ADUs are allowed in CharlestownTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Charlestown, RI
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
5,024
Owner-occupied
50%
Zoning districts
19
Avg Home Value
$783,508
Median Lot Size
0.92 acres
Avg Income
$113,499
Residential Types:
5,024 housing units
Single Family
89%
2-3 Family
1%
Other
10%
Zoning Districts:
6,091 parcels · 19 districts
R2A
38%(2,296)
R3A
24%(1,483)
R40
17%(1,007)
R20
13%(763)
Other
9%(542)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Charlestown, RI?
Charlestown, 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 for an internal accessory dwelling unit (in-home apartment) with a studio or one bedroom is 900 sq ft
- –Maximum size for an internal accessory dwelling unit (in-home apartment) with two bedrooms is 1,200 sq ft
- –Maximum size for an internal accessory dwelling unit (in-home apartment) is 60% of the principal dwelling’s floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum of 900 sq ft or 60% of the principal dwelling floor area for a studio or one-bedroom detached ADU, whichever is less
- –Maximum of 1,200 sq ft or 60% of the principal dwelling floor area for a two-bedroom detached ADU, whichever is less
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy required; owner may live in the principal or ADU.
Parking
- –1 space per ADU; waived if the property already exceeds the minimum per § 218-56/§ 218-57; applicants may petition under § 218-57(B)
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term/vacation rentals prohibited; hosting platforms not allowed; a one-year lease is required if the ADU is counted toward affordable housing goals.
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.
Washington County