ADU rules in York County, PA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
York County does not regulate accessory dwelling units. Whether an in-law suite, backyard cottage, or garage apartment is allowed, and the size and permit rules, are set by your borough, city, or township zoning ordinance under the PA Municipalities Planning Code.
Pennsylvania is a home-rule/zoning-by-municipality state. Under the PA Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968), zoning power rests with boroughs, cities, first- and second-class townships — not York County. The York County Planning Commission advises municipalities and reviews subdivision/land development, but it does not zone individual lots or approve ADUs. Rules on whether an ADU is permitted, minimum lot size, owner-occupancy, and parking vary by municipality (York City, Hanover, Springettsbury Township, Spring Garden, Dover, etc.). Check your municipality's zoning ordinance and contact its zoning officer before building. Sewage for a new dwelling unit also needs a permit under the Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537).
Building or occupying an unpermitted dwelling unit is a zoning/building-code violation enforced by your municipality, typically escalating daily fines plus a stop-work or removal order.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
York County, PA
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York County, PA
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York County, PA
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York County, PA
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York County, PA
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York County, PA
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See how York County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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