Accessory Structures in Roanoke County, VA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Roanoke County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In Roanoke County, Virginia (outside the independent cities of Roanoke and Salem), a homeowner can add an accessory apartment to a detached single-family home by right under Code § 30-82-1. The unit tops out at 50 percent of the principal home's finished floor area or 1,500 square feet, whichever is smaller, with a 300-square-foot floor minimum.
Accessory Apartment Zoning Standards in Roanoke County
Some RestrictionsRoanoke County Code § 30-82-1(B)1-3,6-7
(B)General standards.1.An accessory apartment shall be permitted by right as an accessory use to a detached single-family residence.2.An accessory apartment may be located in an accessory structure on the lot provided:a.The parcel meets the minimum lot size requirement of the zoning district it is located in.b.The accessory building shall comply with all applicable zoning requirements for a pri...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In Roanoke County, Virginia (outside the independent cities of Roanoke and Salem), a property with an accessory apartment isn't a rental-only setup: Code § 30-82-1(B)4 caps a lot to one accessory apartment and requires the owner of the property to actually live on the premises.
Accessory Apartment Owner-Occupancy Rule, Roanoke Co.
Some RestrictionsRoanoke County Code § 30-82-1(B)4,8
4.Only one (1) accessory apartment shall be allowed on any one (1) lot or parcel, and the owner of the property shall reside on the premises. ... 8.Health department approval of sewage disposal shall be submitted prior to issuance of a building permit for an accessory apartment.
Shed & Carport Rules
In Roanoke County, Virginia (outside the independent cities of Roanoke and Salem), a zoning permit is required before you erect a shed, playhouse, gazebo, storage building or other accessory structure, unless it is a patio. In the R-1 district, an accessory building must sit behind the front building line, keep 10 feet off the side line (or 3 feet behind the rear line), stay 3 feet off the rear line, and stay under 15 feet tall.
Roanoke County Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsRoanoke County Code §§ 30-9(A), 30-41-3(B)-(D)
(A)A zoning permit shall be required for the erection, construction, reconstruction, moving, adding to, or alteration of any structure, or the establishment of any land use, except as listed below:1.Patios.2.Fences, provided their location and design conform to section 30-92, section 30-100-8 and section 30-100-9 of this ordinance. ... (B)Minimum setback requirements.1.Front yard:a.Principal st...
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