Question 1

What is an ADU in Loudoun County?

Accepted Answer

An accessory dwelling unit is a second, smaller home on a lot you already own, with its own living space, kitchen, and bathroom. In Loudoun County that is usually an in-law suite, a basement apartment, a garage apartment, or a detached backyard cottage. Leesburg ADU, by Nautilus Builders, designs and builds them in the Town of Leesburg and across the county.

Question 2

Can I build an ADU in Loudoun County, Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Often, on a lot where the zoning district allows an accessory dwelling. Loudoun County’s zoning ordinance sets the size, the number of units, and whether the use is permitted. Those limits depend on the district. A lot on septic also needs Loudoun Health Department approval. The county ordinance does not apply inside incorporated towns. A free lot check confirms your address before you spend anything on design.

Question 3

Can I build an ADU in Leesburg, Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Often, on a single-family detached lot, when the Town of Leesburg’s standards are met. The town allows one accessory dwelling by zoning permit. It is not allowed on a townhouse or a multifamily lot. The owner has to live in the main house or the accessory dwelling. Building permits come from Loudoun County. A house in the Old and Historic District also needs the Board of Architectural Review. We confirm the lot before design.

Question 4

Do Leesburg and the rest of Loudoun County follow the same ADU rules?

Accepted Answer

The Town of Leesburg uses its own zoning ordinance. Unincorporated Loudoun County, including Ashburn, Brambleton, Lansdowne, Sterling, South Riding, and the rural west, uses the Loudoun County zoning ordinance. Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill, Middleburg, and Lovettsville each have their own ordinances too. The lot check starts by naming which rules apply to your address.

Question 5

What is the difference between an in-law suite and a backyard cottage?

Accepted Answer

An in-law suite is attached to the main home, or set inside it, with its own front door. A backyard cottage stands on its own in the yard. We also build basement apartments and garage apartments.

Question 6

Can I rent an ADU in Loudoun County?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Rental rules depend on the jurisdiction, and in Leesburg on how the unit is approved. We tell you what applies to your lot before you plan around rental income.

Question 7

Can I sell the ADU separately?

Accepted Answer

No. It stays part of your property. In Leesburg, the ordinance also says the lot cannot be subdivided, or turned into a condominium, to sell the accessory dwelling on its own.

Question 8

I'm on septic. Can I still add an ADU in Loudoun?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. On a county lot with a private septic system, the Loudoun Health Department has to approve the extra use. We coordinate that check.

Question 9

Do you build ADUs in Ashburn, Purcellville, and the rest of Loudoun?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build across Loudoun County, including Leesburg, Ashburn, Brambleton, Lansdowne, Sterling, South Riding, Purcellville, Hamilton, and Round Hill. If your address is in the county, send it. The answer depends on the lot, not the town name.

Question 10

How long does a Loudoun County ADU take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the unit, the lot, and whether the permits run through the Town of Leesburg, Loudoun County, or both. You’ll get a realistic timeline at the free lot check.

Find out if your Loudoun County lot can hold an ADU.

Accessory dwellings in Loudoun County

Questions about an ADU in Loudoun County

Find out if your Loudoun County lot can hold an ADU.