5 rules for unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Henrico County allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, only accessory to a single-family detached home. It cannot exceed 800 sq ft or 35% of the main house, must share the address and utilities, and cannot be rented for under 30 days.
Henrico County Code § 24-4406(A),(E)
An accessory dwelling unit is allowed only as accessory to a single-family detached dwelling... The floor area of an accessory dwelling unit must not exceed the lesser of 800 square feet or 35 percent of the finished floor area of the principal dwelling.
In Henrico County a detached shed must sit 10 ft from the house, 6 ft from other structures, 10 ft from street/alley lines, and 3 ft from other lot lines. It cannot exceed 20 ft tall, must be in the rear yard, and all accessory structures may cover no more
Henrico County Code § 24-4404(A)(6)
Accessory structures must be located:... Ten feet from the principal dwelling...; Six feet from all structures other than the principal dwelling; Ten feet from all street and alley lines; and Three feet from all other lot lines, except that a swimming pool must be located at least ten feet from all lot lines.
Henrico County has no standalone garage-conversion ordinance, but converting a garage into livable space needs a USBC building permit. If the conversion creates a separate living unit, it must meet the accessory dwelling unit rules in Sec. 24-4406.
Henrico County Code § 24-4406(C)
An accessory dwelling unit may be within or attached to the principal dwelling (e.g., a downstairs or upstairs apartment) or exist within or as a detached building (e.g., an apartment above a detached garage).
A carport in Henrico County is an accessory structure. A detached carport must meet accessory-structure setbacks (10 ft from the house, 3 ft from lot lines, 10 ft from streets/alleys) and stay under 20 ft. An attached carport must meet the main dwelling's setbacks.
Henrico County Code § 24-4404(C)
A private garage or other accessory structure may be attached to the principal dwelling if the accessory structure is: (1) Made integral with the principal dwelling; or (2) Attached to the principal dwelling by a covered passageway not less than ten feet wide.
Henrico County has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A tiny house on wheels, an RV, or a travel trailer cannot be used as a dwelling or ADU. A tiny house on a permanent foundation that meets the building code could qualify as an accessory dwelling unit capped at 800 sq ft.
Henrico County Code § 24-4406(H)
A manufactured home or recreational vehicle, travel trailer, camper, or similar vehicle must not be used as an accessory dwelling unit.
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