ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated AmherstTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Amherst, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
19,000
Owner-occupied
75%
Zoning districts
11
Avg Home Value
$190,053
Median Lot Size
1.03 acres
Avg Income
$69,013
Residential Types:
19,000 housing units
Single Family
98%
Apts (4+ units)
2%
Zoning Districts:
24,105 parcels · 11 districts
A-1
46%(11,107)
R-2
23%(5,663)
R-1
22%(5,328)
B-2
4%(1,019)
Other
4%(988)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Amherst, VA?
Unincorporated Amherst, VA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
- –Detached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
Parking
- –2 off-street spaces per ADU; max not stated. Up to 25% reduction by special exception; parking on the same lot, but if not feasible within 600 ft may be designated on the permit; MU/TND districts allow on-street spaces to count toward the requirement.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals (<30 days) of ADUs are regulated under Sec. 916 and may require a special exception; must meet site plan, occupancy limits (max two adults per bedroom), parking, and safety standards; no ADU-specific rental prohibition or minimum lease term identified.
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.
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ADU rules in other Virginia municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Amherst County