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Stonecrest, GA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Stonecrest, GA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Minimum lot size: 10,000 square feet
Max ADU size: 900 sq ft heated floor area
Max height: 24 feet
Units per lot: One ADU of any type
Parking: One additional paved space required
Historic parcels: Certificate of appropriateness required

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Georgia under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Stonecrest, GA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

In the City of Stonecrest, a homeowner on a single-family lot of at least 10,000 square feet can add one accessory dwelling unit by right under Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.2.3, attached, detached, or carved out of an existing basement, wing or attic. The unit is capped at 900 square feet of heated floor area and 24 feet in height, and only one is allowed per lot.

A.On parcels zoned for residential single-family dwellings as a principal use, an accessory dwelling unit may be allowed as one of the following:1.Attached (addition to existing building);2.Detached; or3.Within existing house (renovations to basements, wings or attics converted into separate living unit).B.The heated floor area of a dwelling unit shall not include the square footage of the garage.C.Attached and detached accessory dwelling units are permitted by right, subject to the following:1.The minimum lot size shall be 10,000 square feet. ... 4.The appearance of the accessory dwelling unit shall be similar to that of the principal residence.5.Only one accessory dwelling unit of any type shall be permitted on a lot. ... 10.Accessory dwelling units shall not exceed 900 square feet of heated floor area and shall not exceed 24 feet in height.

View official code

Full Breakdown

An ADU can take three forms under subsection A: an addition attached to the existing house, a fully detached structure, or a conversion of an existing basement, wing or attic into a separate living unit; Sec. 4.2.3.B excludes garage square footage from the heated floor area used to measure the unit. Subsection C makes attached and detached ADUs permitted by right, not a special permit, once the lot clears 10,000 square feet and the unit meets a design and siting checklist: the ADU has to look similar to the principal residence (C.4), a lot gets only one ADU of any type (C.5), the applicant must show the director of planning that existing or proposed septic facilities can serve both units before a building permit issues (C.6), a detached ADU has to sit in the rear yard (C.7), and a second kitchen is allowed inside a single-family home even without a full ADU (C.8).

The unit needs one additional paved off-street parking space beyond what the principal dwelling requires (C.9), its main entrance can't face the closest property line, and its windows, doors, balconies, porches and decks have to be sited for neighbors' privacy (C.11). On a parcel in a designated historic district, or on an individually designated historic structure, the ADU's placement and architectural design first need a certificate of appropriateness from the historic preservation commission (C.12).

Violations & Fines

Adding a second ADU on a lot, building one under 10,000 square feet, exceeding the 900-square-foot or 24-foot caps, or skipping the required septic review or historic preservation certificate of appropriateness is a violation of Sec. 4.2.3 enforceable under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-11: a fine up to $1,000.00, up to 120 days in jail, or both, and each day the noncompliant unit remains occupied counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a detached ADU in my backyard?

Yes, by right, if your lot is at least 10,000 square feet. Sec. 4.2.3.C makes attached and detached accessory dwelling units permitted by right subject to a checklist, and C.7 requires any detached ADU to be located in the rear yard.

How big can the ADU be?

Sec. 4.2.3.C.10 caps an accessory dwelling unit at 900 square feet of heated floor area and 24 feet in height, regardless of whether it's attached, detached, or converted from existing basement, wing or attic space.

Do I need extra parking for the ADU?

Yes. Sec. 4.2.3.C.9 requires paved off-street parking for one additional vehicle beyond what the principal dwelling already needs, on top of the general parking standards in Article 6.

What if my house is in a historic district?

Sec. 4.2.3.C.12 requires a certificate of appropriateness from the historic preservation commission for both the placement and the architectural design of an ADU on a parcel in a designated historic district or on an individually designated historic structure, before the standard ADU review applies.

Sources & Official References

[1]Code of the City of Stonecrest, Georgia - Zoning Ordinance (Municode)

Other rules in Stonecrest

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Tiny HomesSome Restrictions ADU Owner OccupancySignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: CompostingSome Restrictions

All Stonecrest rules

How Stonecrest compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Stonecrest to another location·View the Georgia accessory structures overview

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