ADU rules in Alachua County, FL β also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances β cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Alachua County permits one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per principal residence in zoning districts A, RE, RE-1, R-1aa, R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c without counting toward gross residential density. Per Section 404.24 of the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), ADUs have no minimum size and a maximum of 1,700 sq ft heated/cooled living area or 50% of the principal residence gross square footage, whichever is greater. A $70 zoning permit, site plan, floor plan, and ADU affidavit are required.
ULDC Section 404.24 governs accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Alachua County. ADUs are permitted as accessory to the principal residence in residential zoning districts A (Agricultural), RE, RE-1, R-1aa, R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c, in Rural/Agriculture, Rural Cluster, Estate Residential, Low Density, or Medium Density future land use designations. The ADU does not count toward gross residential density. Maximum heated/cooled living area is 1,700 sq ft or 50% of the principal residence gross square footage, whichever is greater. The ADU must meet the underlying zoning district setbacks and share the driveway with the principal residence. Water and sewer connections are required where utilities are available; otherwise, septic sharing is allowed subject to Florida Department of Health approval. The homestead exemption on the principal residence must be maintained. Applications are submitted electronically through the CitizenServe permitting portal with a $70 zoning permit fee, site plan, floor plan, and a signed Accessory Dwelling Unit affidavit. Building permits follow zoning approval. Cities within Alachua County (e.g., Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry, High Springs) administer their own ADU rules under their municipal codes.
Construction of an ADU without permits is a code violation under the Alachua County Code of Ordinances and ULDC enforcement provisions. Violations may trigger stop-work orders, code enforcement citations, and daily fines until brought into compliance. Failure to maintain homestead exemption on the principal residence or renting the ADU as a separate dwelling in violation of zoning terms can result in revocation of the ADU permit.
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