Bradenton, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

The owner-occupancy rule sits in the Land Use Regulations at § 3.4.5.6(d), the accessory dwelling unit policy for the Village of the Arts Overlay district (VAOD) in the City of Bradenton, Manatee County. The policy statement says the City intends to promote legal accessory dwelling units for existing single-family homes in a manner that enhances the character of the Village of the Arts, provides additional income to artists, and helps residents meet their housing needs. Accessory dwelling units are permitted for lots between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet. Lots of 6,000 square feet or larger are subject to the requirements for residential development in the Urban Village.

Occupancy is enforced through a recorded restriction. Within 30 days of securing approval for construction, the owner records against the deed a restriction in favor of the municipality that limits occupancy of either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit to the owner of the property. Proof of recording goes to the PCD director before a certificate of occupancy permit is issued for the accessory dwelling unit, so the paperwork gates the certificate.

The unit is not closed to tenants. Section 3.4.5.6(e)(vii) says the accessory dwelling unit shall not be intended for sale and may be rented, which leaves the owner in one unit and a renter in the other.

The same section sets the surrounding standards. One accessory dwelling unit is permitted per eligible lot, after the development review manager approves it and a standard building permit is issued. The lot must already contain a single-family dwelling, the unit needs a minimum side yard setback of ten feet and a minimum rear yard setback of five feet, and no more than 70 percent of the lot can be impervious. The unit has one bedroom at most, a building height of 22 feet at most, and a gross floor area capped at 80 percent of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Only one electrical meter and one water meter serve the two units together, and the Fire Department must certify compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.