Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on accessory buildings or accessory dwellings. Because the ordinance does not formally define ADUs, occupancy of accessory structures as residences generally requires a separate zoning approval rather than an owner-occupancy condition.
Some Georgia jurisdictions (notably Atlanta and Decatur) condition accessory dwelling approval on owner-occupancy of either the principal residence or the ADU. Augusta-Richmond County's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance does not contain a parallel owner-occupancy provision because it does not explicitly authorize ADUs as a distinct land use. Accessory buildings under the Augusta ordinance are restricted in use: they cannot be occupied as residences, cannot host home occupations, and cannot have separate electrical service. Where a homeowner obtains a special exception or rezoning to allow a true ADU, conditions attached to the approval (rather than a generic ordinance rule) would govern owner-occupancy. Georgia has no statewide owner-occupancy mandate for accessory dwellings (O.C.G.A. Title 36 leaves residential land use to local control under O.C.G.A. 36-66 zoning procedures). Property owners considering renting a primary house and an attached or detached unit on the same lot should confirm both units are legally permitted dwelling units and that any deed restrictions, HOA covenants, or rezoning conditions do not impose stricter rules.
Augusta does not enforce owner-occupancy on accessory structures because residential occupancy of accessory buildings is itself restricted. Violations relate to unpermitted dwelling use, not owner-occupancy status.
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