Accessory Structures in Richmond, VA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Richmond allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zones under recent zoning updates. ADUs can be attached or detached, must meet setback and size limits typically 800 to 1,000 sq ft or 30 percent of main house, and require a building permit. Short-term rental of ADUs requires a separate STR permit.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Richmond is in the middle of a major zoning code rewrite (2024-2025) under the Richmond 300 Master Plan to expand ADU availability. Under the current Richmond Zoning Ordinance, ADUs are permitted in many residential districts subject to lot, size, and setback limits. Permits route through the Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR). Virginia has no statewide ADU preemption — Va. Code §15.2-2280 grants Richmond broad zoning authority. The 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applies.
Richmond ADU Permits (Zoning Code Rewrite + Va. Code §15.2-2280)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Richmond does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Virginia state law tightly limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to PDR Building Permits fees, Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) water and sewer connection fees, and stormwater fees. Cash proffers apply only in connection with rezoning, not as-of-right ADU permits. The Richmond 300 rewrite may add affordable-ADU fee waivers but the existing baseline charges remain.
Richmond ADU Impact Fees (Limited — Virginia Restricts Impact-Fee Authority)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Richmond's current Chapter 30 zoning code requires owner-occupancy for properties with an ADU: the property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their principal residence. The Richmond 300 zoning rewrite (2024-2025) is considering loosening this rule. Virginia has no state preemption of local owner-occupancy rules (unlike California or Oregon), so localities retain authority.
Richmond ADU Owner-Occupancy (Currently Required; Rewrite May Loosen)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Richmond allows ADUs to be rented long-term to a single household subject to the owner-occupancy of the other unit. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a separate STR permit and remittance of the city's transient occupancy tax. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code §55.1-1200) governs long-term leases statewide. Va. Code §15.2-2208 preempts municipal rent control.
Richmond ADU Rental Restrictions (STR Permit + VRLTA for Long-Term)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds up to 256 square feet and under 12 feet in height generally do not require a building permit in Richmond under Virginia USBC exemptions, but must meet zoning setbacks typically 3 to 5 feet from side and rear lot lines. Zoning permits may still be required.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to habitable space in Richmond requires building permits, zoning review, and compliance with Virginia USBC for ceiling height, egress, insulation, and HVAC. Conversions creating a separate dwelling unit must follow ADU rules. Required off-street parking must be replaced if zoning mandates it.
accessory-structures/garage-conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Richmond are accessory structures requiring a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks. Carports count toward lot coverage limits and generally cannot be placed in front yards. Minimum side yard setbacks typically 3 to 5 feet apply depending on zoning district.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Permanent tiny homes on foundations in Richmond must meet the Virginia USBC and zoning rules including minimum dwelling size in some districts. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. Tiny homes as detached ADUs may be allowed under the ADU ordinance.