Accessory Structures in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Chesapeake permits ADUs in limited residential zones as accessory apartments under zoning ordinance conditions. VA Code 15.2-2292.1 encourages but does not mandate ADUs. Owner occupancy is typically required.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Chesapeake does not have a by-right accessory dwelling unit program. The Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance Article 14 (Accessory Uses and Structures) authorizes accessory structures but does not establish a general ADU use. The Code expressly permits Temporary Family Health Care Structures in single-family districts as required by Virginia state law. A separate detached dwelling on a single-family lot generally requires a rezoning, conditional use permit, or Board of Zoning Appeals variance.
Chesapeake ADU Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Because Chesapeake has no general by-right ADU program, there is no dedicated ADU impact fee schedule. Any approved accessory dwelling (typically through rezoning or conditional use permit) pays standard building, plan review, and utility connection fees set by the Department of Development and Permits and Chesapeake Public Utilities. Virginia is not a development-impact-fee state in the broad sense; Virginia Code section 15.2-2317 et seq. authorizes only limited cash proffers and road impact fees.
Chesapeake ADU Impact and Connection Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Because Chesapeake does not have a by-right ADU ordinance, owner-occupancy is governed case-by-case through conditional use permits or rezoning conditions. The Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1 program for Temporary Family Health Care Structures expressly requires the caregiver-occupant relationship. Any conditional use permit allowing an accessory dwelling typically imposes owner-occupancy and caretaker conditions through Article 14 and the staff report process.
Chesapeake ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Chesapeake heavily restricts where short-term rentals are permitted. Under the Zoning Ordinance, short-term rentals operate only in the A-1 Agricultural District and the Historic and Cultural Preservation (HC) Overlay District, and only with a Conditional Use Permit. Long-term rental of an authorized accessory dwelling is governed by the conditions on its approval. Operating an unauthorized STR is a zoning violation and a Class 1 misdemeanor for unpaid transient occupancy tax under Code Chapter 30, Article XIV.
Chesapeake ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Chesapeake exempts sheds up to 200 sq ft from building permits under the Virginia USBC. Larger sheds need permits. All sheds must meet zoning setbacks (5 ft side/rear typical) and be behind the front building line.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a Chesapeake garage into living space requires building permits and USBC compliance. Space must meet habitability standards: insulation, egress, HVAC, ceiling height. Lost parking may need replacement.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Chesapeake permits attached and detached carports subject to zoning setbacks and building permits. Permanent carports require permits. Temporary fabric carports are often restricted in front yards.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Few RestrictionsTiny Homes
Chesapeake has no tiny home ordinance. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the Virginia USBC. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones.
Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Chesapeake City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chesapeake city rules.
Accessory Structures in Chesapeake City →