ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated HanoverTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Hanover, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
40,578
Owner-occupied
83%
Zoning districts
29
Avg Home Value
$480,710
Median Lot Size
0.61 acres
Avg Income
$119,387
Residential Types:
40,578 housing units
Single Family
96%
Apts (4+ units)
4%
Zoning Districts:
49,449 parcels · 29 districts
A-1
39%(19,309)
R-2
16%(7,672)
R-1
14%(7,043)
RS
9%(4,563)
Other
22%(10,862)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Hanover, VA?
Unincorporated Hanover, 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 internal/attached ADU size is 25% of the main dwelling’s living area (finished floor area including finished basements; excluding attics and attached garages).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size is 25% of the main building’s living area (finished area, including finished basements; excluding attic and attached garage).
Owner Occupancy
- –Owners must reside on the property with the ADU
Parking
- –2 off-street spaces per ADU (in addition to principal residence); no exemptions specified
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU may not be used as a short-term rental (<30 days) without zoning approvals; if approved, only one short-term rental per parcel.
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.
Hanover County