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Citrus County, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

By-right ADU size: 850 sq ft living area
Units per lot: One accessory dwelling unit
Occupancy: Noncommercial only
5-acre parcel option: Up to 1,500 sq ft via Conditional Use
10-acre parcel option: Up to 2,500 sq ft via Conditional Use
Approving body: Planning and Development Commission
Applies to: Unincorporated Citrus County only

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 Florida under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Citrus County, FL rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Unincorporated Citrus County allows one accessory dwelling unit per residential lot, styled as a guest cottage or garage apartment, capped by right at 850 square feet of living area for noncommercial occupancy only. Larger units, up to 1,500 or 2,500 square feet, need a Conditional Use approval tied to parcel size under the Land Development Code.

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

G. Guest cottages and garage apartments with living units (accessory dwelling units) having 850 square feet of living area or less for noncommercial occupancy only. Only one such unit is allowed per residential site. A Conditional Use may be considered for such units to allow up to 1,500 square feet of living area for noncommercial occupancy for parcels at least five (5) acres in size, and up to 2,500 square feet of living area for noncommercial occupancy for parcels at least ten (10) acres in size, provided the site is compatible with adjoining parcels.

View official code

Full Breakdown

G of the Citrus County Land Development Code (LDC) lists guest cottages and garage apartments with living units, defined here as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), among the residential accessory uses permitted alongside garages, gazebos, and pools. C requires it to sit within the setbacks and development standards of its land use district. Section 3101 was last amended by Ordinance No. 2024-A12, adopted July 23, 2024. This chapter applies only to unincorporated Citrus County; a garage apartment built inside Crystal River or Inverness falls under that city's own zoning code, not this LDC provision.

Violations & Fines

Building an oversized or second ADU without the required Conditional Use approval is enforceable the same way as any LDC violation under Section 1800: referral to the Citrus County Code Compliance Special Master under F.S. Chapter 162 and Code of Ordinances Chapter 19, a citation, or withholding and revocation of building permits and certificates of occupancy until the unit is brought down to the permitted size or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big can an accessory dwelling unit be in unincorporated Citrus County?

By right, 850 square feet of living area for noncommercial occupancy, per LDC Section 3101.G. If your lot is at least five acres, the Planning and Development Commission can approve a Conditional Use allowing up to 1,500 square feet; on a ten-acre-plus parcel, up to 2,500 square feet is possible, provided the unit is compatible with neighboring parcels.

Can I build more than one guest cottage on my property?

No. Section 3101.G limits a residential site to only one accessory dwelling unit, whether it's a guest cottage or a garage apartment. A second unit would need an entirely different zoning approval and isn't permitted as an accessory use under this section.

Can I rent out my Citrus County garage apartment as a separate rental?

The code allows a garage apartment or guest cottage "for noncommercial occupancy only," which means it can't be operated as a separate rental unit. It's meant to house family, guests, or staff connected to the main household, not generate independent rental income.

Sources & Official References

[1]Citrus County Land Development Code, Chapter Three - Use Standards

Other rules in Citrus County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions ADU Impact FeesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Citrus County rules

How Citrus County compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Citrus County to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview

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