Irondequoit, NY Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

The Town of Irondequoit does not use the term accessory dwelling unit. Its code allows one additional in-law dwelling unit, attached or detached, as a conditional use in the R-R, R-1, R-2 and R-3 Residential Districts. Section 235-8B(1) permits it only if a special use permit is granted by the Town Board, and the unit is subject to the bulk regulations in §§ 235-9, 235-10 and 235-11.

Those bulk sections carry printed numbers. Section 235-9 caps a single-family dwelling at the height of a two-story residential building measured from the mean grade at the front setback, not to exceed 30 feet. Section 235-10 limits the area of the principal and accessory buildings on a lot to 25% of the lot area. Section 235-11 sets a minimum front yard of at least 30 feet in R-1, R-2 and R-3 and a rear yard depth of 30 feet between the rear lot line and the principal structure. In R-R, the front setback is at least 50 feet and no more than 75 feet and the rear yard depth is 50 feet.

Section 235-8B(2) sets the process: application to the Department of Community Development, a Town Board resolution acknowledging the complete application and setting a public hearing, referral to the Planning Board and other agencies, and a decision once the hearing is closed. Section 235-8B(2)(d) adds that Planning Board site plan approval is required for any proposed conditional use that involves creating an additional in-law dwelling unit, described in the code as an accessory apartment or detached accessory structure, in accordance with Article XV.

Garage apartments have their own limit. Under § 235-13D(4), an attached garage can provide living quarters on the second floor but cannot create a second dwelling unit, and no business, occupation, service or residence is permitted in a private garage. In the Town of Irondequoit, a second unit has to go through the in-law special use permit rather than being added informally above a garage.