Richmond, VA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Virginia adopted IRC Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) into the 2021 USBC (13VAC5-63) on a local-option basis, allowing tiny homes of 400 sq ft or less on foundations to meet relaxed ceiling height (6 ft 8 in), loft egress, and stair rules. Richmond Planning and Development Review permits site-built tiny homes under USBC Appendix Q where adopted, but Richmond City Code Chapter 30 (Zoning) still imposes district-specific minimum dwelling sizes and setback rules; R-1 typically requires 900 sq ft minimum while R-63 (Multi-Family Urban Residential) allows much smaller footprints. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles under VA Code §46.2-100 and may not be occupied as permanent dwellings on residential lots under Chapter 30. Richmond began allowing detached accessory dwelling units under its ADU ordinance consistent with VA Code §15.2-2292.1 (HB 2190, 2023), and a properly permitted detached ADU can take the form of a small tiny home on foundation up to the ordinance size cap (typically 800 sq ft or 30 percent of the main dwelling area). HUD-code manufactured tiny homes follow a separate federal standard and installation permit track.