ADUs are allowed in ChathamTypes:Internal
Types:Internal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Chatham, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1,033
Owner-occupied
53%
Zoning districts
9
Avg Home Value
$183,785
Median Lot Size
0.42 acres
Avg Income
$54,904
Residential Types:
1,037 housing units
Single Family
99%
Zoning Districts:
1,866 parcels · 9 districts
A-1
58%(1,080)
B-1
21%(396)
B-2
10%(185)
A-2
9%(166)
Other
2%(39)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Chatham, VA?
Chatham, 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: Not addressed in the local bylaw
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner or lessee must occupy a portion as residence.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU: renting prohibited; occupancy limited to the owner, lessee, or their employees; no for-profit use.
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.
Pittsylvania County