Accessory Structures in Alexandria, VA (2026)
2 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's Zoning Ordinance lets homeowners add one accessory dwelling unit to a single-unit, two-unit, or townhouse property under Section 7-203. A detached ADU tops out at one-third of the principal home's first-floor area or 350 to 500 square feet, whichever is greater, capped at 20 feet in height, with no off-street parking required.
Alexandria Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsAlexandria Zoning Ordinance § 7-203
(B)Use limitations.(1)An accessory dwelling shall be permitted as an accessory use to a single-unit, two-unit, or townhouse dwelling only.(2)Only one accessory dwelling shall be permitted on any recorded lot including properties subject to section 7-103(D).(3)The gross floor area of an accessory dwelling within a principal dwelling shall not exceed one-third of the principal dwelling's gross fl...
Shed & Carport Rules
Alexandria lets homeowners put a shed in the side or rear yard without giving up required yard space, but caps its size. Section 7-202(C)(2) allows sheds up to 100 square feet and 10 feet tall on single- and two-unit lots outside a historic district, shrinking to 65 square feet and 8 feet tall inside the Old and Historic Alexandria or Parker-Gray districts.
Alexandria Backyard Shed Size Limits
Some RestrictionsZoning Ordinance § 7-202(C)(2) (Permitted obstructions, Sheds and other small accessory buildings)
(2)Sheds and other small accessory buildings:(a)For lots developed with single and two-unit dwellings, not located in a historic district, such structures may not exceed 100 square feet in floor area in the aggregate and may have a building height no greater than ten feet.(b)For lots developed with townhouse or single or two-unit dwellings located within a historic district, such structures may...