ADU rules in Richmond County, NY — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
ADUs in Richmond County are strictly limited. NYC Zoning Resolution generally allows only one dwelling unit in R1/R2 detached-home districts covering most of Staten Island. A basement-legalization pilot is active.
Under NYC Zoning Resolution §22-11, most Staten Island residential zones (R1-1, R1-2, R2, R2A) permit only one dwelling unit. Accessory apartments are not by-right. The NYC Basement Apartment Conversion Pilot Program (Local Law 49 of 2019 + 2024 expansion under City of Yes) is gradually legalizing existing cellar/basement units, but Staten Island South Shore is partially excluded due to flood zones. DOB permit, HPD registration, and egress upgrades are required. NY state's Plus-One ADU grant funds are not available in NYC.
Illegal dwelling unit: DOB Class 1 violation, $2,500+ per unit; HPD vacate order possible; rental income forfeiture under Multiple Dwelling Law §302.
Richmond County, NY
Staten Island outdoor lighting must comply with NYC Zoning Resolution Section 23-00 and 42-00 performance standards for glare and trespass.
Richmond County, NY
NYC Zoning performance standards and common-law nuisance address excessive light trespass onto neighboring Staten Island properties.
Richmond County, NY
Official NYC-issued or approved bins must be placed at the curb between 6 PM the night before pickup and 4 AM the morning of pickup, and removed from the pub...
Richmond County, NY
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) collects trash on Staten Island. Under the 2024 Containerization Rule, residential buildings with 1-9 units must place re...
Richmond County, NY
Bulk items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) are collected by DSNY on regular trash days with no separate appointment for most items. Mattresses and box sp...
Richmond County, NY
Recycling is mandatory on Staten Island. Metal, glass, plastic, and cartons go in one bin (blue labeled); mixed paper and cardboard go in a separate bin (gre...
See how Richmond County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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