ADU rules for Unincorporated Wise
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Wise, VA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
52
Owner-occupied
33%
Zoning districts
18
Avg Home Value
$56,215
Median Lot Size
0.95 acres
Avg Income
$46,603
Residential Types:
52 housing units
Single Family
100%
Zoning Districts:
22,734 parcels · 18 districts
A-RR
57%(13,001)
R-1
22%(4,960)
R-2
11%(2,514)
CR
6%(1,273)
Other
4%(986)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Wise, VA?
Unincorporated Wise, VA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
- –Detached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
Parking
- –No ADU-specific parking; general off-street parking rules apply; detached ADUs may be prohibited by Sec. 3-7.2.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU: No accessory building shall be used for dwelling purposes except by domestic employees or caretakers.
- –Detached: A manufactured home on the same lot cannot be rented to unrelated tenants (only immediate family allowed).
- –Dwelling uses not generally available for occupancy for periods less than one week (short-term rentals 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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ADU rules in other Virginia municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Wise County