Accessory Structures in West Virginia (2026)
7 rules on the books across West Virginia, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
ADU Rules
Rules for building accessory dwelling units (granny flats, in-law suites) including size limits, parking requirements, and owner-occupancy rules.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Whether the property owner must live on-site to operate an ADU, deed-restriction requirements, and recent state-law changes lifting owner-occupancy rules.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Whether an ADU can be rented short-term (Airbnb), 30-day minimums, separate rental licenses, and long-term lease requirements.
Shed & Carport Rules
When a storage shed or carport needs a permit, the square-footage exemption thresholds, and the setback and height limits that apply either way.
Charleston
Some RestrictionsCharleston's zoning ordinance treats a detached carport as an accessory structure: it cannot sit in the front yard…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Kanawha County requires a building permit to place any structure, so even a small shed technically needs…
Read full rule →Tiny Homes
Zoning rules for tiny houses on wheels and foundations, including minimum square footage requirements and where they can be placed.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsA tiny home built on a permanent chassis and used as a dwelling becomes a "manufactured home" under W. Va. Code…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Kanawha County, a foundation-built tiny home is a dwelling under the West Virginia State Building…
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