ADUs are allowed in CranstonTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Cranston, RI
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
29,495
Owner-occupied
72%
Zoning districts
32
Avg Home Value
$351,079
Median Lot Size
0.14 acres
Avg Income
$102,089
Residential Types:
29,495 housing units
Single Family
67%
2-3 Family
12%
Apts (4+ units)
2%
Other
18%
Zoning Districts:
33,363 parcels · 32 districts
A-6
31%(10,490)
B-1
21%(7,048)
A-8
19%(6,383)
A-12
9%(3,153)
Other
19%(6,289)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Cranston, RI?
Cranston, RI 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 size of 25% of the principal dwelling's floor area
- –Maximum size of 600 sq ft
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy principal or ADU if lot under 20,000 sq ft
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals prohibited in ADUs
ADU State Law
What can you build in Rhode Island?
- –On an owner-occupied property as a reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities;
- –On a lot with a total lot area of twenty thousand square feet (20,000 sq. ft.) or more for which the primary use is residential;
- –Where the proposed ADU is located within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing accessory attached or detached structure and does not expand the footprint of the structure.
- –Subject to applicable dimensional requirements of the municipality
- –As per §45-24-38 of the RI Zoning Enabling Act, if an existing lot is smaller than the minimum lot size required by zoning, its setback requirements are reduced in proportion to the lot's size, and its maximum lot coverage is increased by the inverse proportion.
- –One ADU per lot
- –No short term rentals
- –Studio or 1 bedroom ADU may be up to 900 sq ft or 60% of the Gross Floor Area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less
- –2 bedroom ADU may be up to 1200 sq ft or 60% of the Gross Floor Area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less
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 Rhode Island municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Providence County