ADUs are allowed in ViennaTypes:Internal
Types:Internal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Vienna, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
5,608
Owner-occupied
83%
Zoning districts
20
Avg Home Value
$1,353,995
Median Lot Size
0.28 acres
Avg Income
$222,221
Residential Types:
5,608 housing units
Single Family
83%
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Other
15%
Zoning Districts:
6,112 parcels · 20 districts
RS-10
43%(2,620)
RS-12.5
25%(1,499)
RMU
12%(717)
RS-16
11%(692)
Other
10%(584)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Vienna, VA?
Vienna, 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: Not permitted
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft
- –Maximum size of 40% of the principal residence’s floor area
- –With special approval, maximum size is the lesser of 1,000 sq ft or 40% of the principal residence’s floor area
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in either the principal residence or ADU
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; in addition to principal dwelling spaces (2 for up to 3 bedrooms; 3 for 4 bedrooms; 4 for 4+ bedrooms); spaces may be on driveway/garage/carport; no transit-based reductions or waivers.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU cannot be created or rented; Attached ALU prohibits short-term rentals and requires a minimum 30-day lease.
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.
Fairfax County