ADU & Backyard Home Builder in Albemarle County
Albemarle County permits an accessory apartment by-right, but only interior to the main home — freestanding detached units are currently prohibited. The unit is capped at 35% of the structure's gross floor area, owner-occupancy is required, and non-sewered lots need Virginia Health Department drainfield approval. SB 531 changes this on July 1, 2027, requiring Albemarle to allow detached ADUs by-right and drop the owner-occupancy restriction.
The 2027 unlock for Albemarle homeowners
Today, an interior accessory apartment is straightforward in Albemarle, but a detached backyard cottage is not allowed — which is exactly what SB 531 opens up. If a detached unit is your goal, the 2026–2027 runway is the time to design and prepare so you can permit the moment by-right applies. Check whether Albemarle's AC44 zoning updates have already changed the accessory-apartment rules for your district.
How we build backyard homes in Albemarle County
Start with a free Quick-Fit Check. If your lot is a candidate, our Readiness Assessment maps your path, then we design, permit, and build — one accountable team. A Hearthstone Design Build brand.
Check My Albemarle County Property →
See also: all Virginia counties · ADU cost · financing
See what your Albemarle County lot can do.
Free Quick-Fit Check — two minutes.