ADU rules for Unincorporated Lancaster
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Lancaster, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1
Zoning districts
12
Zoning Districts:
13,100 parcels · 12 districts
R1
75%(9,774)
A2
11%(1,411)
R3
7%(912)
R2
4%(540)
Other
4%(463)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Lancaster, VA?
Unincorporated Lancaster, VA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
- –Detached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
Parking
- –2 off-street spaces per ADU; on the same lot as the main building; no off-site parking; applies at erection or when the main building is enlarged; no ADU-specific waivers.
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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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.
Lancaster County