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ADUs are allowed in Athens
Types:DetachedInternal

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Athens, AL

Is your property eligible for an ADU?

# of Parcels
1
Zoning districts
1
Zoning Districts:
1 parcel · 1 district
NZ
100%(1)

ADU Rules

What can you build in Athens, AL?

Athens, AL follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.

Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits

  • –Maximum ADU size of 30% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area

Detached ADU Size Limits

  • –Maximum habitable floor area of 30% of the principal dwelling's gross floor area for a detached accessory dwelling.

Max Units

  • –Single-family detached: none specified. Duplex and multifamily: 0 per lot.

Owner Occupancy

  • –Owner must reside in the principal dwelling; ADU may be rented.

Parking

  • –1 space per ADU bedroom, waived if the ADU is occupied by only one member of the principal dwelling's family; otherwise no additional spaces beyond the principal parking; no max specified; parking must not conflict with the principal dwelling's parking and no new driveway for the ADU.

Rental Restrictions

  • –Short-term rentals allowed only in Traditional Zoning Districts; entire unit only, max one STR per ADU, minimum 24-hour stay.
  • –ADU may be rented only if the principal dwelling is the owner's permanent residence; the principal dwelling cannot be rented while the ADU is rented.

What's allowed on your lot?

These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.

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Is your property eligible for an ADU?

ADU rules in other Alabama municipalities

Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.

Limestone County

Decatur
See all municipalities in Limestone County →See all Alabama municipalities →