Accessory Structures in Alexandria, VA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Alexandria allows one ADU per single-family, townhouse, or duplex property via administrative permit ($75-$100 fee). Owner-occupancy required at application and construction; height capped at the main house or 20 ft (whichever is less); short-term rental use prohibited.
Alexandria ADU Policy (adopted Jan 23, 2021)
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Alexandria adopted the landmark Zoning for Housing/Housing for All package in November 2023, eliminating single-family-only zoning citywide and allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in most residential districts. ADUs route through the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Code Administration. Virginia has no statewide ADU preemption — Va. Code §15.2-2280 grants Alexandria broad zoning authority. The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applies; Old and Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray districts require BAR approval.
Alexandria ADU Permits (Zoning for Housing 2023 + Va. Code §15.2-2280)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Alexandria does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Virginia state law tightly limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to Code Administration building permit fees, Virginia American Water connection fees, and AlexRenew wastewater connection fees. Cash proffers apply only in connection with rezoning, not as-of-right ADU permits.
Alexandria ADU Impact Fees (Limited — Virginia Restricts Impact-Fee Authority)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Alexandria's Zoning for Housing reforms adopted in November 2023 substantially loosened owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs as part of a deliberate push to expand housing supply. ADUs are generally permitted by right regardless of whether the owner occupies the principal dwelling. Virginia has no state preemption of local owner-occupancy rules (unlike California or Oregon), so Alexandria's choice to drop the requirement is a local policy decision. HOA and condo declarations may still impose private rules.
Alexandria ADU Owner-Occupancy (Post-2023 Reform — Largely Removed)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Alexandria allows ADUs to be rented long-term to a single household. Short-term rentals (under 30 consecutive days) require registration with the City and remittance of the city transient lodging tax plus the 5.3% Virginia state sales tax on transient lodging. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code §55.1-1200) governs long-term leases statewide. Va. Code §15.2-2208 preempts municipal rent control.
Alexandria ADU Rental Restrictions (STR Registration + VRLTA for Long-Term)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Alexandria regulates sheds and outbuildings through zoning and the Virginia USBC. Small sheds (under 120 to 256 sq ft) may be permit-exempt.
Alexandria Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Alexandria regulates garage conversions through the Virginia USBC and local zoning. Permits required. Replacement parking may be needed.
Alexandria Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Alexandria requires permits for carport construction. Setback requirements, height limits, and lot coverage maximums apply.
Alexandria Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Alexandria regulates tiny homes differently based on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Zoning and minimum square footage requirements apply.
Alexandria Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alexandria City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Alexandria city rules.
Accessory Structures in Alexandria City →