Accessory Dwellings
A one-stop source about accessory dwelling units, multigenerational homes, laneway houses, ADUs, granny flats, in-law units…
What are the rules where I live?
Rules for creating ADUs vary from place to place. Check the table below for links to your area.
Please remember this is a volunteer-driven site! If you don’t see your city, or the link for your city is wrong, please consider helping out by doing a simple internet search (for example, “accessory dwelling unit Anytown California”). In the comments, give us a link to what you found — or let us know if there was nothing to be found. With your help, we can build an up-to-date list for the entire continent.
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ADU’s around the web
- Accessory Dwelling Units continue discussions in Lewes | News | wrde.com - wrde.com
- The hidden costs of ADU or granny flat construction - Spectrum News 1
- Common Council votes to approve more housing options for residents - City of Madison, WI
- Greensboro City Council amends regulations for accessory dwelling units - WFDD
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - MRSC
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Madison - AARP States
- Go-Go Granny Flats! - Down East
- Accessory Dwelling Units: Lessons for Massachusetts from Around the Country - Joint Center for Housing Studies
- Moline considering Accessory Dwelling Units proposal - WQAD Moline
- Accessory dwelling units to be discussed at April 10 Edmonds Planning Board meeting - My Edmonds News
Accessory Dwellings 
Thank you for sharing this information. This is wonderful research and will help planners in other communities trying to promote ADUs to advance this cause in our own jurisdictions.
Dear Chris,
We’re so glad you’ve found the information on AccessoryDwellings.org helpful. As you noted, we hope it assists planners to promote ADUs throughout the country.
Sincerely,
Lina Menard
A fellow planner and coordinator of the ADU Case Studies Project
Hi,
Does anyone know of ADU regulations governing multi-family, mid-rise or high-rise structures as opposed to low-density buildings.
Thanks,
Chaim
Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting has issued the ADU Handbook, that describes the rules, and nuts and bolts of ADU in Honolulu. It can be downloaded from hawaiiadu.org.
Hi, Here are the ADU guidelines for Coronado, California. I’m not sure that they comply with the State but are more complicated because of the overlay of the California Coastal Commission. Thank you for compiling this information.
https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Coronado/#!/Coronado86/Coronado8656.html#86.56.105
got it, thank you -ed.
Anything known about Long Island/Suffolk County/Brookhaven Town?
Im interested in this too
It’s a volunteer-driven site, Bonnie! Please considering doing some googling, calling, etc and let us know what you find out. Thank you -Martin (co-editor)
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How about Nevada – particularly Las Vegas?
Anyone have that information?
How about all areas of Nevada?:
Henderson
Carson City
Boulder City
Cheyenne
Ely
Sounds like a great idea! Can you look them up?
I live in Sacramento, California. I have been contemplating adding a 4/plex to my current property, but I’m not sure of the codes or regulations regarding this type of addition. My residence is also considered a historical property. Where would I begin to find information about adding an adu?
Hi Sharri, I’m not sure I understand your question. Are you talking about adding a 4-plex or an ADU? Those are totally different things. As far as ADUs go, here’s what I got when I simply googled “accessory dwelling unit” and “sacramento”: http://www.per.saccounty.net/applicants/Documents/HousingInformation/ADU_Manual_0612.pdf . I don’t live in Sacramento, so I can’t vouch that that link is all you need. Please write us back and let us know if you find out more.
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I’m curious if there has been any word if Salem, OR will be changing it’s laws any time soon, or if I should start looking for places around Salem, while I maintain my current place of employment…
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Columbia, Missouri now allows Accessory Dwelling Units in all R-2 zoned residential lots, excluding two neighborhoods / overlay districts. While the majority of residential lots in the city are zoned R-1 and are not affected by the new ADU ordinance, it is possible for future ordinances to extend this to the R-1 residential lots as well.
The relevant information can be found on the City of Columbia’s website: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/community_development/planning/AccessoryDwellingUnits.php
thanks Dylan!
Provo City, Utah:
http://www.codepublishing.com/ut/provo/html/provo14/Provo143000.html#14.30
and
http://www.codepublishing.com/ut/provo/html/provo14/Provo144600.html#14.46.
See the zoning map for S & A overlay areas:
Click to access Current%20Zoning%20Map.pdf
Decatur, GA. Atlanta suburb
https://www.decaturga.com/planning/page/accessory-dwelling-units
This is what I could fine for St Mary’s MD. Pulled from the ST. MARY’S COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF LAND USE AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT FAQ site.
Click to access PermitsFAQ.pdf
“May I build a second home/accessory apartment on
my property?
An alternative to a second home is an accessory dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit may be part of the principal dwelling or in a detached accessory structure (CZO Section 51.3.105.a.1). If part of the principal dwelling, it must be at least 300 square feet but may not exceed 30 % of the gross floor area. If in an accessory structure, the dwelling unit may contain no more than 2 bedrooms and may not exceed 50% of the gross floor area of the accessory structure (CZO Section 51.3.105.a.2).
Accessory dwelling units are permitted in all zoning districts except in the CC, I and OBP districts (CZO Schedule 50.4.105).
Accessory dwelling units are not subject to density limitations except in the RCA Critical Area overlay where they are considered a principal dwelling unit (reference to be provided). Thus, properties outside the RCA Critical Area are permitted “by right” to an accessory dwelling unit provided a building permit is obtained. There may be only one accessory dwelling unit per lot or parcel (CZO Section 51.3.105.a.3).
Related Issues
Contact the Health Department at 301-475-4321 for well and septic system requirements.
thanks Ridge!
Question: If an ADU existed before a property was annexed into a city, is it typical for that ADU to be considered ‘grandfathered against such city’s rules? Any insight greatly appreciated!!!
Grandfathering would be reasonable to me, but obviously you need to confirm with your particular local authorities to see how they interpret things. Good luck!
Who do I contact for Sussex County in Delaware?
We are interested is this for the city of Elgin Illinois. We have a 115 year old home there. Anything you can find will be helpful.
Hi Lee and D, your best bet will be to simply start calling around, for example the local planning or building permit office would be a good place to start. Let us know what you find out so we can post it here!
Port Aransas Texas 78373
https://www.municode.com/library/tx/port_aransas/codes/code_of_ordinances
Minneapolis, MN just passed ADU legislation to be allowed city-wide! 😀
Maxeem, from my reading of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, at this date it is headed to the city council for a vote.
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/projects/ADU
thanks Anne!
Hello, for the town of Norwalk, CT, here are the rules for an “Accessory Apartment:” http://ecode360.com/26973316#26973316
Thanks Bryce!
Boise Idaho http://pds.cityofboise.org/home/documents/apps/100/#
Thanks Matthew!
Chicago has grandfathered in all existing ADUs (known locally and in the zoning code as “coach houses”), but does not allow new ADUs or expansions or major alterations to existing ADUs. Contrary to this site’s definition, in Chicago coach houses often are for-sale as stand alone condominiums as opposed to solely rentals on single-family properties.
