ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated SmythTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Smyth, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
4
Zoning districts
13
Zoning Districts:
25,992 parcels · 13 districts
A/R
76%(19,823)
R
13%(3,351)
A
5%(1,339)
C
3%(782)
Other
3%(697)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Smyth, VA?
Unincorporated Smyth, 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 size of 1,000 sq ft
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 1,000 sq ft for an accessory dwelling unit.
- –In residential districts, an accessory building may not be larger than the principal residence.
Max Units
- –Single-family lot: 1 ADU per lot.
- –Commercial principal use: 1 ADU per lot.
- –Duplex or multifamily principal structures: none specified.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner occupancy not required.
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
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.
Smyth County