{"id":15912,"date":"2025-02-19T19:33:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T02:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=15912"},"modified":"2025-03-21T16:42:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T23:42:49","slug":"which-states-allow-adu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/which-states-allow-adu\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Build an ADU on My Property? Which States Allow ADUs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property can increase its value, generate rental income, and provide additional living space. However, ADU laws vary by state, and some places have stricter zoning and permitting requirements than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re wondering whether you can build an ADU on your property, this guide breaks down some of the basic regulations for all 50 states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is an ADU?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By definition, an ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family or multi-family lot. ADUs come in different forms, including attached or detached ADUs<\/strong>, above-garage units<\/strong>, garage conversions<\/strong><\/a>, in-law suites<\/strong>, home additions<\/strong>, and tiny homes<\/strong>. Some states fully embrace ADUs, while others impose restrictions that limit their construction or use as rental properties<\/a> outside of your primary dwelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which States Allow ADUs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alabama<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Alabama<\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating <\/strong><\/td>❌ Not ADU-Friendly<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes <\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Restricted (varies by county)<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Alabama has strict zoning laws that largely prohibit detached ADUs. <\/em>
In-law suites and home additions are allowed in most areas.<\/em>
No statewide building code in Alabama – subject to local restrictions <\/em>
Local zoning laws can made it difficult for Alabama residents to build ADUs <\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Alaska<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Alaska <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating <\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Alaska is ADU-friendly, particularly in Anchorage, where zoning laws encourage ADU development to increase housing availability.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arizona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Arizona <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating <\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Arizona has some of the most progressive ADU laws, with Phoenix and Tucson offering flexible zoning rules to encourage development.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Arkansas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Arkansas <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating <\/strong><\/td>❌ Not ADU-Friendly<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Restricted<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Restricted<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Most cities in Arkansas prohibit ADUs, though in-law suites and home additions are widely accepted.<\/em>
Strict sizing guidelines in Arkansas<\/em>ADUs can’t be larger than 50% of the primary residence (no more than ~1,200 square feet in total) <\/em>Ceiling height capped at 20 ft <\/em>
ADU materials\/color\/windows\/doors must be compatible with the primary residence.<\/em>
Limited to 2 active residents per ADU<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>California <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating<\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>California has some of the most ADU-friendly laws in the country. <\/em>
Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco encourage ADU development to combat housing shortages.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Colorado<\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating<\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Many cities, including Denver, allow ADUs, though specific zoning rules vary by county.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Connecticut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Connecticut <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating<\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Restricted <\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Connecticut recently passed legislation making ADU approvals easier in most municipalities.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Delaware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Delaware <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating<\/strong><\/td>⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Restricted <\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Restricted <\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Restricted <\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Restricted <\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Delaware has restrictive ADU regulations, with most local governments requiring special permits.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Florida <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating <\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Florida supports ADUs as a way to address housing shortages, with Miami and Orlando leading in ADU-friendly zoning.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Georgia<\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating <\/strong><\/td>⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Restricted<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Restricted<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Georgia allows ADUs in some urban areas, though regulations vary widely by county and city.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hawaii<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Hawaii <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating<\/strong><\/td>✅ Very ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Restricted<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Hawaii supports ADUs in an effort to combat housing shortages, particularly on Oahu. However, some rural areas restrict them.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Idaho<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State Name <\/strong><\/td>Idaho <\/td><\/tr>
ADU Friendliness Rating<\/strong><\/td>⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Detached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Attached ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Above-Garage ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Garage Conversion ADUs<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
In-Law Suites<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Home Additions<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Tiny Homes<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Notes<\/em><\/td>Idaho is relatively ADU-friendly, with major cities like Boise encouraging their development. However, ADUs are subject to strict building parameters. <\/em>
Strict dimensional requirements (ADUs can’t be any larger than 900 square feet) <\/em>
Restricted to 2 bedrooms (max) <\/em>
Only one ADU per lot <\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n \r\n
\r\n
\r\n

Can we pay you to store vehicles?<\/h2>\r\n <\/header>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n <\/path>\r\n <\/path>\r\n <\/svg><\/div>\r\n

List your unused space<\/h3>\r\n

People are earning $1,000s per year from their garages and outdoor space.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

\r\n
\r\n \r\n <\/path>\r\n <\/svg>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

Approve your renters<\/h3>\r\n

You're in control. Approve who rents and the hours of access.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

\r\n
\r\n \r\n <\/path>\r\n <\/svg>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

Get paid monthly<\/h3>\r\n

Sit back and collect automatic payments each month.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/section>\r\n