ADU rules in Roswell, GA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Roswell's Unified Development Code allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in limited residential zoning districts subject to size caps, owner-occupancy of the primary unit, and architectural-review standards. Garage conversions and second-floor apartments above garages are the most common forms.
Roswell's UDC permits accessory dwelling units only where the underlying zoning district expressly lists them as a permitted or conditional use. Where allowed, the ADU must be subordinate to the primary residence in size (typically capped at 25% of the primary structure's heated square footage), the property owner generally must occupy either the primary residence or the ADU, and the ADU must meet the same setback rules as other accessory structures. Short-term rental of an ADU is generally prohibited because the 2024 STR ordinance excludes residential zones; the ADU must be a long-term rental or owner-occupied. Permits and architectural review are required through Community Development. Georgia has no statewide ADU statute, so all rules are local.
Constructing or renting an ADU in a non-permitted zone, or renting it as an STR, is a UDC violation enforced by Code Enforcement. Penalties include Municipal Court fines up to $1,000 per day and required reversion to a single-unit configuration.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Roswell, GA
Industrial property in Roswell is held to higher decibel caps than residential under §8.8.3, reflecting industrial-district ambient levels. Even so, noise cr...
Roswell, GA
Outdoor amplified music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues must comply with the §8.8.3 property-line decibel caps. Roswell explicitly prohibits ampl...
Roswell, GA
Roswell §8.8.3 sets numerical decibel caps that vary by receiving land use. Residential property limits are 70 dBA day / 60 dBA night; commercial and industr...
Roswell, GA
Roswell does not restrict the number of vehicles parked on a residential driveway, but vehicles must be operable and currently registered. Parking on unpaved...
Roswell, GA
Roswell does not require neighbor consent for a property-line fence as long as the fence is entirely on the owner's property. Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §44...
Roswell, GA
Roswell's UDC §10.2.10 allows wood, vinyl, metal, masonry, and decorative materials for screening walls and fences. Chain-link fencing in front yards is rest...
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