Contemporary dark blue Virginia barndominium with three-car garage, stone detailing, and expansive windows illuminated in the evening
Regular Post
Written by Spear Builders

Can I Build a Barndominium on My Land in Virginia? What You Need to Know

As interest in barndominiums continues to rise, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can I legally build a barndominium on my property in Virginia?”

The answer: Yes — but it depends on your land, zoning, and what kind of home you want to build.

At Spear Builders of Virginia, we specialize in building fully custom, stick-built barndominiums on your land throughout Central Virginia. Here’s everything you need to know before you build.

What Virginia Law Says About Barndominiums

Yes, Virginia allows barndominiums, but they must meet local building codes, zoning regulations, and health department requirements.

Each county may have different zoning rules, especially regarding:

  • Minimum square footage
  • Required foundation type (no temporary structures)
  • Height restrictions
  • Exterior finishes and setbacks

If your land is zoned residential or agricultural, you likely can build — but approvals must be submitted to local officials. Learn more about zoning requirements for barndominiums in Virginia.

Virginia farmhouse-style barndominium featuring dark wood finishes, lush landscaping, and an elegant three-car garage.
Farmhouse-style barndominium in Virginia with dark wood finishes and elegant landscaping.

Drainfields, Wells, and RPA Zones

In Virginia, one of the biggest cost and timeline factors is site preparation and environmental regulations. Your lot must support:

  • A permitted septic system
  • A drilled well or public water tap
  • Compliance with RPA (Resource Protection Area) guidelines if near water

Lots near streams, lakes, or wetlands may require:

  • Environmental engineering
  • Additional setbacks
  • Tree conservation
  • Local health department approval

See a detailed breakdown in our guide to building on your own lot in Virginia.

You can also reference these resources for official regulations:
Virginia DEQ – Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
VDH – Septic & Water Services

Spacious open-concept interior of a Virginia barndominium featuring polished concrete floors, metal ceilings, wooden walls, and a contemporary kitchen area.
Inviting interior of a Virginia barndominium featuring an open-concept design.

Matching Your Design to Your Lot

Not every floor plan works for every property. Whether your lot is sloped, wooded, or narrow, your design needs to work with the land, not against it.

That’s why we custom build barndominiums to match your exact layout and needs.

Popular features we adapt based on the land include:

  • Attached or detached garages
  • Lofts or bonus rooms above garages
  • Porches facing views or privacy sides
  • Rear-entry driveways or breezeways

Browse our barndominium floor plan inspiration to get ideas. Also see our tips on designing the perfect barndominium garage.

Where We Build — And What Counties Require

We build throughout Central Virginia, including:

Each county has its own permit office and zoning boards. We handle those processes for you — including plan submission, approvals, and site inspections.

🧱 How the Process Works

At Spear Builders, we guide you from start to finish. You’re never left guessing.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Initial consultation + lot review
  2. Site walk and land evaluation
  3. Custom plan adaptation or creation
  4. Zoning, permits, and health department submissions
  5. Full construction, inspections, and final walkthrough

Learn more about our barndominium build process or how we build on your lot.

📞 Ready to See If Your Land Is Buildable?

If you own land or are thinking about buying, we’ll walk the lot with you and determine exactly what’s possible — and what’s not.

Contact Spear Builders to schedule your consultation.

Barndominium
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