ADUs are allowed in RoanokeTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Roanoke, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
32,363
Owner-occupied
69%
Zoning districts
45
Avg Home Value
$259,539
Median Lot Size
0.20 acres
Avg Income
$65,862
Residential Types:
33,266 housing units
Single Family
89%
2-3 Family
3%
Apts (4+ units)
8%
Zoning Districts:
44,437 parcels · 45 districts
RM-1
30%(13,324)
R-5
22%(9,868)
R-7
20%(8,948)
R-12
6%(2,792)
Other
21%(9,505)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Roanoke, VA?
Roanoke, 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 internal or attached in-home apartment size is 40% of the principal building’s gross floor area.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size of 800 sq ft
- –Maximum detached ADU size of 80% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area
Max Units
- –1 ADU per single-family lot
- –Duplex, multifamily, JADU: none specified
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy is not required.
Rental Restrictions
- –Minimum rental term is 30 days; short-term rentals allowed only if approved under Sec. 36.2-405; otherwise prohibited.
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