Has anyone in the City of Chicago converted the existing garage into a home offfice (no plumbing), Got comment from Zoning that we needed to chan he the Scope of work and I am not sure what that means.
Viroqua, WI doesn’t have any provision for ADUs in its zoning. http://www.viroqua-wisconsin.com/government/pdf/viroqua_municipal_code_with_signs.pdf
Hey Jerry, thanks for your comment. Can you clarify a bit about Viroqua? The long document you link to doesn’t seem to mention ADUs (I did a text search for “accessory dwelling”) but I’m not sure what this implies. ADUs aren’t mentioned and therefore… you can’t do them? or … you can do whatever you want? –Thanks!
Martin, there is no provision for them so you can’t do them. If a lot is zoned for a duplex (many are) you can build a second residence. It must be at least 600 square feet.
Nashville, TN passed an ordinance in 2014 allowing Detached Accessory Dwelling Units in residential areas zoned to allow duplexes.
http://www.nashville.gov/mc/ordinances/term_2011_2015/bl2014_769.htm
There was reluctance in areas that had downzoned to single family only to allow DADU’s as a blanket policy. Now some areas would like to come up with a “hybrid” zoning that would allow DADU’s but not full sized duplexes.
Does any other city have a policy similar to that?
Regulations for Alameda County: Alameda and Castro Valley?
Did you find what you were looking for? Thinking of getting a tiny studio on my property and renting it out.
I’ve been looking for this same information but to no avail.
We are up in Bellingham, WA. Our situation is a bit unique as we own a SFR, that we would like to convert to an ADU once we build a new house out in front of it. This is our place which we currently rent and she loves it: [link deleted for privacy’s sake — ed.]
It was built with this idea in mind, to convert to an ADU, therefore was built to conform to ADU code. Within the city limits of Bellingham the ADU must be attached to the main residence. We had a designer help us with plans for the house and connection to the (hopefully) converted ADU. The code specifying the connection is very vague – really non-existent. It just says the structures need to be attached. The garage/ADU sits on the very back of the lot. Our design placement put the main house on the front of the lot as far forward as possible to allow a backyard between the ADU/main house. The connecting room would open onto the backyard, creating a courtyard feel. The City decided they did not like our connection design (too long), even though the code does not specify how it connects. They denied us. We withdrew our application as they said no way. Grrrr.
The ADU Ordinance is now being revisited by the City Council and Planning Dept over the next few months, with the first meeting coming up next week. We will be active at those meetings, inform them of our situation and use your site for some of our references. It seems time the City entertain detached ADU’s as well. From everything I’m reading impact is negligible and outcome is positive. Our set up could not be more perfect for an ADU situation. I see why people give up trying to get approval, very frustrating!
If you have any information or tips as we go through this process with the City, I’d appreciate it! We are hopeful things will turn in our favor so that we can resubmit converting this lovely place. We put everything on hold (have not started construction of the main house), hoping the tide will change and Bellingham will get more progressive with ADU development.
Hello Mona, I am curious about any updates you have for this project. Were you able to complete the new home?
Does anyone happen to know the ADU laws for Sherwood, Oregon? I tried to find information online, but was unsuccessful. Thanks!
I found this, it has Sherwood in the list. It is a direct link on Google to an xls file. I am not familiar with legal stuff but I believe this is the info.
https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/pubs/docs/sw/AccessoryDwellingUnitZoningCodeMatrix.xls&sa=U&ei=6jciVbK0AonzoASJuoKABQ&ved=0CA8QFjAC&sig2=S9-8p1ChzmgPJ8tiBlClaA&usg=AFQjCNE2nB4jWRD7SiVyuCp51NWCvAeYFQ
Other Denver-Metro area, Colorado cities that allow ADUs-
Golden:
http://www.cityofgolden.net/city-services/accessory-dwelling-units/
Lakewood:
/Users/kirstensharer/Downloads/ADUInformationHandout-1.pdf
Arvada:
Click to access 1296225916ADU.typeA.B.8.13.10.pdf
My husband and I (and my parents) are desperately waiting for Wheat Ridge to follow suite.
Elkhart County, Indiana, as part of their Zoning Ordinance update, allows accessory dwelling units in the primary agricultural zoning district, subject to some specific use standards.
http://elkhartcountyplanninganddevelopment.com/
This was done to better accommodate “dawdy houses,” which is a cultural practice among the Amish wherein older people or newer families live on the same property as a more solidly established relative.
Does anyone know the rules in Rhode Island? I have been reading a lot of information on the subject, but It always feels incomplete. And every time I call my town for information on any real estate subject they treat me like the scum of the earth and evade all questions–meanwhile treating me like scum some more. (most recently I asked, “what is the definition of a brick patio verses a brick walkway?” –I asked because a brick walkway does not increase property taxes. And I was passed around the city hall 7 times or more, and in the end received no answer.)
Las Vegas? im planning on building a tinyhouse. and my mom has some space in her back yeard, or i might have to get some land. but it doesnt help that the tiny house will be in the city without a residential because its illegal to just have a tiny house on a lot, isnt it?
Hey Rain, thanks for chiming in. What kind of tiny house are you talking about building, one on a foundation or one on wheels? If it’s on a foundation, then it’s part of the property, and then it would be subject to whatever the rules for accessory dwelling units are in Las Vegas. But if it’s on wheels then it’s not part of the property; it’s more or less like an RV. Perhaps you should look up the rules for RV parking in Las Vegas. I know the “where to park” issue is a major one in the tiny house community, wish we could be more help.
ps Rain this web page refers to a brochure about ADUs in vegas but the brochure doesn’t come up for me… http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/TextOnly/Publications/9598.htm
has anyone found the rules for Asheville, NC (Buncombe County)?
My son could use help with Sonoma County rules – can city rules allow something that the county questions?
We are interested in the Isleton area/Delta area in California. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
i am looking into orange county….and have been searching everywhere! does anyone know where i might find more info on ADUs?
Please post siskiyou county california
I found the following to be a comprehensive list of ADU building codes in a YES/NO format broken down by town for Massachusetts. The Data may be a little out of date but the document looks very useful.
Click to access accessory.pdf
Thanks Nick! We will add this to the table. –eds.
Richmond, California “Second Dwelling Units” 15.04.810.020
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/8915
thanks!
What are the rules/incentives about renting out my basement to a friend as an attached ADU vs just a “room rental” that happens to have a separate entrance?
We are good friends, so there’s no issue with giving each other access to the rest of the house.
As far as I can tell, the basement should be legally habitable (legal egress, adequate height, etc).
It has a full bathroom (all work was permitted).
There is no kitchen per se, but there is a working sink (other than the one in the bathroom) and it could be make functional with no new wiring or plumbing with some storage, a fridge, and portable appliances. We also told her that she would be welcome to use our kitchen when she wants a real oven or stove, and she was fine with that.
