ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated CarolineTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Caroline, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
18,613
Owner-occupied
74%
Zoning districts
18
Avg Home Value
$139,053
Median Lot Size
0.59 acres
Avg Income
$88,957
Residential Types:
18,613 housing units
Single Family
14%
Other
86%
Zoning Districts:
22,257 parcels · 18 districts
RP
65%(14,471)
R-1
23%(5,146)
PMUD
5%(1,158)
PRD
3%(567)
Other
4%(915)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Caroline, VA?
Unincorporated Caroline, 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
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 750 sq ft for internal or attached accessory apartment or in-law suite
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 750 sq ft for an accessory apartment or in-law suite (detached allowed).
- –Maximum size of 1,000 sq ft for a Family Apartment (district-specific alternate).
- –By special exception on lots at least 50 acres: maximum of 2,500 sq ft and no more than 50% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area.
Max Units
- –AP & RP: 1 family apartment (ADU) per single-family lot
Owner Occupancy
- –At least one owner must occupy the principal residence.
Parking
- –1 space per bedroom; max 2 spaces due to 2-bedroom limit; no transit waivers
Rental Restrictions
- –In-law suites may not be rented or occupied by non-family members unless approved via conditional use (detached garage or integrated into the principal structure).
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.
Caroline County