

ADUs are allowed in CumberlandTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Cumberland, RI
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
11,769
Owner-occupied
84%
Zoning districts
10
Median Lot Size
0.29 acres
Avg Income
$126,695
Residential Types:
11,769 housing units
Single Family
93%
Apts (4+ units)
6%
Other
1%
Zoning Districts:
14,116 parcels · 10 districts
R-1
70%(9,929)
A-2
10%(1,404)
R-2
10%(1,343)
C-1
3%(458)
Other
7%(982)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Cumberland, RI?
Cumberland, 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 800 sq ft for an internal accessory dwelling unit
- –Maximum size of 50% of the principal dwelling's living area for an internal accessory dwelling unit
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft
- –Maximum size of 50% of the principal dwelling's living area
Max Units
- –1 max
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU.
Rental Restrictions
- –ADUs limited to family occupancy; renting to non-family prohibited.
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