I would love to make it a full ADU eventually, but in the short term, it may be cost prohibitive if I need to hire contractors to install an actual stove, or move our electrical panel to the “main house” and have a new meter installed. Is there any reason why I can’t rent it out as-is for now? I’m in Portland, OR.
If it’s a legally habitable room, as you say, you should be able to rent it out simply as a room in the house, just like you’d rent out a bedroom on another floor. The fact that this room is in the basement and has a separate entrance doesn’t mean it “has” to be an ADU.
I don’t know if moving portable appliances to make a sort of informal kitchen would cross some sort of line, legally.
But if you wanted to stay on the safe side of the line, maybe you could just have your room-mate share your kitchen, at least some of the time.
Eli or Kol, any input?
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Howard County Maryland – http://www.howardcountymd.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442472383
Prattville, AL
Do you have a link for the rules in Alameda County, specifically Sunol, CA?
Yes I would like to know about this for Sunol too especially for non-buildable lots.
Virginia, Fairfax City – Yes (with Restrictions_Age or disability requirement) with public hearing AND approval from city council required
from website:
Accessory dwelling units (more than one household)
The City’s zoning regulations allow for one accessory dwelling unit in a single-family house. Accessory dwelling units are restricted to owner-occupied property where at least one occupant is 55 years of age or older and/or at least one occupant has a physical or mental impairment. Accessory dwelling units may include a kitchen, sleeping and bathroom facilities in addition to the facilities within the single-family house. Accessory dwelling units require a public hearing and approval by City Council.
http://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/code-administration/common-violations
Thanks for the info Jon!
Any specific regulations for Merced, CA.
http://orangecounty-fl.elaws.us/code/coor_ptii_ch38_artix_sec38-1426
thank you! -ed.
Honolulu recently passed an ordinance allowing ADUs. Here’s a link to the guide:
Click to access ADU%20Instructions.pdf
thank you
Liberty includes the right of property without government regulations. A lost concept on modern miseducated (intentionally) Amerikans. Zoning and property taxes convert property to feudal land tenants.
Agenda 21 needs to be ignored by cities and states as it is a bottom-up coup d’état by UN but really, the ultra wealthy doing this in the name if the UN. People don’t want to believe this and they don’t bother to verify it due to laziness, fear (to realize this is true), or stupidity (lack of education b/c they didn’t learn what liberty really is)
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In researching Denver’s zoning code it appears that there is an owner occupancy requirement in order to build an accessory dwelling unit. I would like to build a new garage with an ADU on top adjacent to a single family home that I own but don’t currently live in. Zoning allows for ADUs but obviously I don’t meet the owner occupancy requirement. Does anyone know if Denver grants waivers for of this requirement??
11.8.2.2 All SU Zone Districts
In all SU Zone Districts, where permitted with limitations:
1. The Accessory Dwelling Unit use shall be operated and maintained under the same ownership
as the primary Single Unit Dwelling use.
2. No more than one Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be established on the same zone lot as
the primary Single Unit Dwelling use.
3. Accessory Dwelling Units shall not be sold apart from the primary dwelling unit.
4. The owner of the zone lot on which an Accessory Dwelling Unit use is maintained shall
occupy either the primary dwelling unit or the ADU as the owner’s legal and permanent
residence. For purposes of this provision, “the owner’s legal and permanent residence”
shall mean a property owner who makes his or her legal residence at the site, as evidenced
by voter registration, vehicle registration, or similar means.
It may be possible to get a variance, however your neighbors would all have to approve this, fyi.
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Hi, I am wondering if ADU is permitted in Lumberton NJ(Burlington County), my daughter is zoned residential but has extra land & is private where she lives. I am hoping to get an ADU with her, thank you for any information
I do not see the link for Florida- Lake County area
Would you be willing to look that up, Carol? We’d love to know and post it for everyone’s benefit. Thanks!
Hi I have tried to locate ADU information on Isanti County MN, or any possibility of them changing there thoughts on ADU permission. We live on 10 acres in a very rural area and we still have issues with the county not wanting to allow my 70 year old mother-in-law to live in a second house that was on our land when we bought the property 4 years ago.
Hi, I been tried to locate ADU for long Island NY for a Cope Style Home, the Town of Brookhaven make it closed it, and I would like to know if ADU is applicable since in the 2nd floor is a bathroom.
Doris, it looks like Brookhaven just updated their rules about ADUs. http://www.brookhaven.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=229&Command=Core_Download&language=en-US&PortalId=0&TabId=1181 . Maybe a local architect or builder or real estate agent can help you interpret the rules. Hope that helps! Martin
Hello,
Would it be possible to find information regarding additional dwellings on property for Howard County, Missouri? Thanks! We have land and would like to build another house on it and then tear down the old one but would like to live in the first one while the other is being built. thanks!
I found you by someone else’s post on facebook and I found this for the state of Florida.: http://landuselaw.wustl.edu/Articles/ADU.Report.pdf
Thanks Lorene! The report has a good table, starting at about page 19 of the PDF, on municipalities where ADUs are permitted. However readers should note that it is dated 2007.
I know but it was all I could find in the time I had to search and at least it’s a start.
We appreciate it Lorene! I put it in the big table.
I don’t see information for Fairfax, Ca. 94930 in Marin County.
Margaret, a quick Google uncovers these documents, http://ci.sausalito.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=11040 and http://www.town-of-fairfax.org/pdfs/planning_comm/packet/2015/121715/Junior%20Second%20Units.pdf , both of which suggest that Fairfax allows secondary units, also known as ADUs, and was considering allowing “junior” ADUs. Would you be willing to dig a bit and find out what the current situation is? Thank you.
What are the rules for Hesperia California
Rules for Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska: https://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/development/BSD/Policies/policyag37.pdf
Thank you Matt!
Accessory structures are to be located between the rear wall of the principal structure and the rear property line and must be at least 10 feet from the principal structure.
2 SFD = single family detached dwelling
3 Height limit may be extended to 3½ stories but not over 40 ft. if each yard is increased one ft. width for each additional ft. of height over 30 ft.
4 70% lot coverage is acceptable for properties where the lot width is less than 40 feet.
5 Height limit may be extended to 3½ stories but not over 40 ft. if each yard is increased one ft. width for each additional ft. of height over 30 ft.
*pools will require a building permit in addition to a zoning permit
R-O = Residential Outlying; R-T = Residential Town; C-S = Commercial Shopping;
C-H = Commercial Heavy & Highway; I-G = Industrial General
Other zoning criteria will be reviewed at the time your plan is submitted.
Dallas town pa
Lake Oswego:
http://www.codepublishing.com/OR/LakeOswego/mobile/?pg=LakeOswego50X/LakeOswego50X30.html
Thanks! It’s in the table now.
