Accessory Structures in York County, VA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated York County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In York County, Virginia, a single-family detached home may have one accessory apartment by right, capped at 1,000 square feet or 35% of the principal structure's floor area, whichever is less, in the RC, RR, R33, R20, and R13 districts.
York County Accessory Apartment Size Limits
Some RestrictionsYork County Code § 24.1-407(a), (b)(1)-(3)
(a)Not more than one (1) accessory apartment may be permitted in conjunction with a single-family detached dwelling. ... 1.Accessory apartments not exceeding 1,000 square feet or 35% of the floor area of the principal structure, whichever is less, shall be permitted as a matter of right in the RC, RR, R33, R20 and R13 zoning districts.2.Notwithstanding the above limitations, and upon authorizat...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In York County, Virginia, an accessory apartment cannot be rented to the general public. It can only house family, a caretaker, or a domestic employee, and the property owner must record a deed restriction before the county will issue a building permit for it.
York County Accessory Apartment Rental Ban
Significant RestrictionsYork County Code § 24.1-407(h), (j)
The accessory apartment shall be occupied only by family members (related by blood, marriage, or adoption) or guests of the occupant of the single-family dwelling or by a bona fide medical/health caretaker or domestic employee of the occupant of the single family dwelling. The apartment shall not be offered to the general public for rental or other occupancy arrangements. ... Prior to issuance ...
Shed & Carport Rules
York County, Virginia allows residential carports, garages and utility sheds as accessory structures, but bans containerized cargo units outright and holds every shed to setback, height and footprint limits tied to the main house.
Shed and Garage Rules, York County, Virginia
Some RestrictionsYork County Code §§ 24.1-271(c), 24.1-273(a),(d),(g),(h)
Carports, garages, utility sheds, and similar storage facilities customarily associated with residential living. The use of containerized cargo units is prohibited. ... With the exception of statues, arbors, trellises, flagpoles, fences, walls or roadside stands, accessory buildings or structures shall not be located closer to the front lot line than the principal building façade provided, howe...
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