Agricultural Structures
Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) if the structure meets certain criteria. However, these type of structures are not exempt from Zoning Regulations. In order to qualify for this exemption, the structure must be used for a specific purpose WHICH IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO AN OPERATING FARM. Farming operations are not a permitted use in R1, R2 and the RD zoning districts.
The USBC defines a farm building or structure as follows: A building or structure not used for residential purposes, located on property where farming operations take place, and used primarily for any of the following uses or combination thereof:
- Storage, handling, production, display, sampling or sale of agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, or silvicultural (forestry) products produced in the farm;
- Sheltering, raising, handling, processing, or sale of agricultural animals or agricultural animal products;
- Business or office uses relating to the farm operations;
- Use of farm machinery or equipment or maintenance or storage of vehicles, machinery, or equipment on the farm;
- Storage or use of supplies and materials used on the farm;
- Implementation of best management practices associated with farm operations.
Download the Agricultural Structure Worksheet / Affidavit below.