An update to the Tualatin (Oregon) link. http://www.tualatinoregon.gov/developmentcode/tdc-chapter-34-special-regulations#34.300
Thanks Garrett! Table updated.
Hello everybody! Thank you for all the helpful information on this site. I am a home owner in Portland with a big back yard and know someone who has built his own ADU, and he and I would like for him to rent out the backyard for his ADU. We are looking for a boiler plate lease document that describes our specific situation. Me: homeowner. Him: ADU owner (tiny house on flatbed trailer) who would pay monthly rent for the backyard space. We could fine tune the details of the rental agreement. Google searches have proved fruitless, as most of the lease documents are for 1) someone who owns a house as well the ADU, and they are renting out the ADU, or 2)RV park/motorhome type situations. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! -Andrew
Hi Mickmick, the dwelling you’re describing is, for better or worse, not an ADU. It’s a tiny house on wheels. Though it can function in the same way as an ADU, there are important differences, as I’ve described here: https://accessorydwellings.org/2014/03/01/are-tiny-houses-and-adus-the-same-thing-not-exactly-but-theyre-really-good-friends/ . I would imagine that whatever rules apply to an RV parked on the property would also apply to the tiny house. If you find a way to do it legally, please let us know, because we’d love to write about it here on this site. Cheers, Martin (co-editor)
Eagan, Minnesota allows ADUs. http://www.cityofeagan.com/index.php/planning-zoning/city-code-enforcement/accessory-dwelling-unit-registration.
Thanks JM. I took a quick peek at Eagan’s rules, and was amazed by how much parking they require. Maximum occupancy of the ADU is 2 people, and yet Eagan requires 2 off-street parking spaces in addition to the 2 spaces required for the primary dwelling. So you’ve got to have 4 paved spaces! Is parking really that competitive in Eagan? Also I see that only attached ADUs are allowed. I guess I’m wondering — with all these rules, does anyone even bother to make an ADU?
Just a heads up your Bend Oregon link doesn’t work, but here is the PDF update in April 2016 for accessory dwelling units. bendoregon.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=24771
thanks, fixed it –Martin
I’d really like to move my Mom in, there is a bedroom and bathroom for her in my home, but she doesn’t want to intrude and wants room for her furniture and stuff. I had a contractor out, he said he can add an 18×18 room with bathroom for 110k. Wow. I’d really like one of those prefab places with the handicap accessible bathroom, a bedroom and living area. And I have the space. No one in the area seems to know anybody that does this prefab stuff though. I’m in Huntington Beach, Orange County CA. PLease do send some resources my way if you know of any. Thanks so much –
Kerry, I hope you find a good solution for your mom. However, I’m not confident that using a prefab unit is actually going to be any cheaper. Here is a useful orientation towards the costs for this kind of project: https://accessorydwellings.org/2014/05/01/stradivarius-violins-and-cigar-box-guitars-how-much-does-an-adu-cost/ . A lot of those factors come into play whether the project is made on site or prefab. Good luck!
I like the idea of prefab for many reasons. First, they’re wouldn’t be a construction crew in my back yard working for a4 month period of time, next many of the issues for What Jane already been worked out and decided. They are also handsome. If I’m gonna spends that kind of money, id like to look into prefab
Thank you very much for making all of this information available. Its a big help as we review opportunities in other areas. Here is info for Lafayette CA –
http://www.ci.lafayette.ca.us/city-hall/city-departments/planning-building/do-i-need-a/second-unit-permit
thanks!
I just stumbled onto your site after reading a HUD article about ADU’s in Minneapolis and noticed you don’t have information for Vermont. Vermont law basically states that except for homes in flood hazard areas, local zoning has to allow one ADU as a permitted use as long as certain conditions are met.
http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/24/117/04412
Thank you! -ed.
City of Bend, OR has recently updated its regulations. The direct link to the code is http://www.bendoregon.gov/citycode and then search on Accessory Dwelling Units.
For the City of Bend, OR… As a follow-up, the code section is Development Code 3.6.200
got it, thank you – ed.
Hello, I just wanted to add Scappoose, OR to the list. Here is a link to their Municipal Code Tiltle 17, section 92 Accessory Dwelling Units
Click to access 17.92_Accessory_Dwelling_Units.pdf
got it, thank you! -ed.
Here is the link to ADU code for Monument CO https://www.municode.com/library/co/monument/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZO_CH17.48SIDEUSST_17.48.180ACUSST#!
Thanks! I took a look at this and there seemed to be very little about accessory dwelling units. That is, they were mentioned as one type of accessory structure, but there were no specific rules attached to them. Does that mean that in Monument one can create basically any size, shape, or style of ADU as long as it meets the requirements for accessory structures? -ed.
Any info regarding ADU LAWS in Wisconson? Thanks!
Here is the link for Golden, CO…
http://www.cityofgolden.net/city-services/accessory-dwelling-units/
thank you! -ed.
Virginia – Bedford County – http://www.co.bedford.va.us/Planning/Zoning/Ordinance/Entire_Article_IV.pdf See Sec. 30-82-1
Traverse City, Michigan has been updated https://www.municode.com/library/mi/traverse_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTTHIRTEENZOCO_TITTWOZOCO_CH1332INMIDWDI_1332.01USAL
thank you!
After hurricane Michael destroyed my home I purchased a mobile home through fema and had it put on my property where my original home was. My son who has been living here wants to move into his camper on my property. Ive been trying to find answers as if this is legal and how do I go about it. I was told I could register the camper as a ADU. Can anyone help me with the info. Thank you so much
Donna,
Essentially, there’s not a simple way to reclassify a camper as ADU in most jurisdictions. Check out this post to start to get a handle on the differences between a camper and an ADU. https://accessorydwellings.org/2021/04/29/tiny-houses-and-rvs-to-be-allowed-as-housing-in-portland/
Sometimes, jurisdictions allow for RVs to be parked and lived in on properties while the primary dwelling is under construction. This is typically deemed as ‘camping’ on a residential property.
Hi Lina (or Martin?),
Thank you so much for this wonderful resource! I would like to add Ojai, CA in this list, as we are in the process of modifying our ordinance to include tiny homes on wheels under the second dwelling unit ordinance. Here is the link: http://www.qcode.us/codes/ojai/
Sec. 10-2.1709. Second residential units.
thank you, sorry for the delay in responding — ed.
Please add Ojai, CA: http://www.qcode.us/codes/ojai/
Sec. 10-2.1709. Second residential units.
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California recently passed twin bills, SB 1069 and AB 2299 which will make building ADUs significantly easier statewide, especially when converting existing built space to an ADU. The laws will go into effect on January 1, 2017.
AB 2299: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB2299
SB 1069: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB1069
The “Santa Clara” link under California is wrong. It leads to Gardena. It should be this link instead: http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaClara/#!/SantaClara18/SantaClara1812.html#18.12
Thanks! -ed.
