ADUs are allowed in FranklinTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Franklin, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
3,628
Owner-occupied
31%
Zoning districts
19
Avg Home Value
$175,303
Median Lot Size
0.21 acres
Avg Income
$60,348
Residential Types:
3,628 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
4,942 parcels · 19 districts
R-2
38%(1,865)
R-O
28%(1,381)
R-1
16%(779)
B-3
5%(235)
Other
14%(682)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Franklin, VA?
Franklin, 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
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Detached ADU (backyard cottage) maximum living space of 900 sq ft
- –Detached ADU (backyard cottage) must be smaller in area than the main structure
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Parking
- –No explicit min/max; ADU parking not assigned. For unlisted uses, parking must mirror a similar use (§18.3); joint/off-site parking within 300 ft allowed (§18.4); B-2 district off-street parking not required (§18.5(f)).
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