Can you build an ADU in Virginia Beach, VA?

Unclear — verify with the town

The provided code excerpt only confirms a limited use accessory dwelling unit as an accessory use in the R-40 District. The sources were not sufficient to determine broader citywide ADU rules.

Confidence: low · Last researched May 2026

Accessory dwelling unit rules

A limited use accessory dwelling unit is specifically listed as an accessory use in the R-40 District only in the provided residential district excerpt.

  • Listed as a detached guest house and limited use accessory dwelling unit within the R-40 District only
  • Verify whether other ADU provisions exist elsewhere in the ordinance, because the provided sources were partial

Dimensional standards in Virginia Beach, VA

R-5D Residential Duplex District — typical lot area pattern referenced in legislative intentfive thousand (5,000) square feet
R-5D Residential Duplex District — typical duplex lot area pattern referenced in legislative intentten thousand (10,000) square feet
R-5R Residential Resort District — existing lot area pattern referenced in legislative intentless than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet

Related questions

Are ADUs allowed in Virginia Beach, VA?

A limited use accessory dwelling unit is specifically listed as an accessory use in the R-40 District only in the provided residential district excerpt.

Full investor analysis

You've seen the general rule. The full Virginia Beach, VA report shows which districts allow ADUs by-right vs. by special permit, the approval path and timeline, and the overlay/flood constraints that quietly kill ADU projects here. First town report is free.

Get the full Virginia Beach, VA report free →

More about Virginia Beach, VA zoning

View the full Virginia Beach, VA zoning report →

This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Virginia Beach, VA officials before making decisions.

More Virginia zoning reports →