Virginia Zoning & Land Use Laws
Zoning regulations, ADU laws, short-term rental rules, and land use policies for Virginia. Source-cited from state legislation and municipal codes.
Total Cities
229
Total Counties
95
ADU State Law
Yes
Lot Split Law
No state law
Cottage Food Law
Yes
Cities With Data
2
Virginia ADU Law
Virginia has a statewide ADU law — Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291 — Accessory Apartments — effective 2021-07-01. This law preempts local ordinances — cities and counties cannot impose restrictions stricter than the state standard. Key provisions include: Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291 requires localities to allow accessory apartments (ADUs) in all single-family residential zones; Localities must permit at least one accessory apartment per single-family dwelling unit; ADUs may be located within or attached to the primary structure, and 5 more. The most recent amendment was HB 1919 / SB 1205 (2021): Strengthened Virginia's accessory apartment law by clarifying that localities must allow at least one accessory apartment in single-family residential districts. Updated definitions and compliance requirements. Effective July 1, 2021.
View full VirginiaADU law details →Cottage Food Law
Virginia Cottage Food Law (Virginia Code Section 3.2-5130): Allows home-based food production and direct-to-consumer sale of non-potentially-hazardous foods without a food establishment permit. Permitted products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, and similar shelf-stable items. Annual gross revenue limit of $25,000 per year. Direct-to-consumer sales only — no retail or wholesale distribution. Sales may occur from the home, at farmers markets, and at temporary food events. Products must be labeled with: producer name and address, product name, ingredient list, net weight, allergen statement, and 'This product was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.' No state permit required. Virginia's cottage food law was updated in 2022 to add allergen labeling requirements consistent with federal food labeling standards. The $25,000 cap is typical for the Mid-Atlantic region. Online sales with in-person delivery are generally permitted under Virginia's interpretation of direct-to-consumer sales.
State Preemption Active
Virginia state law preempts local zoning ordinances in several areas. Local governments cannot enact rules stricter than the state baseline.
Learn about Virginiazoning preemption →Recent Legislative Changes
2021 — HB 1919 / SB 1205
Strengthened Virginia's accessory apartment law by clarifying that localities must allow at least one accessory apartment in single-family residential districts. Updated definitions and compliance requirements. Effective July 1, 2021.
Virginia Cities with Zoning Data
Source: Virginia Code Section 15.2-2291 — Accessory Apartments. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source