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Pearisburg council adopts ordinances permitting accessory dwelling units and temporary residences during construction
Summary
Council adopted ORD 2026‑06 to define and permit accessory dwelling units and ORD 2026‑07 to allow temporary residential buildings during construction, setting permit fees, size thresholds, owner‑occupancy requirements and setbacks; both ordinances passed 7‑0.
The Pearisburg Town Council on June 9 adopted two zoning ordinances expanding housing options and clarifying temporary residence rules.
ORD 2026‑06 establishes a local definition and permitting framework for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Key provisions include a $250 ADU permit fee, dedicated parking requirements, floor area limits (minimums of 350 square feet for lots under 2,500 sq ft and 500 square feet for lots 2,500 sq ft or larger), compliance with applicable building and utility codes, owner‑occupancy of either the primary dwelling or ADU at time of application, a 500‑foot maximum separation from the primary dwelling, and a prohibition on selling or subdividing an ADU separately from the primary dwelling. The ordinance incorporates normal setback and height restrictions and preserves private covenants.
ORD 2026‑07 amends the Town’s temporary buildings rule to permit temporary residential buildings for owners to occupy while constructing a permanent residence. The ordinance sets a $250 initial permit fee, allows a one‑time 12‑month extension (extension fee $125) if construction is not complete, requires owner occupancy, sets the same minimum floor area thresholds as the ADU ordinance, mandates dedicated parking and compliance with utility, flood and emergency access requirements, and requires removal of the temporary residence upon completion, abandonment, or the permit’s expiration.
During the zoning public hearing, Christina Braun‑Joseph said she supports the amendments and described using a tiny home while building a permanent residence and clarified she was not seeking short‑term rental use but limited lodging associated with local organizations and visitors. The Planning Commission had voted 3‑2 against the ADU proposal within town limits but recommended the temporary residential amendment unanimously; Council discussed local control provisions and adopted both ordinances by unanimous vote.
Both ordinances were adopted 7‑0 and are effective on the date of adoption as recorded in the ordinances.
