5 rules for unincorporated Chesterfield County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Chesterfield does not allow a separate accessory dwelling by right. Using an accessory building as a dwelling generally requires a Conditional Use Permit approved by the Board of Supervisors. Accessory buildings themselves may not exceed the primary dwelling's square footage. Virginia has no statewide by-right ADU mandate.
Chesterfield County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 19.1-304.A.1
In R and MH-2 Districts, the gross square footage of all accessory buildings on a lot shall not exceed the gross square footage of the primary dwelling, excluding any basement.
A shed up to 256 square feet needs no building permit in Chesterfield, but larger sheds do. All sheds must be anchored and meet Zoning Ordinance setbacks from every property line. Adding electricity requires a separate electrical permit.
Chesterfield County Building Inspection, Requirements for Sheds, Carports and Garages (Virginia USBC)
Sheds 257 square feet or larger, carports and light-framed garages, all require permits. If the shed does not exceed 256 square feet ..., it does not require a building permit. However ... The shed must comply with Zoning Ordinance setbacks from all property lines.
Enclosing a carport or converting a garage into living space requires building permits and must meet the Virginia building code and zoning. A structure open on fewer than two sides is treated as a garage. Creating a separate dwelling needs a Conditional Use Permit.
Chesterfield County Building Inspection, Requirements for Sheds, Carports and Garages
A carport is a structure open on at least two sides used generally for covering vehicles ... If the structure does not open on at least two sides, it shall be considered a garage and will have to comply with all code requirements for garages.
Carports need a building permit in Chesterfield regardless of size. A carport is a structure open on at least two sides for covering vehicles; enclose it further and it becomes a garage. Carports must meet accessory-building setbacks that vary by zoning district.
Chesterfield County Building Inspection, Requirements for Sheds, Carports and Garages
A carport is a structure open on at least two sides used generally for covering vehicles. It may be attached to the house or be free standing. If the structure does not open on at least two sides, it shall be considered a garage.
Chesterfield has no special tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is a dwelling that must meet the Virginia building code and district minimum standards and setbacks. A tiny house on wheels is treated as an RV and cannot be a permanent residence.
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