Colorado Springs, CO
Click to access DAB_305.PDF
thank you! -ed.
NH: https://www.nh.gov/oep/planning/resources/accessory-dwellings.htm
Here is a link to the Municipal Building Codes for Accessory Structures in Burlingame, CA: http://qcode.us/codes/burlingame/?view=desktop&topic=25-25_60-25_60_010
Thanks!
Here is the code for Fayetteville, Arkansas https://www.municode.com/library/ar/fayetteville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_TITXVUNDECO_CH164SUZORE_164.02ACSTUS
This is the form you need to fill out.
http://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1009
Got it. First one we have listed from Arkansas!
Here’s a link for Glendale, CA
http://www.glendaleca.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=4915
thank you! -ed.
How do you find out about “grandfathering” in an existing second dwelling that may not be up to existing codes? (Santa Rosa, CA)
Here’s a link for Stockton, CA: http://qcode.us/codes/stockton/?view=desktop&topic=16-3-16_80-16_80_310
thanks! -ed.
Here’s a link for Gladstone, Oregon: http://www.ci.gladstone.or.us/Files/Chapter%2017_12.pdf
Here’s for clackamas county
Click to access ZDO839.pdf
thanks! -ed.
Does anyone know the rules for a detached garage conversion for Shreveport Louisiana. Or the rules ADU’s.
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-i-z/resource-management-agency-rma-/planning/land-use-regulations/coastal/zoning-ordinance-title-20/20-64-030-regulations-for-a
Here is a link for Monterey County’s ADU Ordinance. Thanks for your site.
Great Resource.
thank you! -ed.
I’d like to build an ADU on one of my properties in Santa Barbara but the city requires owner-occupancy. As far as I can tell the city has not adopted an ordinance. Is this requirement allowed under the state rules without and ordinance being adopted?
https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/services/planning/mpe/accessory_dwelling_units.asp
Can you shed any light for ADU eligibility in Cleveland Ohio?
City of Alameda, California (NOT Alameda County) requirements found in link below. See the first three links under Planning.
https://alamedaca.gov/permits/forms-and-handouts
Thank you! – ed.
I know California and Portland are very ADU friendly. Are there any other areas that are currently loosening restrictions or are particularly friendly to ADUs? Thanks!
Hi Kyrie, I think it might be a generalization to say that California is ADU friendly. California has had ADU laws on the books for decades now, but a lot of places still made them way too hard to build. So much that recently they had to pass ANOTHER pro-ADU law: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB2299 . I think that there are places in North Carolina that might really be friendly … check out Asheville or Charlotte. Wish I knew more about the situation there!
Charlotte rocks. I’ve built two ADUs. One an attached 720 sq ft (2 bed 1 bath – $74,000) and one a detached 800 sq ft (3 bed 2 bath) The best part is you don’t have to owner occupy them and as long as you don’t have an HOA, you can rent them on short term sites like VRBO and AirBNB. Charlotte is one of three cities that does not require owner occupancy.
Hudson, OH: http://gis.hudson.oh.us/landdev/LandDev_View.aspx?id=0e0692a5-45c8-4d22-9102-ad67149cfc52
thank you! -ed.
Denver, CO
https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/home-projects/building-expanding-a-home/detached-dwelling-carriage-house.html
thank you! -ed.
how about cecil county in maryland?
Arkansas has a HUD Authority office in Harrison, they take care of Baxter, Marion, Boone counties I know for sure I’m sure there are more counties for that office if you contact them.
El Cerrito, CA
thank you! -ed
I live in Greenville county, SC. What are the legalities regarding building a separate mother in law dwelling on my property?
Hi Patricia, we’re a volunteer-driven site and aren’t knowledgeable about South Carolina. If you learn about the rules for Greenville County, we’d love to hear about them.
Here’s what I found for Greenville, SC. Will a site volunteer double check that this is the correctly relevant info? The ordinance appears to forbid residency in an ADU except by “resident caretakers.” I’m not sure what that means.
Hi Katie, thanks for looking that up. The document you link to appears to forbid residential use, unless it’s a caretaker. It says “No accessory structure shall be used for a residence except as authorized by the decision-making body to be occupied by resident caretakers.” However it looks like something called a “temporary accessory dwelling” is allowed in Greenville County. Not quite the same as an ADU, but it might work in a equivalent way. See http://www.greenvillecounty.org/Zoning/pdf/OfficialZoningOrdinance.pdf . Good luck! Let us know if you can find out any more. -martin
I cannot truly get San Bernandino rules because the words are linked with San Diego. Is there a way to email San Bernandino to me to dezlivesherlife@yahoo.com?
Thanks for the heads up about the broken link. I found the San Bernadino county code and put a link to it. If you discover more details, please let us know. -ed.
Durango CO:
http://www.durangogov.org/index.aspx?NID=850
Lafayette, LA:
Click to access UDC-%20Amended%20June%202017.pdf
page 218
Got it, thanks!
Do you have a link for ADU rules in Orange County, CA but more specifically for Garden Grove city. Thanks.
Anyone?
Does anyone know what the codes are for Indiana? Specifically Allen County? I have tried to find some, but I can’t. Also, can an homowners association in a community prevent someone from doing this with their backyard? Thanks…
Louise, it looks like Allen County does allow ADUs. Search the following document for “accessory dwelling”: https://ag.purdue.edu/Documents/ordinance/Allen-2.pdf . As far as the influence of homeowners associations go, you’re going to have to ask locally. However, my experience with questions like that is that if someone says “no, you can’t do it” it may just be a knee jerk response based on an assumption — demand to see the actual text. 🙂 Good luck!
What about tiny houses in Huntington Beach, CA? Hard to find any info on them as they are still very new to the planning commissions. We want to put one on my dad’s property, but not sure if we can.
Thanks in advance
Darin, it looks like we’ve got a link to Huntington Beach info on ADU’s right on this page. Or do you mean “tiny houses” in a way that is distinct from ADUs?
No building permit is required in Boyle County, KY for accessory buildings under 200 sq. feet
http://boyleky.com/building-inspection/
Thanks for the tip, Isabella. Can you clarify a bit … when Boyle County says “accessory buildings” does that include dwellings? Often when local governments talk about “accessory buildings” they mean sheds, garages, workshops, etc. Thanks! -ed.
Or, to put it a different way, there may be no need for a building permit. But does one need a planning & zoning permit?
How about hesperia california
Anyone feel like looking that up? -ed.
Allowed by-right under recent legislation in the state.
http://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/AccessoryDwellingUnits.shtml
technically, that’s true, it’s allowed by right, but don’t local jurisdictions have to declare their own policies? I’ve gotten word of some cities dragging their feet. Any update for Hesperia? -ed.
Salem, Oregon now allows ADU’s (as of July 2017 I believe).
http://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/accessory-dwelling-unit-rules.aspx
Fixed it. Thanks! -ed.
