ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated HighlandTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Highland, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
2,265
Owner-occupied
61%
Zoning districts
14
Avg Home Value
$104,943
Median Lot Size
2.98 acres
Avg Income
$69,232
Residential Types:
2,265 housing units
Single Family
100%
Zoning Districts:
4,392 parcels · 14 districts
A
83%(3,652)
R-3
5%(227)
R-2
5%(200)
B
2%(98)
Other
5%(215)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Highland, VA?
Unincorporated Highland, 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 ADU area up to 100% of the primary dwelling’s finished square footage (internal units).
- –Maximum ADU area up to 50% of the primary dwelling’s finished square footage (attached units).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 50% of the finished square footage of the primary dwelling for a detached accessory apartment.
Parking
- –No ADU-specific parking min/max listed; general rule requires on-site parking; if not reasonably provided, may be within 600 ft (125% max applies to commercial uses only).
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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Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs