ADUs are allowed in ErieTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Erie, PA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
31,999
Owner-occupied
62%
Zoning districts
17
Avg Home Value
$73,949
Median Lot Size
0.13 acres
Avg Income
$53,816
Residential Types:
31,999 housing units
Single Family
74%
2-3 Family
13%
Apts (4+ units)
4%
Other
8%
Zoning Districts:
36,451 parcels · 17 districts
R-1
35%(12,662)
R-2
31%(11,270)
R-1A
17%(6,129)
RLB
5%(1,868)
Other
12%(4,522)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Erie, PA?
Erie, PA 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
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum 720 sq ft for detached ADUs in R-1, R-1A, R-2, and R-3 districts; no specific maximum stated for other districts.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; 50% minimum in W-C2, W-C3, RLB, C-1, C-4; C-3 exemption. No max. Parking on the same lot or abutting lot under same ownership; change of use does not trigger extra parking; mixed-use projects sum per use.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals (<30 days) require an STR license and compliance with §305.49; no ADU-specific rental prohibitions or term limits.
ADU State Law
What can you build in Pennsylvania?
- –Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Erie County