ADUs are allowed in AbingdonTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Abingdon, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
21
Zoning districts
19
Zoning Districts:
4,495 parcels · 19 districts
R-3
39%(1,758)
R-2
17%(755)
R-1
12%(560)
B-2
11%(515)
Other
20%(907)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Abingdon, VA?
Abingdon, 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 800 sq ft of finished floor area
- –No maximum if a Special Use Permit approves additional square footage
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft of finished floor area for a detached accessory dwelling unit; larger size only by special use permit.
Max Units
- –Single-family detached: 1 ADU per parcel (more only via special use permit)
- –Duplex/multifamily: 0
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; garage spaces count; waivers in Old & Historic District/Entrance Corridor; joint/shared parking and reductions may be approved
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals defined as fewer than 30 consecutive days; minimum stay is overnight and STR registration/standards apply; no ADU-specific rental ban stated.
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.
Washington County