Virginia Zoning & Land Use Guide
Last updated: Verified:
Comprehensive guide to Virginia zoning laws, building codes, and land use regulations.
Key Facts
- Building Code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Law: Varies by city
- ADU Details: Virginia has no enacted general statewide ADU preemption law. SB 304 (2024) passed the Senate but was continued to 2025 in the House Counties, Cities and Towns Committee; Va. Code § 15.2-2292.1 covers only temporary family health care structures.
Cities in Virginia
Alexandria
Pop. 159,467
ADU: Allowed
Arlington
Pop. 238,000
ADU: Allowed
Blacksburg
Pop. 45,000
ADU: Allowed
Charlottesville
Pop. 46,553
ADU: Allowed
Chesapeake
Pop. 249,422
ADU: Allowed
Danville
Pop. 42,590
ADU: Allowed
Fairfax City
Pop. 24,000
ADU: Allowed
Fredericksburg
Pop. 27,982
ADU: Allowed
Hampton
Pop. 137,148
ADU: Allowed
Harrisonburg
Pop. 51,814
ADU: Allowed
Leesburg
Pop. 52,000
ADU: Allowed
Lynchburg
Pop. 79,009
ADU: Allowed
Manassas
Pop. 42,772
ADU: Allowed
Newport News
Pop. 186,247
ADU: Allowed
Norfolk
Pop. 238,005
ADU: Allowed
Portsmouth
Pop. 97,915
ADU: Allowed
Richmond
Pop. 226,610
ADU: Allowed
Roanoke
Pop. 100,011
ADU: Allowed
Salem
Pop. 25,346
ADU: Allowed
Staunton
Pop. 25,750
ADU: Allowed
Suffolk
Pop. 94,324
ADU: Allowed
Virginia Beach
Pop. 459,470
ADU: Allowed
Waynesboro
Pop. 22,196
ADU: Allowed
Winchester
Pop. 28,120
ADU: Allowed
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department.