ADUs are allowed in AtlantaTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Atlanta, GA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
149,245
Owner-occupied
60%
Zoning districts
255
Avg Home Value
$603,200
Median Lot Size
0.17 acres
Avg Income
$110,140
Residential Types:
149,245 housing units
Single Family
88%
2-3 Family
3%
Apts (4+ units)
4%
Other
5%
Zoning Districts:
172,757 parcels · 255 districts
R-4
30%(51,881)
R-3
7%(12,422)
R-4A
7%(12,210)
R-5
5%(7,891)
Other
51%(88,353)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta, GA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum of 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the principal dwelling, whichever is less (applies in Sec. 16-20V Subareas 1, 2, and 6).
- –In certain historic residential subareas (Sec. 16-18E), the internal second unit is limited to 750 sq ft or 40% of the principal building, whichever is less.
- –In a historic subarea, one basement or above-garage apartment is allowed up to 750 sq ft with a certificate of appropriateness.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size by district: 750 sq ft in Poncey-Highland; 1,200 sq ft or 40% of the principal building (whichever is less) in Inman Park Historic; 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the principal building (whichever is less) in Bonaventure-Somerset and in Sec. 16-20V Subareas 1, 2, and 6.
Max Units
- –Single-family: 1 ADU/lot (total dwellings <=2).
- –Duplex/multifamily: ADUs not allowed.
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs.
Parking
- –No minimum parking for ADUs; max not specified; exceptions: within 2,640 ft of a high-capacity transit stop no minimum; pre-1965 buildings have no minimum for residential uses; residential maximums may apply near transit (not in R-1–R-5).
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.
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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.
DeKalb County
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