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ADUs are allowed in South Bend
Types:DetachedInternal

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for South Bend, IN

Is your property eligible for an ADU?

# of Properties
8,018
Owner-occupied
28%
Zoning districts
16
Avg Home Value
$3,851
Median Lot Size
0.12 acres
Avg Income
$55,182
Residential Types:
8,018 housing units
Single Family
1%
2-3 Family
4%
Apts (4+ units)
90%
Other
5%
Zoning Districts:
47,469 parcels · 16 districts
U1
54%(25,780)
S1
27%(12,866)
NC
4%(1,760)
U3
4%(1,688)
Other
11%(5,375)

ADU Rules

What can you build in South Bend, IN?

South Bend, IN follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.

Detached ADU Size Limits

  • Maximum size of 800 sq ft total finished floor area for a detached ADU (Carriage House).
  • Citywide cap on all detached accessory structures: ADU area is limited to the remainder of the larger of 720 sq ft or the principal building’s main-floor area after accounting for other detached accessory structures.

Max Units

  • ADU (any lot type): 1 per lot
  • Detached ADU (Carriage House): 1 per lot

Owner Occupancy

  • Owners must occupy at least one dwelling unit on the premises.

Parking

  • 0 spaces/ADU; no max. Off-street parking not required; if provided, must meet Sec. 21-07.03 design/location (alley access preferred); front/corner yards generally prohibited; exemptions for 1-2 unit dwellings if vehicles do not block sidewalks; Carriage House ADU subject to citywide parking rules.

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 Indiana municipalities

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

St. Joseph County