ADUs are allowed in AlbanyTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Albany, NY
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
26,603
Owner-occupied
58%
Zoning districts
22
Avg Home Value
$245,791
Median Lot Size
0.09 acres
Avg Income
$76,716
Residential Types:
26,603 housing units
Single Family
51%
2-3 Family
27%
Apts (4+ units)
9%
Other
12%
Zoning Districts:
29,443 parcels · 22 districts
R-2
26%(7,580)
R-1M
22%(6,544)
R-T
17%(4,961)
R-1L
11%(3,241)
Other
24%(7,117)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Albany, NY?
Albany, NY 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 internal or attached accessory dwelling unit size of 800 sq ft
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft
Max Units
- –Max 1 ADU per lot
- –No more than 2 dwelling structures total
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the ADU.
Parking
- –0 spaces/ADU
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals (<30 days) prohibited for both the primary dwelling and ADU (tourist/transient use).
ADU State Law
What can you build in New York?
- –New York does not have a statewide ADU law; all ADU rules are set by individual municipalities.
- –ADUs may also be referenced as "accessory apartments" or "accessory living units," and definitions are not standardized statewide.
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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ADU rules in other New York municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Albany County