In Alexandria, VA, accessory units are only allowed above retail/commercial space. https://library.municode.com/va/alexandria/codes/zoning?nodeId=ARTIVCOOFINZO_4-408ACAP
I live in Broomfield,CO zip 80020. What are the legalities regarding building a separate mother in law dwelling on my property?
Thank you.
Hi J, thanks for coming to the site. The editors of this site live in Portland, Oregon, and are volunteers. We can’t be experts on places like Colorado. Would you be willing to call or google about Broomfield and let us know what you find out? Thanks! — Martin
I live in Tuolumne County, just did a search about rules for accessory dwelling units and couldn’t find much. This is a small community that seems to make up their own rules. Do you have any information on the laws here. Thanks for your help!
My town isn’t listed. Grover Beach, California 93433 in San Luis Obispo County
Durham, NC regulations
https://durhamnc.gov/294/Accessory-Structures
Hi Josh, these regulations appear to be about “accessory structures”. In many cities that refers to things like sheds, garages, and workshops, but does not include the ability to build new housing units. Can you confirm that Durham actually allows ADUs and send a link? Thanks.
Code reference: https://durham.municipal.codes/UDO/5.4.2
got it, thanks — martin
While I’m here: Cary NC code is 5.3.4(A). Chapter 5 of land development ordinance:
https://www.townofcary.org/home/showdocument?id=4071
got it, thanks – martin
Can you get Spokane WA added to this table? Thanks
Hi David, if you look up the regulations and send a link I’ll be happy to post it. Thanks! -ed.
Coeur d’Alene: https://www.cdaid.org/Files/Planning/AccessoryDwellingUnitStandards.pdf
Thank you
Information for the City of Jurupa Valley( Riverside County) California,Zoning Ordinance 348, Section 18.28 a for secondary living units permits for properties that are only one acre or more only will be allowed. Per Roberto Gonzalez, Assistant Planner, rgonzalez@jurupavalley.org
The present link for San Bernardino, CA goes to the County site, not the City. That should be noted. Also, since the linked document is from 2007, it’s likely out-of-date considering recent legislation.
Also, as someone else noted in the comments above, California’s Legislature passed several bills that made ADUs legal by-right throughout the entire state in basically all residential zones, with local agencies now only being allowed to make ADU regulations that are more permissive than the State’s. As such, it is probably worth putting the link to the statewide regulations somewhere in the California section. Also, buried in that link is a spreadsheet that catalogs all the local level regulations that have been filed with the State.
Here it is: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/AccessoryDwellingUnits.shtml
Thanks for the tips. I have posted a link to the spreadsheet.
Hello, here is the most recent information on ADUs that I’ve found for the following cities:
Dana Point:
https://qcode.us/codes/danapoint/
Here’s a separate information sheet as well: http://www.danapoint.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=115
San Clemente: Municipal Code 17.28.270
https://library.municode.com/ca/san_clemente/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT17ZO_CH17.28SPUS_17.28.270SEREDWUN
Santa Monica:
Accessory Dwelling Units found in section 9.331.300
http://qcode.us/codes/santamonica/
City’s information Sheet: http://www.laroccainspections.com/articles/santa_monica_second_dwelling_units.pdf
Santa Rosa: https://library.municode.com/ca/rancho_santa_margarita/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT9PLZO_CH9.04RESPUSST_S9.04.020ACST
City’s Information article:
https://srcity.org/2280/Accessory-Dwelling-Units
Garden Grove:
http://www.qcode.us/codes/gardengrove/?view=desktop&topic=9-9_08-9_08_020-9_08_020_050
City’s ADU summary sheet:
Click to access 2882.pdf
Laguna Niguel: https://library.municode.com/ca/laguna_niguel/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT9PLZO_DIV1PL_ART2COZOCO_SUBARTICLE_3REDI_S9-1-35.7SEREUN
County of Sonoma: https://library.municode.com/ca/sonoma_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH26SOCOZORE_ART88GEEXSPUSST_S26-88-060ACDWUN
City’s information sheet: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Regulations/Accessory-Unit-and-Junior-Units/Accessory-Dwelling-Units/
Thank you! -ed
Does anyone know rules for North Tustin CA?
The Dallas, Texas page is not updated. The link leads to a “Page not Found”
ok, I killed the dead link. Does anyone have the current one? -ed.
Warren County, VA
https://frontroyalva.com/DocumentCenter/View/169/Town-Municipal-Code-Chapter-175—Zoning-PDF
Minimum lot size, setback, and max size on page 10.
got it, thank you -ed.
Midland, TX, appears to allow an accessory structure to be used for “living or sleeping quarters” but only by guests and household members and with a special permit; the unit may not be rented. (11-1-10)
https://library.municode.com/tx/midland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PT2MUCO_TITXIPLDE_CH1ZO_11-1-10SPUSPE
A clearer proposed code retains and gives more details on that regulation, calling them “Guest House/Servants Quarters”: http://www.midlandtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2510/Proposed-Zoning-Code-Update. Again, leasing or renting the unit is forbidden.
Midland, Texas: https://library.municode.com/tx/midland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PT2MUCO_TITXIPLDE_CH1ZO_11-1-10SPUSPE
The code allows accessory structures to be used for “living or sleeping quarters” with a special permit, but the permit cannot cover rental “as a separate dwelling.” (See 11-1-10 (B)).
A proposed 2016 change to the zoning code makes this form of use more explicit, calling these not-for-rent ADUs “Guest House/Servants Quarters” and making some size and use regulations explicit in 4.10. http://www.midlandtexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2510/Proposed-Zoning-Code-Update (p. 108).
Thanks for the info. Any update?
No, I think the 2016 proposals went nowhere so far.
Pismo Beach CA
Got it, thank you ! -ed.
Wake County NC is urging all municipalities to allow ADUs. The City of Raleigh has been studying the concept for years and is expected to make a decision shortly.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article211752609.html
Thank you, Ann! Have they come to any decision yet? If so, please send a link to the new code. -ed.
Thanks for putting this site together; I really appreciate it. Here are a couple of recent docs/ordinances issued in Orange County cities:
Lake Forest, California: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-research/docs/ordinances/Lake-Forest-07-12-2017.pdf
San Juan Capistrano, CA: http://www.qcode.us/codes/sanjuancapistrano/revisions/1046.pdf
San Clemente, CA: http://www.san-clemente.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=39630
Let me know how else I can help. Cheers!
Got it, thank you — ed.
If you are building an Adu on your own property next to your main house can you use your main house building permit to build the Adu or do you have to apply for a new zoning and new planning permit? We would be doing all the work ourselves
Hi Taunya, it totally depends on where you are. You’re going to need to talk to your local planning department. You could just call and say “I’m THINKING of doing this, what are the requirements?” Good luck – ed.
What an incredible resource – thank you for the information!
