia accessory structures overview

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