ADUs are allowed in OnancockTypes:Internal
Types:Internal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Onancock, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
785
Owner-occupied
61%
Zoning districts
9
Avg Home Value
$397,641
Median Lot Size
0.32 acres
Avg Income
$56,191
Residential Types:
785 housing units
Single Family
97%
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Other
2%
Zoning Districts:
1,215 parcels · 9 districts
R-1A
37%(447)
R-1B
28%(341)
R-1C
15%(181)
B-1
8%(92)
Other
13%(154)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Onancock, VA?
Onancock, VA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Special Permit
- –Detached ADU: Not permitted
Max Units
- –1 apartment per dwelling unit (internal, within the dwelling; owner-occupied; via special use permit)
- –Detached ADUs not permitted (only attached structures may be used for residential purposes)
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in the dwelling itself.
Parking
- –No ADU-specific parking min/max; code lacks ADU definition or numeric parking ratio; detached accessory use prohibited unless attached; R-1 allows a single internal apartment by SUP with potential parking conditions.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADUs cannot be used for residential purposes and thus cannot be rented.\nInternal ADUs: STRs limited to 3 weeks; require business license and special use permit (expires after 3 years); 200 ft spacing between STRs; max one STR per owner/location; occupancy limits (2 guests per bedroom, 4 per full bath); parking; 24/7 local contact, proof of insurance, inspections; permits may be revoked for noncompliance.
ADU State Law
What can you build in Virginia?
- –Virginia does not have a statewide ADU mandate; ADU rules are set by individual municipalities.
- –Building/fire codes are set statewide, but whether an ADU is allowed is local zoning.
- –SB 304 would have mandated ADUs. It passed the Virginia Senate in 2024 but was continued/left in House committee (i.e., not enacted statewide)
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Virginia municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Accomack County