Several cascadian cities have passed or are in the process of passing expanded ADU provisions that will allow one AADU and one DADU on many single-family residential properties. Are there any places that allow two AADUs within a single-family residential building ie one ADU in the basement and one ADU in the attic?
Would three dwelling units (one principal and two accessory) in a single building run up against common multiple dwelling laws, which usually consider three or more dwelling units in a building to be a multiple dwelling, thus triggering additional egress, lighting, and other requirements?
Is it conceivable that ADUs could be made exempt from multiple dwelling laws? Or are there any places that have raised the dwelling unit cap from two to three (or more)?
Any insight into these questions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Is there someplace to find a county not listed? It would be Kosciusko and noble counties in INDIANA that I am looking for. Thank you.
Hi Lindsey, it’s a user-supported site! If you can’t find your county, we’d hope that you would look up the regulations and send us a link. 🙂
Thank you for your informative website.
Here are ADU ordinance/amendments from both the City and County of Santa Barbara government & planning websites.
City of Santa Barbara:
https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/services/planning/mpe/accessory_dwelling_units.asp
County of Santa Barbara:
http://longrange.sbcountyplanning.org/programs/Accessory%20Dwelling%20Units/ADU.php
Thanks for this information. See Delaware zoning below.
Kent County
https://ecode360.com/7602675
New Castle County
https://www.nccde.org/205/New-Single-Family-Dwelling-Permits
Sussex County
https://ecode360.com/8883717
thank you! -ed.
Tacoma Washington: http://tacomapermits.org/tip-sheet-index/accessory-dwelling-units
Thanks! -ed.
south gate ca https://cityofsouthgate.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/4091?fileID=9671
Thanks! -ed.
For Northfield, MN
https://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/1760/2015-Accessory-Uses-and-Structures-Handout?bidId=
thanks! -ed.
County of Maui (in Hawaii) just updated their ADU code – https://library.municode.com/hi/county_of_maui/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT19ZO_ARTIICOZOPR_CH19.35ACDW
thanks! -ed.
County of Kauai (in Hawaii) link to their ADU ordinances and forms:
https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Planning-Department/Additional-Dwelling-Unit-ADU-and-Additional-Rental-Unit-ARU
thanks!
https://www.thecreswellchronicle.com/story/2018/07/19/news/city-adus-will-help-alleviate-housing-burdens/785.html?m=false
Creswell OR
Thanks! -ed.
Grand Rapids, Michigan rules documented/explained @ http://urbangr.org/GRADURegs2018r2
Thanks, Adam! Any update?
Only what is noted at the top of the page.
Hi, Evanston IL (first suburb north of Chicago) recently relaxed their rules for detached ADUS and is looking at updating their regulations further right now. As we stand, building on new detached ADUS (replacing or attached to a garage, and confirming to other regulations) is allowed and possible. I could not find specific link mentioning this, but here the city website.
https://www.cityofevanston.org/home/showdocument?id=48087
https://www.cityofevanston.org/government
They also just provided a grant to a local coop to help with building of ADUS and sensible homes (smaller homes) https://evanston.coop/index.html
Also, I beliebe Denver just updated their updated housing plan including ADU regulations
https://denverite.com/2019/04/22/denver-city-council-passes-its-20-year-blueprint-for-growth-after-after-five-hours-and-three-years/
thank you! -ed.
Correct link for Santa Cruz, CA should be http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/planning-and-community-development/accessory-dwelling-units-adus
fixed it, thanks
Great resource! Please add Durham, NC to the list. They have allowed ADUs by right on any lot with a single family home since 2006 and are about to revise the zoning rules to make doing so even easier.
https://durhamnc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24692/Accessory-Dwelling-Units-PDF
done. thanks robyn –ed.
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Spokane,WA rules. https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/
Click to access accessory-dwelling-unit-overview-2016-03-04.pdf
Moscow, ID rules: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/DocumentCenter/View/1286/Chapter-03—Permitted-Land-Uses-PDF
Click to access Z3-Accessory-Dwelling-Units-final.pdf
Thanks Erin! -ed.
Chatham County, NC, USA
Here is there documentation on the matter, wasn’t on the list yet:
http://www.chathamnc.org/home/showdocument?id=571
put it in the list, thanks –martin
Hi Kohl – Boulder has new regs as of February 2019. maybe update the info? thanks so much! https://library.municode.com/co/boulder/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT9LAUSCO_CH6USST_9-6-3SPUSSTESUS
got it, thanks -martin
I’ve started putting together rules for MA! The cities below are the areas I currently install detached ADU and have learned the ropes.
Northampton, Ma: https://backyardadus.com/northampton
Easthampton, Ma: https://backyardadus.com/easthampton
Amherst, MA: https://backyardadus.com/amherst
Could you add them to the list?
Thanks, Chris. I added the towns to the list using links to the original code documents. Does Amherst have the same rules as Northampton? Because that’s what the pages you cite implied.
Martin- that was a mistake on that page. This is the correct link for Amherst: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26080/ART5-Reformatted-2013?bidId=
Their rule is in Section “5.011 Supplemental Apartment”
cool, got it. Looking forward to your first project post! -martin
Hi,
Also, many thanks for sharing this info! The news articles on upcoming classes is great! Is there any chance Newberg, McMinnville or Yamhill County can be added to the list for Oregon?
I got approved for a granny flat in Alamo Texas which is outside city limits. The connecting factor was a covered walkway from garage to new granny flat. As I was picking up my permit they call me into the office and told me I needed to resubmit new plans so it attaches to the house completely. I’m super upset because it was already approved and out of nowhere it’s not. There were opposing opinions between the people in planning and zoning. I was given false Information and now have spent money on plans and restructure again? My parents are closing on their house bc they sold it. No one seems educated in granny flats here in the Rio grande valley. I need this for my parents. Any recommendations are appreciated
Hi Roxanne, sorry to hear about your situation. While I can’t offer any specific advice, I can tell you that confusion about the rules, even within civic government, is common in communities where ADUs are a new thing. I hope you were able to hold your ground and get the planning and zoning people to agree. Good luck! -Martin
Roxanne- I would look at the Texas Open Meeting Act and whether it applies to the zoning board’s decision making process. The rules in Massachusetts say that all discussions about an application must be done in public and the applicant must have a chance to respond to all comments. If the board was deliberating outside of a public meeting and you didn’t have a chance to respond you may have a case to appeal their decision on legal grounds.
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FYI New York City might soon get ADUs https://ny.curbed.com/2020/2/6/21125204/new-york-affordable-housing-adu-basement-apartment
FYI: California has a new state wide law for ADU Senate Bill 13 passed in late 2019 and implemented January 2020. It is supposed to be less restricted and easier process to build new ADUs and legalise existing unpermitted ADUs. Might be helpful to update it when there’s an an opportunity to do.
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The site accessory dwelling only specifies New York City it is not say New York State please let me know what part if any of New York State can Accommodate tiny homes for seniors.
