ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated SouthamptonTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Southampton, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1
Zoning districts
26
Zoning Districts:
12,896 parcels · 26 districts
A-1
64%(8,246)
R-1
20%(2,637)
A-2
9%(1,165)
R-2
2%(211)
Other
5%(637)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Southampton, VA?
Unincorporated Southampton, 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 50% of the principal dwelling’s floor area, capped at 1,000 sq ft
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 50% of the area of the principal structure
- –Maximum size of 1,000 sq ft
Max Units
- –Single-family detached: 1 ADU per lot; Duplex/multifamily: 0 ADUs.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in either the principal structure or ADU
Parking
- –1 space per ADU; no ADU-specific standard; uses not listed follow the general similar-use demand (on-site; fractional spaces rounded up; mixed uses add requirements).
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.
Southampton County