ADUs are allowed in AthensTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Athens, GA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
5,584
Owner-occupied
13%
Zoning districts
28
Median Lot Size
0.02 acres
Avg Income
$45,724
Residential Types:
5,584 housing units
Condo
100%
Zoning Districts:
42,321 parcels · 28 districts
RS-25
22%(9,391)
RS-8
16%(6,742)
RS-15
15%(6,424)
RM-1
11%(4,558)
Other
36%(15,206)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Athens, GA?
Athens, GA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Special Permit
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size of 50% of the principal dwelling’s habitable square footage
Max Units
- –RS: 0 ADUs per lot
- –RM: 1 detached ADU per lot
- –A-R: 1 detached ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement.
Parking
- –2 spaces per dwelling unit (ADU included); max 3 spaces per unit (150%); on-street credits may reduce off-street requirements (up to 4 credits, then 1:1); adding an ADU triggers parking at alteration; in the C-D district, residential parking may be leased within 1,500 feet.
ADU State Law
What can you build in Georgia?
- –Georgia does not have a statewide ADU mandate; ADU rules are set by individual municipalities.
- –Building/fire codes are set statewide, but whether an ADU is allowed is local zoning.
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.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Georgia municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Clarke County