Accessory Structures in Richmond, VA (2026)
3 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 permits one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot, but caps it at one-third of the main house's floor area or 500 square feet, whichever is greater. City Code § 30-402.2(13) routes ADU structures through the accessory-building standards in Article VI, Division 9, and requires access sign-off from both the Department of Public Works and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services before occupancy.
Richmond Accessory Dwelling Unit Size Limits
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 30-402.2(13)
(13)One accessory dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling, provided that:a.The accessory dwelling unit cannot exceed one-third of the floor area of the main single-family dwelling or 500 square feet, whichever is greater.b.An accessory building with an accessory dwelling unit shall be subject to the requirements of Article VI, Division 9 of this chapter.c.Access to an ...
Shed & Carport Rules
Richmond caps accessory structures like sheds and detached garages at 20 feet in height and limits their combined footprint to no more than the footprint of the main house. Placement within required yards depends on the structure's height and the zoning district, with extra clearance required near alleys and side lot lines.
Richmond Accessory Building Height and Size Limits
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 30-680.1(a); § 30-680.4
In any zoning district except R-6, R-7 and R-8, a building accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling and not exceeding 12 feet in height may be located within a required rear yard, but not within five feet of an alley, provided that where a rear yard abuts a side lot line of an adjoining lot, no such accessory building shall be located nearer such side lot line than a distance equal t...
Tiny Homes
Richmond's zoning code does not let residents place a tiny home in the backyard as an ordinary accessory structure. A tiny home, defined at Richmond City Code § 30-1220 as a structure of 400 square feet or less, is only a lawful use as part of a licensed assemblage of two or more units serving emergency, transitional, or permanent supportive housing, and only in the B-3 or M-1 zoning districts.
Richmond Tiny Homes Allowed Only As Licensed Housing
Significant RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 30-1220 (.121:1); § 30-698.2(a)(4)
Tiny home means a small, relocatable, structure for shelter, whether on foundations or on chassis, no larger than 400 square feet and in conformance with International Residential Code AQ101 through AQ105. The term "tiny home" shall not mean a recreational vehicle or travel trailer as defined in this section. ... A property providing an emergency housing, transitional housing, or permanent supp...