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Chatham County, GA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Chatham County, GA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Governing ordinance: NewZO Sec. 8.7.4
Lot area needed: 200% of district minimum
Max size: 40% of principal / 1,000 sq ft
Bedrooms: One (large-lot may allow more)
Administered by: Metropolitan Planning Commission

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Georgia under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Chatham County, GA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Accessory dwelling units in Savannah and unincorporated Chatham County are governed by the joint NewZO zoning ordinance (Sec. 8.7.4). NewZO defines an ADU as a separate residential unit on the same lot as the main home, allowed in specified districts on lots meeting minimum-area rules.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chatham County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A structure used as an individual residential unit located on the same lot as the principal dwelling, which contains permanent provisions for a living space with a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Savannah and unincorporated Chatham County share the Chatham County-Savannah Unified Zoning Ordinance (NewZO), administered by the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). Under NewZO Sec. 8.7.4, an ADU is a self-contained unit with its own bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom on the same lot as the principal dwelling. In A-1, RSF, RTF, RMF, and TR districts, the lot must be at least 200% of the district's minimum lot area to add an ADU. An ADU generally may not exceed 40% of the principal building (up to 1,000 sq ft in large-lot districts such as A-1, RSF-E, RSF-20, RSF-30), must be at least 400 sq ft, and is limited to one bedroom. Historic and conservation overlay properties may require HPC/HDBR review.

Violations & Fines

Building or renting an ADU that violates NewZO standards is a zoning violation enforced by the City of Savannah or Chatham County through the MPC, with stop-work orders, citations, and orders to correct or remove the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ADUs allowed in Savannah and Chatham County?

Yes, in specified NewZO districts on qualifying lots. Under Sec. 8.7.4 the lot must generally be 200% of the district minimum, and the ADU is capped by size and bedroom limits. Check with the MPC.

How big can an ADU be here?

Under NewZO an ADU generally cannot exceed 40% of the principal building, with a 1,000 sq ft cap in large-lot districts and a 400 sq ft minimum. Most are limited to one bedroom.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Garage ConversionsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: FireworksHeavy Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

How Chatham County compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia accessory structures overview

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