Thanks
This is great information. However, can you pls shed light on ADU rules in NJ. Specifically in Plainfield 07060. I have almost 0.65 acre property where my primary residence is. I wanted to make an ADU for my son.
The link for Orlando, Florida’s ADU code is: https://library.municode.com/fl/orlando/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIICICO_CH58ZODIUS_PT3SPREUS_3AACDWUN
got it, thank you -ed.
https://library.municode.com/search?stateId=22&clientId=5876&searchText=Accessory%20building
Found this for Flint Township, Michigan 48532
Not exactly sure about what it might mean to me
Thanks Mark, but that link just goes to a search results page. Mostly the results are about accessory structures — a phrase that usually means things like garages. Can you dig a little bit more and see if there is code specifically related to accessory dwellings?
Couple of links here from the DFW area:
Coppell: Allows Accessory buildings, but not to be lived in. no kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom allowed. only a sink.
https://library.municode.com/tx/coppell/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH12ZO_ART35ACSTRE
Denton: OK, Can’t be leased? College City/High Density.
Click to access DDC-Subchapter-12.pdf
Lewisville: OK, can’t be leased
http://lewisville-tx.elaws.us/code/coor_ch17_sec17-32.5
Southlake: OK? Home occupation use?
https://library.municode.com/tx/southlake/codes/development_ordinances?nodeId=Section%2034%20-%20Accessory%20Uses
Grapevine: OK
https://www.grapevinetexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/261/Section-15—R75?bidId=
Grand Prairie: Not be used for living.
https://www.gptx.org/home/showdocument?id=540
Hey Ed, I finally got to putting some of these in the list today. Sorry for the delay. But when I was checking out the docs you linked to, I was amazed to see how restrictive some of these things are. E.g. Grand Prarie… if it can’t be used for living, it’s not an ADU. Thank you and good luck! -editor
The City of Concord CA link brings you to a page that has no information. Here is the new one:
http://www.cityofconcord.org/DocumentCenter/View/4637/Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-FAQ-PDF
thanks Lisa, it’s fixed.
Here are a few pages I turned up in some research:
Charlottesville, VA: https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2847/20151100-Guide-to-Accessory-Apartments-in-Charlottesville—Accessory-Dwelling-Units-ADUs
Lynchburg, VA: https://www.lynchburgva.gov/sites/default/files/COLFILES/Community-Development/171115%20Lynchburg%20Zoning%20Adopted.pdf
Gainesville, FL: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYHkE5kc7t-22ApMfzRcvg_zwWSTTgFB/view
Oxford, OH: http://www.cityofoxford.org/sites/default/files/comm_dev/Ordinance-3428.pdf
Hamilton, OH: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dc08f7df3c27518564d74da/t/6021687707c3c16d14cfcec4/1612802175047/Hamilton+OH+-+Zoning+Ordinance+2021+Reformatting+DRAFT+-+02.04.2021.pdf
Oxford, MS: http://www.oxfordms.net/documents/departments/planning/land-development-code.pdf
Bloomington, IN: https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/legislationFiles/download?legislationFile_id=5392
Thank you Salim, I finally got all these links in today –ed.
GrowSmartMaine has a database with dozens of towns represented: https://growsmartmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ADU-Ordinance-Table.pdf
Thanks! – ed.
I see you only list two places in Michigan. I’m in Battle Creek Michigan and have no idea on the laws and regulations of having a home in my backyard.
Hi Emily, thanks for coming by! It’s a volunteer-driven site here. Do you want to look up the rules and regulations for Battle Creek and send them in to us? Try calling the city, they may be surprisingly helpful. Thanks! -ed.
The Connecticut Zoning Atlas has ADU fields that allows a user to filter along several dimensions, including as of right permitting and owner occupancy. It’s a good starting point for identifying ADU-friendly jurisdictions.
https://www.desegregatect.org/atlas
Wilmette, IL allows ALU (accessory living units) for any owner or renter that is 55+ or disabled. Evanston, IL allows internal and external ADUs. Chicago approved ADUS in specific areas: https://blog.chicagocityscape.com/revised-adu-ordinance-passes-committee-city-council-will-approve-on-wednesday-73125fe631de
https://ecode360.com/9217014
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Thanks, Cynthia, for sending this link, but I can’t see where it references accessory dwelling units. Maybe they use a different name? Can you point out the relevant part of the code? -ed
Hello,
Does anyone have information about Washington County, MD as well as West Virginia preferably Berkeley Springs and Martinsburg? Please let me know!
-Kish
Best thing to do is call and find out. When you do, write us back and we’ll put the links here –ed.
I’d suggest adding the link to the citizen’s guide to adding a guest cottage within the Adirondack Park in NY: https://apa.ny.gov/documents/Flyers/GuestCottage.pdf
I live in union county, right outside of charlotte, north carolina. I am interested in this for my parents care.
Is this allowed in union county, since we border charlotte meck county?
Such a great idea, thank you for your guidance in this wonderful idea to keep ones parents close to family for their care!!!!
Hi Christine, I really don’t know ’cause I’m in Oregon. Best thing to do is just call the Union County building codes or development codes office and ask. Hopefully since ADUs are understood somewhat in Charlotte, people in Union County will at least understand what you’re talking about. –ed.
Richmond Virginia https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH30ZO_ARTIVDIRE_DIV7SIMIATREDI
Douglas County, Washington, East Wenatchee Washington. Looking for info on regulations for building ADU and looking for finance programs for ADU.
The codes governing this for the Town of Fishkill, NY:
https://ecode360.com/34945517
Hi Chris, Garfield County, CO permits ADU’s 1200 SF or smaller by right. If you want a bigger adu you have to go through an additional process.
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Missoula Montana: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23204/ADU-Checklist-Fact-Sheet?bidId=
Missoula, MT: Looks like most of Montana has similar rules across the state 🙂
https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/23204/ADU-Checklist-Fact-Sheet?bidId=
I could.not find ANYTHING about ADU’s in the Mobile,AL code
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San Rafael, CA
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Savannah, GA
https://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2823/Zoning-District—R-6A?bidId=
Garden City, GA
https://library.municode.com/ga/garden_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH90ZO_ARTIINGE_S90-1TICH
Pooler, GA
https://library.municode.com/ga/pooler/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_APXAZO
Thank you Janille. I looked at the links for Garden City and Pooler and they mentioned accessory structures, but it wasn’t clear to me that accessory dwellings were allowed. Do you have links with more detail? –ed.
Asheville, NC says this: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/development-services/residential-permits-and-development/accessory-dwelling-units/
Would like laws in Hill, Johnson and Tarrant Counties in Texas
Link for Beaverton, Oregon, leads to a “page not found.”
The link for Austin, TX is not working for me. I found this link from the City of Austin. https://www.austintexas.gov/page/accessory-dwelling-units