ADU rules for Bethlehem City (Northampton, Lehigh)
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Bethlehem City (Northampton, Lehigh), PA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
21,088
Owner-occupied
70%
Zoning districts
30
Avg Home Value
$157,047
Median Lot Size
0.11 acres
Avg Income
$84,109
Residential Types:
21,088 housing units
Single Family
89%
2-3 Family
1%
Apts (4+ units)
3%
Condos
1%
Other
7%
Zoning Districts:
23,280 parcels · 30 districts
RT
46%(10,821)
RS
17%(3,997)
RG
15%(3,540)
RR
6%(1,477)
Other
15%(3,445)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Bethlehem City (Northampton, Lehigh), PA?
Bethlehem City (Northampton, Lehigh), PA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
- –Detached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner occupancy is not required for an ADU.
Parking
- –2 spaces/ADU outside CB; 0 in CB; no max; exceptions: care-of-relative parking waived if no vehicle use; reductions possible by special exception if evidence supports fewer spaces.
Rental Restrictions
- –Cannot rent the ADU as a separate dwelling unit; occupancy limited to relatives (up to two, at least one needing care).
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.
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ADU rules in other Pennsylvania municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Northampton County