Accessory Structures in Norfolk, VA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Norfolk allows Accessory Dwelling Units in most residential zones under the 2018 zoning ordinance rewrite. ADUs up to 900 square feet allowed with owner occupancy, off-street parking, and building permit. No rental cap.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Norfolk allows Accessory Dwelling Units by right in most residential districts under the 2018 zoning ordinance rewrite. ADUs route through the Department of City Planning and Codes Administration with a zoning permit, building permit, and trade permits. Virginia has no statewide ADU preemption — Va. Code §15.2-2280 grants Norfolk broad zoning authority. ADUs must comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act buffer requirements.
Norfolk ADU Permits (Zoning Ordinance 2018 Rewrite + Va. Code §15.2-2280)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Norfolk does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Virginia state law tightly limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to Codes Administration building permit fees, Department of Utilities water and sewer connection fees, and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) Facility Charges. Cash proffers apply only in connection with rezoning, not as-of-right ADU permits.
Norfolk ADU Impact Fees (Limited — Virginia Restricts Impact-Fee Authority)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Norfolk requires owner-occupancy for properties with an ADU: the property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their principal residence. Pure investor ADUs (renting both units to separate tenants) are not allowed. Virginia has no state preemption of local owner-occupancy rules (unlike California or Oregon). Violation can result in loss of the ADU zoning certificate.
Norfolk ADU Owner-Occupancy (Required Under Zoning Ordinance)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Norfolk allows ADUs to be rented long-term to a single household subject to owner-occupancy of the other unit. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a separate STR registration under the Norfolk zoning ordinance STR provisions and remittance of the 8 percent transient occupancy tax. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code §55.1-1200) governs long-term leases. Va. Code §15.2-2208 preempts municipal rent control.
Norfolk ADU Rental Restrictions (STR Permit + VRLTA for Long-Term)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Norfolk allows sheds under 256 square feet without a building permit under Virginia USBC Section 102.3. Setback requirements apply: typically 3 feet from side/rear lot lines. Sheds over 256 square feet require full permitting.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions to living space in Norfolk require building permits, zoning review, and replacement off-street parking. If the conversion creates a second dwelling unit, ADU rules apply. Historic districts need ARB approval.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Heavy RestrictionsCarport Rules
Norfolk allows carports in most residential zones subject to setback rules and building permits for permanent structures. Temporary fabric carports face restrictions in front yards and historic districts. Coverage rules apply.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on foundations are treated as dwellings in Norfolk and must meet Virginia USBC minimum standards (typically 120 sq ft minimum habitable room, full kitchen/bath). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences.
Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes
Some RestrictionsLooking for Norfolk City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Norfolk city rules.
Accessory Structures in Norfolk City →