ADU rules in Gwinnett County, GA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Unincorporated Gwinnett allows accessory dwelling units in limited zones, typically as accessory apartments within or attached to a primary dwelling, or detached units in specific districts like RA-200. Georgia has no statewide ADU mandate, so local UDO rules control.
Gwinnett's Unified Development Ordinance addresses accessory dwellings through provisions for accessory apartments and servant/caretaker quarters. In RA-200 (rural agricultural), detached accessory dwellings are generally permitted subject to setbacks, maximum size limits, and owner-occupancy requirements. In higher-density residential zones (R-100, R-TH, RM), accessory apartments attached to or within the primary dwelling may be permitted with conditions. Typical standards: ADU not to exceed a percentage of primary dwelling floor area (often 25-50%), one off-street parking space for the ADU, single utility connection, owner must occupy primary or accessory unit, and separate address may not be permitted. A building permit and zoning review are required. ADUs used as short-term rentals may face additional scrutiny. Check the current UDO for specific zone rules and recent amendments.
Unpermitted ADUs face stop-use orders, occupancy denial, fines, and potential demolition; rental of non-conforming units can trigger enforcement action.
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See how Gwinnett County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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