Accessory Structures in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Accessory dwelling units are allowed only in the R-40 Residential District, capped at 800 square feet and one bedroom, for family or an on-premise employee.
Virginia Beach ADUs Limited to R-40 Zoning
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 111 (Definitions, "Limited use accessory dwelling unit"); see also § 501(b)(1)
A dwelling unit located on the same zoning lot as the principal dwelling unit which (i) shall only be occupied by a member(s) of the immediate family who currently reside in and are owners of the principal dwelling unit or an on premise employee, (ii) are only allowed in the R-40 Residential Zoning District as an accessory use, ... (iv) shall not contain more than one (1) bedroom nor more than ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Virginia Beach zoning permits a 'limited use accessory dwelling unit' only in the R-40 Residential District, and it may house only an immediate family member who owns the home or an on-premise employee: never an independent tenant.
Virginia Beach ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 111 (definition of "Limited use accessory dwelling unit"); see also § 501(b)(1)
Limited use accessory dwelling unit. A dwelling unit located on the same zoning lot as the principal dwelling unit which (i) shall only be occupied by a member(s) of the immediate family who currently reside in and are owners of the principal dwelling unit or an on premise employee, (ii) are only allowed in the R-40 Residential Zoning District as an accessory use ... (iv) shall not contain more...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Virginia Beach's "limited use" accessory dwelling units are restricted to the R-40 zoning district and can only house immediate family or an on-premise employee: the zoning ordinance flatly bars renting or leasing them out.
ADU Rental Restrictions in Virginia Beach
Significant RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 111 (definition of "Limited use accessory dwelling unit")
Limited use accessory dwelling unit. A dwelling unit located on the same zoning lot as the principal dwelling unit which (i) shall only be occupied by a member(s) of the immediate family who currently reside in and are owners of the principal dwelling unit or an on premise employee, (ii) are only allowed in the R-40 Residential Zoning District as an accessory use, (iii) shall not be rented, lea...
Shed & Carport Rules
Backyard sheds and other accessory structures in Virginia Beach get a reduced 5-foot side and rear yard setback if they're 150 square feet or smaller with an eave height of 8 feet or less; larger sheds must meet the full district yard setback instead.
Virginia Beach Shed Setback & Size Rules
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 502(6.1), (10.1)
Minimum side yard setback for accessory structures no larger than 150 square feet in area and with an eave height no greater than 8 feet except when adjacent to a street: 5 ... Minimum rear yard setback for accessory structures no larger than 150 square feet in area and with an eave height no greater than 8 feet except when adjacent to a street: 5