Accessory Structures in Newport News, VA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Newport News, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Newport News allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under the zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet size, setback, and design standards. Building permits are required.
Newport News ADU Rules & Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Newport News does not have a by-right accessory dwelling unit (ADU) program in its Zoning Ordinance. Chapter 45 of the City Code (Zoning Ordinance) treats accessory uses and structures as subordinate to a primary single-family dwelling, so a separate independent dwelling on a single-family lot generally requires rezoning, a special use permit, or a Board of Zoning Appeals variance through the Department of Planning. Temporary Family Health Care Structures are permitted under Virginia Code section 15.2-2292.1.
Newport News ADU Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Newport News does not levy a dedicated ADU impact fee because Chapter 45 of the City Code has no general by-right ADU framework. Any approved accessory dwelling (currently through rezoning or special use permit) pays standard building, plan review, and utility connection fees set by the Department of Codes Compliance, Newport News Waterworks, and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). Virginia narrowly authorizes only limited road impact fees and cash proffers under Virginia Code section 15.2-2317 and section 15.2-2298.
Newport News ADU Impact and Connection Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Because Chapter 45 of the Newport News City Code has no by-right ADU ordinance, owner-occupancy for any accessory dwelling is governed case-by-case through rezoning or special use permit 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. Virginia has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules for ADUs.
Newport News ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Newport News regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 33.02 of the City Code, which requires operator registration, an annual STR permit, safety equipment, and a local responsible party. Operators must also obtain a Newport News business license and collect transient occupancy tax. Long-term rental of an authorized accessory dwelling is governed by the conditions of its rezoning or special use permit. Virginia Code section 15.2-983 authorizes localities to maintain an STR registry. Virginia Code sections 15.2-2208 and 15.2-2208.1 preempt traditional residential rent control.
Newport News ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Newport News allows sheds in residential zones. Small sheds under 256 square feet typically do not require a building permit under Virginia USBC. Sheds must comply with setback requirements.
Newport News Shed Rules & Outbuilding Regulations
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Newport News require a building permit and must meet Virginia USBC standards for habitable space. The conversion must not reduce the property below minimum parking requirements.
Newport News Garage Conversion Rules & Requirements
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Newport News require a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63) and must comply with Chapter 45 zoning setbacks. Setbacks vary by zoning district. Confirm specifics with Codes Compliance at 757-933-2311.
Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on a foundation must comply with the Virginia USBC (13VAC5-63), which adopts the 2021 IRC. Newport News Chapter 45 sets minimum dwelling and lot standards by district. Tiny houses on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings outside an approved campground.