ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated NorthamptonTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Northampton, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
9,474
Owner-occupied
59%
Zoning districts
34
Avg Home Value
$175,872
Median Lot Size
0.94 acres
Avg Income
$84,862
Residential Types:
9,474 housing units
Single Family
1%
Other
99%
Zoning Districts:
11,258 parcels · 34 districts
A/RB
34%(3,796)
V/R
12%(1,314)
H/R
11%(1,220)
ES/R-A1
8%(951)
Other
35%(3,977)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Northampton, VA?
Unincorporated Northampton, 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 size of 50% of the principal single-family dwelling’s gross heated floor area.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 50% of the principal dwelling's gross heated floor area
Max Units
- –Detached single-family: 1 ADU (internal/attached/detached)
- –Multifamily/duplex: ADUs not permitted
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in the principal dwelling or the ADU
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; parking must be on the same lot; off-site parking may be approved if on-lot is not feasible or for safety; may reduce up to 20% during site plan review
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.
Northampton County