5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Norfolk City, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Norfolk permits accessory dwelling units. On single-family lots of 6,000 square feet or more (SF-6 and larger), an ADU is allowed by right, capped at 800 square feet, one per lot.
In Norfolk, a detached accessory structure of 256 square feet or smaller needs only a zoning certificate, not a building permit. Anything larger, or attached to the house, requires a building permit.
City of Norfolk, Building a Fence, Driveway, or Accessory Structure (zoning certificate guidance)
A ZONING CERTIFICATE CAN ONLY BE ISSUED FOR STRUCTURES 256 SQFT OR SMALLER.
Converting a Norfolk garage into living space requires a building permit and must meet Virginia USBC habitable-room standards: egress, insulation, HVAC, and electrical. Lost off-street parking may need to be replaced.
A freestanding carport 256 square feet or smaller can be approved in Norfolk with a zoning certificate; a larger carport, or one attached to the house, needs a building permit.
City of Norfolk, Building a Fence, Driveway, or Accessory Structure (zoning certificate guidance)
If the structure exceeds 256sqft or is attached to the main building, it will require a building permit.
In Norfolk, a tiny home on a permanent foundation is treated as a dwelling and must meet building code; the ADU rules offer the main path for a small second home on a lot.
1 cities in Norfolk City have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Norfolk City — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Norfolk City Ordinance Hub →