ADUs are allowed in TappahannockTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Tappahannock, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
627
Owner-occupied
39%
Zoning districts
12
Avg Home Value
$249,485
Median Lot Size
0.31 acres
Avg Income
$52,866
Residential Types:
627 housing units
Single Family
98%
Other
2%
Zoning Districts:
1,275 parcels · 12 districts
R-2
30%(385)
R-3
20%(256)
CG-2
17%(218)
R-1
12%(147)
Other
21%(269)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Tappahannock, VA?
Tappahannock, VA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 30% of the principal dwelling's gross floor area for an internal or attached accessory apartment
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size cannot exceed 50% of the principal building’s total square footage
Max Units
- –1 accessory apartment per existing single-family dwelling
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy one dwelling unit on the premises
Parking
- –Off-street parking per Article XVII; no ADU-specific rate; flex by permit-issuing authority; on-site and on same lot; no joint use; only parking increase required when adding an ADU to an existing building.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals of an ADU require a special exception (Type B) in specified zones and must meet conditions; Short-Term Rental-Type A does not permit renting a separate ADU (only bedrooms in an owner-occupied home).
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.
Essex County