Bradenton, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Section 3.4.5.6 of the Land Use Regulations, in the Village of the Arts Overlay district, is the City of Bradenton's accessory dwelling unit rule. Units are permitted for lots between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet, and lots of 6,000 square feet or larger fall under the Urban Village residential standards on schedule 3.2.2.1. One unit is permitted per eligible lot once the development review manager approves it and a standard building permit is issued.

The lot must already contain a single-family dwelling and meet the UV district minimums for one dwelling unit. The unit needs a side yard of at least ten feet and a rear yard of at least five feet, and no more than 70 percent of the lot can be impervious.

Owner occupancy is mandatory. The owner can live in either the accessory or the principal unit. Within 30 days of securing approval, the owner must record a deed restriction in favor of the City limiting occupancy to the owner, and proof goes to the PCD director before a certificate of occupancy issues. The certificate expires if the Code Enforcement Board or another code enforcement entity finds the unit in violation; the owner can reapply once an affidavit of compliance is issued and fines are paid.

Building standards are tight. The unit must be a permanent structure reflecting the architectural style of the principal dwelling, with no entrance on or from the front, a primary entrance not visible from the street view, and no stairways on the front or side. Height stops at 22 feet in elevation, and a two-story accessory structure is not permitted unless the principal building has two stories. Gross floor area cannot exceed 80 percent of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, with no more than one bedroom. The unit cannot be sold but can be rented.

At least one off-street parking space is required in the side or rear yard, subject to Public Works approval. Public Works must certify adequate water and sewage, only one electrical and one water meter is allowed, and the Fire Department must certify compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code.