Accessory Structures in Hampton, VA (2026)
8 verified accessory structures rules for Hampton, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Hampton allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under the zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet setback, size, and parking requirements. The property owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU.
Hampton ADU Rules & Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Hampton does not have a by-right accessory dwelling unit program in effect. The City Council approved an ADU ordinance recommendation on November 12, 2025, but final ordinance language remains in drafting. Until that ordinance is adopted, the Hampton Zoning Ordinance treats accessory uses and structures under its single-family district chapters, and a separate independent dwelling generally requires rezoning, special exception, or a Board of Zoning Appeals variance. Temporary Family Health Care Structures are allowed under Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1.
Hampton ADU Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Hampton does not levy a dedicated ADU impact fee because the City has no general by-right ADU ordinance in effect. Any approved accessory dwelling (currently through rezoning or special exception) pays standard building, plan review, and utility connection fees set by the Department of Community Development and Hampton's water and wastewater providers. Virginia narrowly authorizes only limited road impact fees and cash proffers under Virginia Code section 15.2-2317 and section 15.2-2298.
Hampton ADU Impact and Connection Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Because Hampton has no by-right ADU ordinance in effect, owner-occupancy is governed case-by-case through rezoning or special exception conditions imposed by the Planning Commission and City Council. The Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1 program for Temporary Family Health Care Structures expressly requires the caregiver-occupant relationship. The City's November 12, 2025 Council-approved ADU recommendation is still pending final adoption, so owner-occupancy provisions in the new ordinance are not yet codified.
Hampton ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Hampton requires registration of short-term rentals through its Commissioner of the Revenue and treats them as a regulated use under the Zoning Ordinance. Operators must collect and remit transient occupancy tax. Long-term rental of an authorized accessory dwelling is governed by the conditions on its rezoning or special exception approval. Virginia Code section 15.2-983 authorizes localities to maintain a short-term rental registry. Virginia Code sections 15.2-2208 and 15.2-2208.1 preempt traditional residential rent control.
Hampton ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Hampton allows sheds in residential zones subject to setback and size requirements. Sheds under 256 square feet generally do not require a building permit but must comply with zoning setbacks.
Hampton Shed Rules & Outbuilding Regulations
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Hampton requires a building permit and must meet the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for habitable space including egress, insulation, and fire safety standards.
Hampton Garage Conversion Rules & Requirements
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Hampton's zoning ordinance treats carports as accessory structures, which must meet the setback, height, and lot-coverage standards of the underlying residential district. A zoning permit and building permit are required before construction.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hampton City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hampton city rules.
Accessory Structures in Hampton City →