ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated SurryTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Surry, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
4,048
Owner-occupied
43%
Zoning districts
15
Avg Home Value
$202,802
Median Lot Size
2.13 acres
Avg Income
$75,850
Residential Types:
4,048 housing units
Single Family
98%
Apts (4+ units)
2%
Zoning Districts:
5,776 parcels · 15 districts
A-R
89%(5,114)
R-2
7%(382)
R-1
2%(123)
A-1
1%(43)
Other
2%(114)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Surry, VA?
Unincorporated Surry, 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
- –Maximum size is 50% of the principal dwelling’s finished floor area
- –In the B-2 district, size is capped at 50% of the building’s gross floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum area of 1,000 sq ft for a detached accessory dwelling unit.
- –Maximum area equal to 50% of the principal dwelling’s finished floor area.
- –In the A-R district, accessory structures (including a detached ADU) are limited to 4% of lot area, up to 5,000 sq ft; this cap can be increased by special use permit.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot or parcel
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside on the premises.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; required on the same lot; garage spaces do not count; no ADU-specific waivers or reductions
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