County · Virginia

ADU rules in Bedford County

2 sources

These are the primary sources for accessory dwelling unit regulations in Bedford County: the county's own zoning code, planning department pages, and permit guides. Start here before talking to anyone: the rules below are what your permit reviewer will apply.

Unincorporated areas only

County zoning applies only outside city limits. If your property is inside a city or town, that municipality's own ADU ordinance governs instead, even though it sits within Bedford County.

Find your city's rules in Virginia

ADU regulations

bedfordcountyva.govOfficial sourceVerified July 2026https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/government/departments-offices-a-d/community-development/planning-zoning

Short-term rental rules

Planning to rent your ADU on Airbnb or VRBO? Bedford County regulates short-term rentals separately; check these before counting on nightly rental income.

bedfordcountyva.govOfficial sourceVerified July 2026https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/government/departments-offices-a-d/community-development/planning-zoning/short-term-rentals

Virginia statewide law also applies

Virginia sets baseline ADU rights at the state level. Where local rules are stricter than state law allows, state law usually wins, so both are worth reading.

See Virginia statewide rules

Spotted something outdated?

Zoning codes change. If a link is dead or Bedford County has updated its ordinance, report it and we'll verify against the official source.

Report a correction

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