ADU rules in Kings County, NY — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
NYC has NOT legalized general ADUs as of 2026 — the "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" proposal would allow them, but existing NYC zoning bars most backyard and basement units.
New York State passed a 2023 ADU pilot program offering grants for homeowners, but local NYC zoning still prohibits most accessory dwelling units in Brooklyn. The NYC Zoning Resolution generally bars backyard cottages and separate accessory dwellings in R1–R5 residential districts. Basement and cellar apartments are heavily restricted under the Housing Maintenance Code and DOB rules — most are illegal due to ceiling height (7'6" minimum), egress, and light/air requirements. Mayor Adams' "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" proposal (approved by City Council in December 2024) will phase in ADU allowances and basement legalization pilots in specific Brooklyn community districts. Until full implementation, homeowners should assume ADUs are illegal and consult DOB before building. Illegal units can trigger vacate orders and ECB violations.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kings County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Kings County, NY
NYC strictly regulates commercial vehicle parking. Commercial vehicles may park at meters for up to 3 hours and are banned from residential areas overnight (...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
Feeding pigeons, squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife that creates unsanitary conditions is prohibited in Brooklyn under NYC Health Code §153.09.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
Kings County, NY
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits most wild, exotic, and farm animals. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, pot-bellied pigs, venomous snakes, large reptiles, ...
Kings County, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City under New York Penal Law §270.00. This includes sparklers longer than 10 inches, firecrackers, Roman cand...
See how Kings County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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