Are Tiny Homes Legal in Virginia?

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Tiny homes have gained popularity recently as more people seek to downsize and simplify their lives. However, before investing in a tiny home, it’s essential to consider the legal implications, as laws vary by state and locality.

This article will explore whether tiny homes are legal in Virginia.

Understanding Tiny Homes

Before diving into Virginia’s laws, let’s define what we mean by “tiny homes.” A tiny home is a small, usually mobile dwelling, typically less than 400 square feet. They often feature space-saving designs and may be built on a trailer or a foundation.

Now, let’s see the laws, rules, and regulations about tiny homes in Virginia.

Virginia’s Zoning Laws

In Virginia, the legality of tiny homes largely depends on zoning laws. Zoning laws regulate how land can be used and developed in different areas. Most tiny homes fall under accessory dwelling units (ADUs), secondary living units on the same property as a primary residence.

💡 Quick Tip:

Research local zoning laws: Before purchasing or building a tiny home in Virginia, research the zoning laws in your local area to ensure it's legal to live in a tiny home.

ADUs in Virginia

In Virginia, ADUs are generally permitted in certain residential zones, subject to specific regulations. For example, an ADU must be smaller than the primary residence and may only house one or two people. Additionally, the property owner must live in either the primary residence or the ADU, and the ADU cannot be rented out as a separate unit.

Tiny Homes on Wheels

Tiny homes on wheels present a unique challenge regarding zoning laws. In Virginia, any dwelling on wheels is considered a recreational vehicle (RV) subject to different regulations.

RV Regulations in Virginia

In Virginia, RVs may be parked on private property for up to 180 days per year as long as they are connected to utilities and meet specific safety requirements. However, RVs cannot be used as permanent residences.

Here is a Useful Video:

Building Codes

In addition to zoning laws, tiny homes in Virginia must also comply with building codes. Building codes dictate how buildings must be constructed to ensure safety and livability.

💡 Quick Tip:

Consider alternative housing options: If tiny homes are not legal in your area or you encounter obstacles, consider alternative housing options such as modular homes or mobile homes.

Virginia’s Building Codes

Virginia has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) to construct residential buildings, including tiny homes. However, the IRC includes minimum size requirements for specific rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, that may be difficult to meet in a tiny home.

Where can I park my tiny house in Virginia?

If you plan to live in Virginia in your tiny house, you must know where to park your home. Some counties allow tiny house owners to buy or rent land to park their houses on.

If you can get your tiny home recognized as an RV or caravan, you can also park it in an RV park, campsite, or state park, though they may restrict your stay. Ultimately, parking regulations vary throughout the state, so checking parking regulations in each place you stay is crucial.

💡 Quick Tip:

Seek legal advice: If you're unsure about the legality of tiny homes in Virginia, consider seeking legal advice from a local attorney specializing in real estate or zoning law.

How to build a tiny house in Virginia?

To ensure that you are building your tiny home legally in Virginia, here’s a checklist you can follow:

1. Decide on the type of tiny house you want, whether you want to build on a permanent foundation or prefer to move around quickly.
2. Research your local zoning laws and building codes by checking with your local library, zoning office, or planning office for physical copies since digital copies are not always available.
3. Find a small house-building company such as Build Tiny or Tiny House Building Company, LLC, based in Virginia, to help you design, plan, and construct your home.
4. Settle on the right place for your tiny house, which could require moving to a different zoning area or simply finding someone to allow you to build in their backyard.
5. Compare home insurance rates and purchase insurance for your tiny house. Even though it’s not required by Virginia law, homeowners insurance is an investment you’ll want to make if your home is damaged or broken into.

Can I put a tiny house on my property in Virginia?

Anyone can put a tiny house on their Virginia-based property if they follow the rules and regulations prescribed in the 2018 Virginia Residential Code.

What do Virginia’s tiny house laws say?

The tiny house laws of Virginia, as contained in the 2018 Virginia Residential Code, came into effect on July 1st, 2021, and provided a new amendment, Appendix Q. Under Appendix Q, a house must cover a maximum of 400 square feet or less in floor area to be considered a “tiny house.”

The Code also provides instructions on measuring lofts in tiny houses, stipulating that they must have a minimum dimension of 7’ x 5’ feet.

Insurance

To protect your tiny house investment, you must purchase insurance. Finding a plan that offers the coverage you need while being affordable can be challenging. But licensed home and auto insurance super app Jerry can help.

You only need to answer a short questionnaire, and Jerry will begin comparing dozens of customized quotes from over 50 trusted insurance providers, giving you plenty of options. Jerry can even help you bundle your home and auto insurance without forcing you through hours of paperwork to maximize your savings.

Building Codes and Laws

Virginia is a state where the tiny house movement has been welcomed. Building codes and laws are still developing and vary depending on where the tiny home is to be located. There are some universal building code basics that potential builders must follow.

There is no minimum size for tiny houses, and the maximum size to be considered a tiny house in Virginia is 500 square feet. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are considered recreational vehicles (RVs) and can be up to 400 square feet.

💡 Quick Tip:

Join a tiny home community: Joining a tiny home community can provide support, resources, and connections to help navigate the legalities of tiny home living in Virginia.

THOW Parking Regulations

THOW parking regulations vary throughout the state according to county or city mandates. In some Virginia counties, tiny houses are only allowed as backyard additional dwelling units (ADUs). Tiny houses may be built on properties in many county areas with the correct connections and permits. Some VA counties allow for developing tiny house communities on a single lot.

💡 Quick Tip:

Be prepared for challenges: Living in a tiny home can have unique challenges, such as limited space, lack of storage, and zoning restrictions. Be prepared to face these challenges and adapt to the tiny home lifestyle.

Below is a table summarizing the regulations of some Virginia counties:

County	Regulations
Buckingham County	Allows THOWs in backyards and on private property. No inspections are required, but you must connect to the town sewer. You’re not required to remove the wheels from your tiny house when parked for dwelling purposes.
Fauquier County	Allows tiny houses to be used as primary dwellings or accessory dwelling units (ADU) as long as they meet state building codes. THOWs are not allowed anywhere in the county.
Prince William	Regulations are in the process of changing.
Augusta County	Residential homes must meet a minimum of 900 square feet, but there are exceptions, particularly in the large portion (90%) of the county zoned for agriculture. Tiny homes must have hookups for county water systems or have their septic system.
Staunton City	Allows tiny homes at a minimum of 200 square feet and is amenable to ADUs. The city is also home to several tiny homes, including two yurts.
Virginia Beach	Treats tiny homes like any other residential building with no specific tiny home ordinances as long as they meet the state building codes.
Norfolk	The city council regularly approves ADUs as long as they follow certain rules, such as being no larger than 500 square feet.

📝 Note: It is advisable to check with the city and county regulations before building or parking a tiny house in Virginia. The regulations are changing to meet the demand, and it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary connections and permits before building.

Key Takeaways

1. Virginia does not have a statewide building code for tiny homes, but some localities have adopted their codes.
2. Zoning regulations are the primary concern regarding tiny homes in Virginia, as many localities require minimum square footage for residential structures.
3. Depending on the location, a tiny home may be considered an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) subject to specific zoning regulations.
4. Researching and complying with local zoning regulations before building or purchasing a tiny home in Virginia is essential.
5. Virginia law permits RVs to be used for temporary dwelling purposes, but they cannot be used as a permanent residence.
6. Building and living in a tiny home without proper permits and compliance with zoning regulations may result in fines, penalties, and legal action.