ADUs are allowed in SmithfieldTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Smithfield, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
3,923
Owner-occupied
75%
Zoning districts
30
Avg Home Value
$790,583
Median Lot Size
0.38 acres
Avg Income
$105,660
Residential Types:
3,923 housing units
Single Family
69%
Other
31%
Zoning Districts:
4,826 parcels · 30 districts
N-R
34%(1,630)
DN-R
14%(675)
S-R
14%(660)
MF-R
6%(310)
Other
32%(1,551)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Smithfield, VA?
Smithfield, VA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Special Permit
- –Detached ADU: Special Permit
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum internal ADU size: 1,000 sq ft
- –Maximum internal ADU size: 40% of existing floor area of the primary structure
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size: 1,000 sq ft for a detached accessory dwelling unit
- –Maximum size: 40% of the existing floor area of the primary structure for a detached accessory dwelling unit
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy principal dwelling or ADU as primary residence
Parking
- –1 space per ADU (off-street), in addition to primary dwelling parking; SU permit required in C-C, S-R, N-R, DN-R, RO, PMUD (excluding multifamily); minor site plan required for ADU additions or extra parking.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU: Short-term rentals prohibited unless SUP; if allowed, cap 104 nights/year; no room-by-room rentals in the ADU or accessory buildings.
- –Attached/Internal ADU: Short-term rentals allowed by-right but capped at 104 nights/year; no room-by-room rentals in the primary dwelling or ADU.
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
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Virginia municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Isle of Wight County