Accessory Structures in Portsmouth, VA (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for Portsmouth, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Portsmouth allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot as an accessory to a single-family detached home, sized between 300 square feet and 25 percent of the principal structure's floor area, under Sec. 40.2-217(I)(3)(b). ADUs cannot serve multi-family, two-family, townhouse, or triplex/fourplex lots and cannot be sold separately from the main house.
Portsmouth Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsPortsmouth Zoning Ordinance § 40.2-217(I)(3)(b)
Accessory Dwelling Units. In addition to general requirements, accessory dwelling units shall be permitted as an accessory use to a principal use provided that the following standards are met:(i)Accessory dwelling units are only permitted on lots with single-family detached dwellings.(ii)Accessory dwelling units are not permitted on lots with multi-family, townhouses, two-family, or three- to f...
Shed & Carport Rules
Portsmouth's zoning ordinance caps accessory structures like sheds, detached garages, and carports at 5 percent of lot area in the Neighborhood Residential (NR) district, up to 10 percent in General Residential (GR), or 800 square feet (or 7.5 percent of lot size, whichever is greater) in Urban Residential and Urban Residential-Mixed. Sheds must sit behind the principal home's front façade.
Portsmouth Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsPortsmouth City Code § 40.2-218(G), Table 40.2-218(1), Area and Bulk Requirements (Residential Districts)
Accessory Buildings & Structures | Front Yard Setback: Behind the front façade of the principal building | Side/Rear Yard Setbacks (ft.): 10 7 5 5 | Corner Side Yard Setback (ft.): 10 10 7 5 10 7 3 10 | Maximum Size (sf.): 5% of lot area 10% of lot area 800, or 7.5% of the lot size, which-ever is greater 7.5% of the lot size 800, or 7.5% of the lot size, which-ever is greater 800, or 7.5% of th...